GB2567311A

GB2567311A - Lid assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2567311A
Application number: GB1813843.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Smith Ian
Original assignee: AQUA FABRICATIONS Ltd
Current assignee: AQUA FABRICATIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2017-08-25
Filing date: 2018-08-24
Publication date: 2019-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-24
Also published as: GB2567311B; GB201713731D0; GB201813843D0

Abstract

The assembly has a planar lid 102 with hinges 106 for attaching it to a catch-pit 132 and an elongate member 110 pivotally attached to an edge of the lid, pivotable between a first position, aligned with the lid (Fig. 4), and second position, inclined to the plane of the lid, the member having first and second fastening means for securing it in each position. The lid may be a grating and the assembly may include a frame 104. The fastening means may be nuts and bolts for securing through holes 112 in the securing member. There may be 3 holes and 3 fastening means, the lid having 3 corresponding holes 114 for receiving fastening means in the first position, the frame and catch-pit having holes for receiving fasteners in the second position. There may be a second elongate member on the opposite side of the lid for securing the lid in a third position, and a further latch system on a third edge. Also claimed is a catch-pit including the lid.

Description

LID ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to lid assemblies and in particular, but not exclusively, to lid assemblies for catchpits and similar structures.

Catchpits are pits or holes in the ground that are generally installed intermittently along the side of, for example, railway tracks and are usually closed at their upper ends by a lid. They provide access points for accessing cables and the like that are located along the trackside, which cables are fed through ducting, typically under the ground, between adjacent catchpits or other such access points or junctions. These catchpits can also assist with drainage control, and can catch floating debris and silt.

Catchpit structures are often formed from a stack of identical frames, which form the walls of the structure. The frames may be square, circular or, preferably, rectangular in plan. In the past, catchpits were typically formed as a brickwork, or as a series of precast concrete frames stacked into a catchpit structure, with a lid releasably secured to the uppermost frame in the structure. However, more recently, due to ease of fabrication and construction, catchpit frames have been formed from alternative, lightweight materials, such as plastics including glass reinforced plastics (GRP), making them more susceptible to casual attempts to gain access to the catchpit by simply lifting the uppermost frame from the catchpit structure.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide an alternative lid assembly for closing a catchpit structure formed from lightweight materials.

According to the present invention there is provided a lid assembly for a catchpit, the assembly comprising:

a generally planar lid;

hinge means for hingedly mounting the lid with respect to the catchpit; and an elongate securing member pivotally attached to an edge of the lid and being pivotable between a first position in which it is substantially aligned with the plane of the lid and a second position in which it is inclined to the plane of the lid;

the elongate securing member comprising first fastener means for securing it to the lid in the first position and second fastener means for securing it in the second position to a catchpit to which the lid assembly is attached

By providing a second fastener means the securing member can be safely secured to the lid during transport and assembly of the catchpit. In addition, by providing a second fastener means that is releasable, the elongate securing member may pivot around the first fastener means and the second fastener means then used to fasten the securing member to a stack of frames that form the catchpit structure, for example by securing the fastening means in a hole provided in the frames.

Moreover, by providing first and second fastener means on the lid assembly, all of the necessary components are provided for mounting the assembly to, and securing it to a catchpit structure.

In addition, it is preferred that both the frame and lid are rectangular so as to allow the lid assembly to be used in conjunction with existing, conventional catchpit structures which are typically rectangular in plan.

It is also preferred that the lid comprises a grating. This allows for visual access to the catchpit whilst preventing unauthorised entry into the catchpit.

Preferably, the lid is hingedly attached to a frame. This allows for easy access to the catchpit once assembled.

Preferably, the fastener means comprises a bolt and mating nut. This provides a simple and cost effective securing mechanism that can be easily slackened to allow the securing members to pivot relative to the closure plane defined by the lid.

Preferably, the securing member is pivotally connected to an edge of the lid on one of its shorter sides. It is further preferred that the securing member is pivotally connected to an edge of the lid, substantially midway along its length.

Conveniently, the first and second fastener means are received through respective first and second holes formed in opposing ends of the securing member.

Advantageously, the frame comprises a through hole formed along an edge of one of its shorter sides. Preferably, the through hole is formed, substantially midway along its length.

Preferably, the frame comprises a second through hole formed along the shorter side.

Advantageously, when in the first position, the first and second holes formed in the securing member substantially align with the first and second through holes formed in the shorter side of the frame. This allows the lid assembly, including fittings to be transported as a single unit. Preferably, the elongate securing member comprises a third fastener means located between the first and second fastener means.

In addition, it is preferred that the elongate securing means comprises a third hole formed between the first and second holes for receipt of a third fastener means.

Preferably, the frame comprises a third through hole formed between the first and second through holes.

Advantageously, when in the first position, the first, second and third holes formed in the elongate securing member substantially align with the through holes formed in the shorter side of the frame

Conveniently, when in the second position, the first, second and third holes formed in the elongate securing member substantially align with a first, second and third through holes formed in the catchpit

Preferably, the lid assembly comprises a second elongate securing member, pivotally connected to an edge of the lid along the other of its short sides.

The present invention also includes catchpit comprising a lid assembly in accordance with present invention.

Preferably, the catchpit comprises securing means releasably engageable with the second securing member to retain the lid in an opened position.

The catchpit may comprise further fastener means for retaining the lid in a closed position.

The further fastener means may comprise a hasp attached to one of the lid and the catchpit, a staple attached to the other of the lid and the catchpit and a securing clip releasably engageable with the staple.

The hasp may be attached to the lid and the staple may be attached to the catchpit.

The securing clip is preferably secured to an end of an elongate flexible connector, e.g. a chain, the other end of which is secured to the lid.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid assembly, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a part-exploded view of a locking member which forms part of the lid assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a is a perspective view of a catchpit structure with which the lid assembly of Figure 1 can be used;

Figure 4 is a side view of the lid assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a side view of the lid assembly of Figure 1 secured to the catchpit structure of

Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a side view of the lid assembly of Figure 1 secured in an open position to the catchpit structure of Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a side view of a modification of the lid assembly of Figure 1, with the lid shown in a closed position;

Figure 8 is a side view of the modification of Figure 7, with the lid shown in an open position;

Figure 9 is a front view of the modification of the modification of Figure 7; and

Figure 10 is a front view of the modification of Figure 7, to a larger scale.

Figure 1 shows a lid assembly 100 in the form of a rectangular grating 102 hingedly connected to a similarly-sized rectangular frame 104 along one longer side by two identical hinges 106. The grating 102 is formed from glass reinforced plastic (GRP) and is moulded into a square mesh array. The frame 104 is also formed from glass reinforced plastic (GRP) and is moulded into a rectangular shape having two parallel short ends and two parallel long side portions.

To each of the shorter sides 108 of the grating 102 a first, a respective one of two elongate securing members 110 is releasably attached to the grating 102 by a bolt and nut assembly 112.

One of the securing members 110 is shown in more detail in Figure 2. The securing member 110 is formed from a single length of steel plate of approximately the same width as the depth of the grating 102. While the securing member is described as being formed from steel, it is envisaged that other, electrically insulating, materials could be used to form the securing member. The securing member 110 has three holes 112a, 112b, 112c along its length which pass through the securing member 110 and which can be aligned with three corresponding holes 114a, 114b, 114c formed in the shorter side 108 of the grating 102, the first of which 114a is formed midway along the length of the shorter side 108 of the grating 102.

A first threaded bolt 114 passes through the first hole 112a in the securing member 110 and through the central hole 114a in the grating 102. The head of the bolt 114 abuts the outer face of the securing member 110 and the threaded inner end of the bolt 114 receives a securing nut 128a.

By tightening the nut and bolt assembly 112, the securing member 110 can be releasably secured to the grating 102 in a chosen relative position.

As best seen in Figure 4, each elongate securing member 110 may be aligned with, and releasably secured to, the respective shorter side 108 by means of second and third bolts 124, 126 and corresponding nuts 128, 130. When the securing members 110 are aligned with the respective sides of the grating 102, the second and third holes 112b, 112c formed in the securing member 110 are aligned with the second and third holes 114b, 114c formed in each shorter side 108 of the grating 102 respectively. In this way, the securing member 110 may be secured to the grating 102 during transport, without projecting significantly beyond the grating 102. This allows the lid assembly, including all fittings, to be transported as a single unit.

As best seen in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the walls of a catchpit structure 132 are typically formed from a stack of identical rectangular GRP frames 134, each frame 134 has two parallel short end portions 136 and two parallel long side portions 138. Each end portion 136, is provided with a through hole 140, 142 located midway between the ends of the short end portion and approximately one-third of the depth. The upper face of each frame 134 is complimentarily shaped to its lower edge, so that a plurality of frames 134 can be securely stacked or nested with each other. When the plurality of frames 134 is stacked to form the catchpit structure 132, the spacing of the holes 140, 142 in adjacent stacked frames corresponds with the spacing of the holes 112b, 112c formed in the securing member 110. The length of the securing 110 member is chosen accordingly.

In use, the lid assembly 100 is lowered onto the top frame 134 in the stack 132 and, with the first bolt 114 slackened in the first nut 128a to allow rotational movement of the securing member 110 relative to the grating 102, the securing member 110 is rotated perpendicular to the grating 102, with the second and third holes 112b, 112c formed therein aligned with the respective first and second through holes 140, 142 formed in the stack of frames 132. The second and third nuts 128, 130 are then placed on one surface of the stack 132 behind the respective second and third through holes 140, 142 formed therein and the second and third bolts 124, 126 are passed through the second and third holes 112b, 112c in the securing member 110 and received by the respective nuts 128, 130. The bolts 128, 130 can then be tightened to secure the lid assembly 100 to the stack of frames 132. This is shown in Figure

5. The lid assembly 100 is now resistant to casual attempts to remove it, for example in acts of vandalism.

If access is required to the catchpit, the securing member 110 can be released from the stack of frames 132 and used to prop the grating 102 in an open position. As best illustrated in Figure 6, upon releasing the second and third bolts 124, 126 and slackening of the first nut and bolt assembly 112, the position of the securing member 110 can be adjusted relative to the grating 102 to position the third hole 112c formed in the securing member 110 in alignment with a first through hole 140 formed in the stack of frames 132, with a bolt passed therethrough and received by a corresponding nut. The first nut and bolt 112 is subsequently re-tightened to secure the securing member 110 and grating 102 in a propped open position.

The present description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to narrow the breadth of the present disclosure in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications might be made to the presently disclosed embodiments without departing from the full and fair scope of the present disclosure. For example, any number of frames 134 may be stacked to form the catchpit structure 132 with the length of the securing member 110 chosen accordingly. Furthermore, any number of holes may be formed in the securing member 110 and grating 102. Moreover, the lid assembly 100 may be used in conjunction with existing concrete frames. Further still, the securing member 110 may be secured by a single bolt and nut assembly to the bottom most frame in the stack 132, thereby securing the frames 134 therebetween to the lid assembly 100. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent upon an examination of the attached drawings and appended claims.

A modification of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 is shown in Figures 7 to 10.

In the modified lid assembly 100’, the rectangular grating 102, the rectangular frame 104 and the hinges 106 are unchanged as compared with the arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 6, except for a minor modification to the rectangular frame 104, as will be explained. A securing member 110 is attached to one of the shorter sides 108 of the grating and is used in the same manner as that described in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 6. However, on the opposite shorter side 108 of the grating an alternative strut assembly 200 is provided.

The strut assembly 200 comprises a straight elongate strip 202 of glass reinforced plastics (GRP) material of approximately the same, or slightly greater, width than the depth of the grating 102. The strip is provided with a straight elongate slot 204 at one end, aligned with the longitudinal axis of the strip and of the other end a recess 206 is formed in the lower edge of the strip.

When the assembly 10T is in the closed position as shown in Figure 7, the elongate strip 202 to is aligned with the shorter edge 108. A bolt 208 passes through the elongate slot 204 into a complementarily threaded recess located approximately two thirds of the length of the shorter side 108 from the front edge of the grating 102 and a butterfly nut 210 is received in the recess 206 in the lower edge of the strip and in a further threaded recess in the shorter edge 108 of the grating 102. By tightening the bolt 208 and the butterfly nut 210, the elongate strip 202 is securely, but releasably, attached to the edge 108 of the grating 102.

It will also be observed that a further butterfly nut 212 is threaded the received in a recess located in the shorter side wall at a location towards the hinge 106.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the front, longer side of the grating 102 is provided with a locking assembly 214. The locking assembly 214 comprises a hasp and staple 216, with the hasp 218 secured to the edge of the grating 102 by means of a bolt 220 and with the staple 222 bolted to the front face of the rectangular frame 104.

A spring-mounted securing clip 224 is releasably engageable with the staple 222 and is fixedly secured to one end of a chain 226, the opposite end of the chain being securely attached to the edge of the grating 102 by means of a bolt 228. When the lid 101’ is in the closed position, the hasp 218 is passed over the staple 222 and the securing clip 224 is fastened onto the staple 222, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, to prevent inadvertent opening of the lid 10T.

When it is desired to allow access, the securing member 110 is firstly disengaged, as in the arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 6. The securing clip 224 is then released from the staple 222 and the hasp 218 is hinged out of engagement with the staple 222.

If it is desired to only to a relatively small extent, then the securing member 110 is adjusted as described in particular with reference to Figure 6. However, if it is desired to open the lid 101’ wider, for example to facilitate access to the catchpit, then in addition to disengaging the securing member 110, the securing bolt 208 and the butterfly nut 210 retaining the elongate strip 202 and the butterfly nut 212 secured to the side face of the frame 104 are loosened. As best seen in Figure 8, when the grating 102 is hinged through approximately a right angle, the elongate strip 202 can be pivoted about the nut 208 and the recess 206 in the opposite end of the strip 202 can receive the shank of the butterfly nut 212. By tightening the nut 218 and the butterfly nut 212, the grating 102 can be securely, but releasably, held in a substantially vertical orientation.

When access to the catchpit is no longer required, the above steps are reversed and the grating 102 is hinged shut, into the position shown in Figure 7. The strut assembly 200 is reattached to the edge of the grating 102, the securing member 110 is reattached to the catchpit, the 218 is passed over the staple 222 and the securing clip 224 is clipped onto the staple 222.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments.

Claims

1. A lid assembly for a catchpit, the assembly comprising:

a generally planar lid;

the elongate securing member comprising first fastener means for securing it to the lid in the first position and second fastener means for securing it in the second position to a catchpit to which the lid assembly is attached.

2. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid is rectangular.

3. The lid assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the lid comprises a grating.

4. The lid assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a frame on which the lid is mounted.

5. The lid assembly of claim 4, wherein the lid is hingedly attached to the frame.

6. The lid assembly of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the frame comprises a through hole for receipt of the second fastener means when the securing member is in its second position.

7. The lid assembly of claim 6, wherein the through hole is formed substantially midway along its length.

8. The lid assembly of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the frame comprises first and second through holes on opposite sides of the frame.

9. The lid assembly of any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the frame is rectangular.

10. The lid assembly of claim 9, wherein the securing member is pivotally connected to an edge of the lid on one of its shorter sides.

11. The lid assembly of claim 10, wherein the securing member is pivotally connected to an edge of the lid, substantially midway along its length.

12. The lid assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first fastener means comprises a bolt and nut.

13. The lid assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the second fastener means comprises a bolt and nut.

14. The lid assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second fastener means are received through respective first and second holes formed in the securing member.

15. The lid assembly of claim 14, wherein, when the securing member is in the first position, the first and second holes formed in the securing member substantially align with first and second through holes formed in the lid.

16. The lid assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate securing member comprises a third fastener means.

17. The lid assembly of claim 11, wherein the elongate securing means comprises a third hole for receipt of a third fastener means.

18. The lid assembly of claim 17, wherein the lid comprises a third through hole for receipt of the third fastener means.

19. The lid assembly of claim 18, wherein, when the securing member is in the first position, the first, second and third holes formed in the elongate securing member substantially align with the through holes in the lid.

20. The lid assembly of claim 18, wherein, when the securing member is in the second position, the first, second and third holes formed in the elongate securing member are configured to substantially align with first, second and third through holes formed in the catchpit.

21. The lid assembly of any preceding claim, comprising a second elongate securing member.

22. The lid assembly of claim 21, wherein the second securing member is pivotally connected to an edge of the lid on the opposite side of the lid from the first securing member.

23. A catchpit comprising a lid assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

24. A catchpit comprising a lid assembly as claimed in claim 22, wherein the catchpit comprises securing means releasably engageable with the second securing member to retain the lid in an opened position.

25. A catchpit of claim 23 or claim 24, comprising further fastener means for retaining the lid in a closed position.

26. The lid assembly of claim 23, wherein the further fastener means comprises a hasp attached to one of the lid and the catchpit, a staple attached to the other of the lid and the catchpit and a securing clip releasably engageable with the staple.

27. The lid assembly of claim 26, wherein the hasp is attached to the lid and the staple is attached to the catchpit.

28. The lid assembly of claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the securing clip is secured to an

10 end of an elongate flexible connector, e.g. a chain, the other end of which is secured to the lid.

29. A kit of parts for forming a catchpit assembly, comprising a plurality of units which are configured to be assembled to form a catchpit, and a lid assembly as claimed in any

15 of claims 1 to 22.