Cover and Sump Assembly For Preventing Suction Entrapment

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover and sump assembly for a main drain of a pool or spa that prevents suction entrapment, and specifically, to an assembly having a frame with openings, plates with openings positioned on the frame, and a sump for collecting water and receiving the frame. The assembly reduces the velocity of water flowing there through, uniformly distributes a suction force created by water flowing into the sump, prevents a vortex of flowing water above the assembly, and provides anti-entanglement features to minimize the likelihood of an individual becoming entrapped on the assembly by a suction force produced by a pump in the pool or spa filtering system. The assembly includes a conduit defining an opening along a lower portion thereof that reduces the velocity of flowing water at the suction opening in the sump by reorienting the suction port from a vertical to a horizontal orientation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cover and sump assembly for a main drain of a swimming pool or spa that prevents suction entrapment, and more specifically, to a cover and sump assembly having a frame defining a plurality of openings, one or more plates defining a plurality of openings and positioned on the frame, and a sump for collecting water and for receiving the frame. As configured, the cover and sump assembly reduces the velocity of water flowing through the assembly, uniformly distributes a suction force created by the water flow in said sump, and prevents a vortex of flowing water above the assembly, provides anti-entanglement features to minimize the likelihood of an individual becoming entrapped on the assembly by a suction force produced by a pump in the pool or spa filtering system. In other words, the cover and sump assembly increases the amount of water flowing through the assembly yet reduces the flow rate and provides safety features mandated by federal law.

The Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act became effective on Dec. 20, 2008. The Act addresses two key issues, namely the manufacture, import, and sale of suction outlet fittings (i.e., drain fittings and covers), and entrapment avoidance systems in public pools and spas. The Act requires the following: (1) on or after Dec. 20, 2008 all suction outlet fittings and covers made, imported, or sold in the United States must be certified to comply with ASME/ANSI A 112.19.8 (2007 version); (2) as of Dec. 20, 2008 all public pools and spas, both new and existing, must be equipped with certified covers on every suction outlet; and (3) as of Dec. 20, 2008, every public pool and spa, new and existing, that has a single outlet, other than an unblockable outlet, must employ one or more additional safety features set forth in the Act.

The Act resulted from an increasing number of deaths and accidents involving pools and spas. There is an annual average of 283 drowning deaths (2003-2005) and 2,700 emergency room treated submersion injuries (2005-2007) in the United States involving children younger than five years of age in pools and spas. From 1997 to 2007, there were 74 reported incidents associated with suction entrapment including nine deaths and 63 injuries. The new Act is aimed at reducing the deaths and injuries by making pools safer, securing the environment around them, and educating consumers and industry on pool safety.

Accordingly, the present invention addresses the requirement for a cover and sump assembly that satisfies new federal regulations and prevents suction entrapment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises in one embodiment a cover assembly for a drain having a frame defining a plurality of openings and having a base, a crown, and sloped sides; and at least one plate positioned on the crown of the frame and defining a plurality of openings; wherein the cover assembly maximizes the flow of water passing through the assembly, reduces the velocity of water flowing through the assembly, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to the cover assembly, all thereby reducing the likelihood of suction entrapment.

The invention comprises in another embodiment a sump assembly for a drain having a sump for collecting water; a first conduit passing through an opening in the sump and having at least one flange; a second conduit defining an opening along a lower portion thereof and having a first flange, wherein the first and second conduits are in fluid communication with one another; wherein the sump assembly reduces the velocity of water flowing through the sump, uniformly distributes a suction force created by the water flow in the sump and at an opening in the sump, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to the sump. As used herein, the term “sump” refers to a reservoir serving as a drain for water in a swimming pool or spa that forms part of the pumping and filtering system.

In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a cover and sump assembly for a drain including a frame defining a plurality of openings and having a base, a crown, and sloped sides; at least one plate positioned on the crown of the frame and defining a plurality of openings; a sump defining at least one opening and configured to receive the frame; a first conduit having at least one flange and passing through an opening in the sump; and a second conduit defining an opening along a lower portion of the second conduit and having a first flange, the first and second conduits in fluid communication with one another. The cover and sump assembly maximizes the flow of water passing through the assembly, reduces the velocity of water flowing through the assembly, uniformly distributes a suction force created by the water flow in the sump, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to the cover and sump assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention and the manner in which the same are accomplished will become clearer based on the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1 taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is top plan view of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1 absent a cover;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1 taken generally along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1 taken generally along line 6-6 of FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial sectional view of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1 taken generally along line 8-8 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an anchor template of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the sump assembly flange of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an partial sectional view of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial sectional view referenced in FIG. 11 of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial sectional view of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is top plan view of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1 taken generally along line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial sectional view referenced in FIG. 17 of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged partial sectional view referenced in FIG. 17 of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 is top plan view of one embodiment of the cover assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged partial sectional view of one embodiment of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a test plate of the cover and sump assembly of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

In one embodiment the invention encompasses a cover assembly 10 for a main drain assembly 17 of a swimming pool comprising a frame 11 and at least one plate 12 positioned on the frame 11. The frame 11 defines a plurality of openings 13 and has a base 14, a crown 15, and sloped sides 16. In one embodiment, the sides have a 40% slope. In one embodiment, the height (D) of the frame 11 is no more than 1⅞ inches so as not to exceed federal mandates calling for a maximum of 2 inches of height. The lower edge of the frame 11 extends inward thereby providing additional bearing surface and distributing the load. In one embodiment, the lower edge of the frame 11 extends inwardly beyond the sloped sides 16 of the frame 11 by, for example, 0.25 inches to allow ample room to shift or adjust the position of the cover assembly 10 over the top of an existing sump and lock the cover assembly 10 into position.

The plate 12 is positioned on the crown 15 of the frame 11. It will be understood that one or more plates 12 may be positioned over an opening 19 on the frame 11 depending upon the dimensions of the frame 11 as determined by the dimensions of the main drain. The plate 12 defines a plurality of openings 21. The openings 13, 21 in the frame 11 and plate 12 permit water to flow from a pool or spa into a sump and throughout the pumping and filtering system of the pool or spa. Stated differently, the pumping and filtering system creates a suction force that draws water from the pool through the cover assembly 10 into the sump 25 and then through the conduits 28, 32 forming the pumping and filtering system.

As configured, the cover assembly 10 maximizes the flow of water passing through the assembly 17, reduces the velocity of water flowing through the assembly, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to the cover assembly 10.

In one embodiment, the frame 11 and plate 12 are substantially rectangular in shape. It will be understood, however, that the frame 11 and plate 12 may be any number of shapes that meet the objective of preventing suction entrapment. As depicted in the figures, the openings 13, 21 in the frame 11 and plate 12 are substantially oblong. It will be understood, however, that the openings 13, 21 may be any number of shapes that permit the flow of water and achieve the desired results of reducing the velocity of the flowing water and preventing the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to the cover assembly 10. In one embodiment, the openings 13, 21 measure 0.25 inches in width by 1.75 inches in length. Advantageously, the width of the openings 13, 21 is less than the minimum required by law and prevents an individual from passing portions of a finger through the openings 13, 21 and becoming trapped under water at a main drain. Further, the pattern of openings 21 on the plate 12 provides sufficient area to create a non-slip finish, thereby minimizing the likelihood of an individual slipping on cover assemblies positioned several feet below the surface of the water and causing injury. Furthermore, the size of the openings 13, 21 in the cover assembly 10 lessens the likelihood of hair entanglement which could lead to drowning. Specifically, the relatively small width of the openings 13, 21 reduces the likelihood of hair entanglement. The openings 13, 21 are formed in the frame 11 and plate 12 by a press, whereby the exterior sides of the openings are smooth and slightly beveled, while the interior sides of the openings include small protrusions with rough edges which will likely cut any hair becoming entangled in the opening upon strain.

In one embodiment, the plurality of openings 13 in the frame 11 extend along the slope of the frame sides to the lower edge of the base 14 to promote suction of foreign object debris into a sump assembly 24. In this configuration, the openings 13 extend all the way to the pool bottom surface thereby facilitating collection of debris on the pool bottom into the sump assembly 24.

The frame 11 and plate 12 of the cover assembly 10 each define at least one opening 18 for receiving a fastener 22. The openings 18 are correspondingly aligned with one another to permit any number of fasteners 22 to secure the plate 12 to the crown 15 of the frame 11 over the larger opening 26 of the sump. In one embodiment, fasteners 22 include exposed security screws that require removal be accomplished with a specialized tool; thereby providing an enhanced safety feature. Stated differently, an individual in the pool will not be able to readily remove the plate 12 from the crown 15 of the frame 11 absent a tool.

The cover assembly 10 is designed to provide the maximum area available to ensure low velocity of water flow through the top and sides of the plate 12 and frame 11, respectively. The novel cover assembly 10 ensures that the water flow velocity does not exceed 1½ feet/second as mandated by law. The cover assembly 10 maximizes the area for water flow and lowers the velocity of water moving through openings in the frame 11 and plate 12. The reduction of the water flow velocity reduces potential hair entanglements and prevents human entrapment risks associated with main drains.

When installed over a sump less than, for example, 18″×18″ or 24″×24″, the ratio of the open area of the cover assembly 10 to the area within the sump increases, therefore reducing the velocity of water flow even further and providing the highest degree of safety while exceeding required standards.

In another embodiment, the cover assembly 10 includes at least one removable channel 23 extending across the crown 15 of the frame 11 and removably secured to sides of the frame 11. Depending upon the desired dimensions of the frame 11, the channel 23 permits the use of multiple modular plates 12 required to cover the opening 19 at the crown 15 of the frame 11. Accordingly, the plates 12 can be manufactured in a uniform size thereby increasing manufacturing efficiencies.

The cover assembly 10 may be mounted to the pool wall or floor of the pool depending upon the location of the drain. In one embodiment, the frame 11 and plates 12 are formed from stainless steel. It will be understood, however, that the frame 11 and plate 12 may be formed from any number of materials providing sufficient strength as required by federal mandates. The cover assembly 10 can be mounted on prefabricated sumps during new construction and on existing sumps during renovation (i.e., retrofit). In one embodiment discussed herein, the cover assembly 10 forms a part of a complete sump assembly 24 including, among other elements, a sump 25, an inlet pipe or first conduit 28, and a second conduit 32 having at least one flange 33 and an opening 34 in a lower portion thereof.

In retrofit applications, the cover assembly 10 is installed over an existing sump. In this case, the invention provides fastening brackets 30 and fasteners 22, a vertical wall mounted flange (not shown) with anchoring fasteners 22, and various fasteners 22 for securing the cover assembly 10 to an existing sump. Retrofit applications will also require the attachment of a conduit 32 onto the existing conduit, wherein the new conduit 32 defines an opening 34 on a lower portion thereof. This will be discussed hereinafter when describing the sump assembly 24.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, the invention also provides for an anchor template 40 for use in retrofit applications. The anchor template 40 is designed to identify the proper mounting position for the frame 11 onto the sump and ensure proper alignment of openings 18 and fasteners 22 securing the cover assembly 10 to the sump. As configured, the anchor template 40 is positioned between the sump assembly 24 and the cover assembly 10. In one embodiment, the anchor template 40 is rectangular in shape and defines at least one opening 41 in each side portion, wherein the openings are offset from a midway point of each side by a desired distance. For example, the openings 41 may be offset at a distance x from a center point to facilitate alignment of openings 18 in the cover assembly 10 with openings 26 in the upper portions of the existing sump assembly 24 during retrofit applications. Advantageously, this permits the cover assembly 10 to be aligned and secured to on any number of sump assemblies of various sizes. The anchor template further defines a main opening 42 that permits water to flow therein.

In another embodiment, and referring to FIG. 5, the invention provides a sump assembly 24 for a drain having a sump 25 for collecting water, a first conduit 28 passing through an opening 20 in the sump and having at least one flange 29, and a second conduit 32 defining an opening 34 along a lower portion thereof and having a first flange 33, wherein the first and second conduits 28, 32 are in fluid communication with one another.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the sump 25 defines at least one opening 26 and has a flange 27 at an upper portion thereof. The first conduit 28 passes through an opening 20 in the sump wall and includes at least one flange 29. The second conduit 32 defines an opening 34 along a lower portion of the second conduit 32 and includes a flange 33. In operation, the opening 34 provides for a suction port 38 that is oriented horizontally as opposed to conventional suction ports that are oriented vertically. The reorientation of the suction port reduces the velocity of flowing water at the suction opening 26 in the sump. The second conduit 32 and its opening 34 also increases the distance between the bottom of the plate 12 and the suction port 38 thereby exceeding the minimum distance required to satisfy ASTM 112 guidelines. The minimum area of the suction opening 34 is at least one-and-a-quarter (1.25 times) the area of the conduit or pipe entering the sump. This greatly reduces the velocity and turbulence and the potential for water vortexes in the sump. The suction opening 34 is designed to provide a uniform draw of the flowing water into the sump.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 17, a uniform draw of flowing water is accomplished by providing the second conduit 32 and its opening extending along at least a portion of the length of the lower portions of the second conduit 32, wherein the opening extends perpendicular to a vertical axis defined by the sump.

During retrofit applications, a mounting plate 36 is provided that is positioned between the first and second conduits 28, 32 (see FIG. 17). The mounting plate 36 facilitates retrofit of the second conduit to the first conduit. The mounting flange also includes holes drilled through the flange which provide the fastenings ports for connection to the existing sump inlet.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 17, the first and second conduits 28, 32 are in fluid communication with one another, wherein the second conduit 32 receives a flow of water from the sump 25 and advances the flowing water to the first conduit 28.

Advantageously, the sump assembly 24 reduces the velocity of water flowing through the sump 25, uniformly distributes a suction force created by the water flow at the top of the sump, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent (i.e., above) to the sump.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, the sump assembly 24 may also include an anchor template 40 for identifying a mounting position for a cover assembly 10 on the sump. As described above, the anchor template 40 ensures alignment holes for the fasteners 22 for securing the cover assembly 10 to the sump. In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the anchor template 40 is substantially rectangular and defines at least one opening 41 for receiving a fastener. The opening 41 is offset from a midway point of each side of the template 40 by a desired distance x to facilitate alignment of a cover assembly to the sump.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the flange 27 of the first conduit 28 is capable of receiving a test plate 35 thereby facilitating the testing of a pumping and filtration system of which the sump assembly 24 is in fluid communication.

As depicted in FIGS. 5-6 and 17, the sump assembly 24 may further include a hydrostatic relief valve assembly 37 positioned at a lower portion of the sump 25. The relief valve assembly 37 is spaced apart from the first and second conduits 28, 32 to ensure proper operation of the relief valve.

During retrofit applications and referring to FIG. 21, the invention may also provide a mounting ring or flange 43 for mounting the second conduit 32 to an existing conduit or sump inlet. In one embodiment, the flange includes a female thread 44 tapped into the flange. The threads serve to fasten the second conduit 32.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a cover and sump assembly 17 for a drain, wherein the cover and sump assembly 17 comprises a frame 11, at least one plate 12 positioned on the frame 11, a sump for collecting water and configured to receive the frame 11, a first conduit 28 passing through an opening 26 in the sump, and a second conduit 32 defining an opening 34 along a lower portion thereof and in communication with the first conduit 28.

The frame 11 includes a base 14, a crown 15, and sloped sides 16, wherein the frame 11 defines a plurality of openings 13. The plate 12 defines a plurality of openings 21 and is positioned on the crown 15 of the frame 11. The plurality of openings 13 in the frame extend along the sloped sides 16 to the lower edge of the base 14 to promote suction of foreign object debris into the sump 25. The frame 11 and plate 12 form a cover assembly 10. In one embodiment, the edges of the frame 11 extend beyond a perimeter defined by upper portions of the sump 25.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 17, the sump and cover assembly 17 also includes at least one removable channel 23 extending across the crown 15 of the frame 11 and is removably secured to sides of the frame 11. The plate 12 may be modular such that removable channel supports a plurality of plates.

The sump 25 defines at least one opening 26, and one of the openings receives the frame 11. The sump 25 defines a flange 27 extending around its upper portion or upper edges (i.e., its perimeter). In one embodiment, the ratio of the diameter of the frame to the diameter of the sump is between about 0.86 and 1.0.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first conduit 28 has at least one flange 29 for receiving the inlet pipe of the pumping and filtration system, and another flange 31 for receiving the second conduit 32. The second flange 31 and second conduit 32 may be connected by any number of means. For example, the second flange 31 and second conduit 32 may be connected by screws, bolts, flanges, male and female adapter connection, a coupling, mounting rings, or similar connectors capable of securing the second flange 31 and the second conduit 32 to one another. The first conduit 28 passes through one of the openings 20 in the sump 25.

Advantageously, and referring to FIG. 17, the second conduit 32 defines at least one opening 34 along a lower portion thereof. The opening 34 in the second conduit 32 may be any number of shapes. For example, the opening 34 may extend lengthwise along the entire lower portion of the second conduit 32. Alternatively, the opening 34 may be defined by a plurality of holes, slits, or shaped openings. As discussed above, the opening facilitates the anti-entrapment features of the invention. The second conduit 32 includes a first connector or flange 33 for connecting the second conduit 32 to the first conduit 28. The first and second conduits 28, 32 are in communication with one another.

In operation, the novel cover and sump assembly 17 maximizes the flow of water passing through the assembly, reduces the velocity of water flowing through the assembly, uniformly distributes a suction force created by the water flow in the sump, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to the cover and sump assembly 17.

For installations requiring retrofit, the invention provides a mounting flange or connector having a standard flange bolt pattern depending upon the size of the conduit. The mounting flange may include any number of threads, screws, bolts, or similar connectors capable of securing the flange to the conduit. The mounting flange includes holes for mounting hardware on the side of the existing sump.

Claims

1. A cover assembly for a drain comprising: a frame having a base, a crown, and sloped sides, said frame defining a plurality of openings; andat least one plate defining a plurality of openings, said at least one plate positioned on said crown of said frame;wherein said cover assembly maximizes the flow of water passing through said assembly, reduces the velocity of water flowing through said assembly, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to said cover assembly.

2. The cover assembly of claim 1 wherein: said frame is substantially rectangular in shape;said plate is substantially rectangular in shape; andsaid plurality of openings are substantially oblong.

3. The cover assembly of claim 1 wherein said plurality of openings in said frame extend along said sloped sides to the lower edge of said base to promote suction of foreign object debris into a sump assembly.

4. The cover assembly of claim 1 wherein said frame and plate each define at least one opening for receiving a fastener, said openings corresponding with one another.

5. The cover assembly of claim 1 further comprising at least one removable channel extending across said crown of said frame and removably secured to sides of said frame.

6. The cover assembly of claim 5 wherein: said at least one plate is modular; andsaid at least one removable channel supports a plurality of said at least one plates.

7. The cover assembly of claim 1 further comprising an anchor template for identifying a mounting position for said frame onto a sump and ensuring alignment of fasteners for securing the cover assembly to the sump.

8. The cover assembly of claim 7 wherein said anchor template is substantially rectangular and defines at least one opening for receiving a fastener, said opening offset from a midway point of each side by a desired distance to facilitate alignment of said cover assembly to a sump.

9. A sump assembly for a drain comprising: a sump for collecting water, said sump defining at least one opening and having a flange at an upper portion;a first conduit having at least one flange, said first conduit passing through one of said at least one openings in said sump; anda second conduit having a first flange, said first and second conduits in communication with one another, said second conduit defining an opening along a lower portion of said second conduit;wherein said second conduit receives a flow of water from said sump and advances the water flow to said first conduit; andwherein said sump assembly reduces the velocity of water flowing through said sump, uniformly distributes a suction force created by the water flow in said sump and at another of said at least one openings of said sump, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to said sump.

10. The sump assembly of claim 9 further comprising an anchor template for identifying a mounting position for a cover assembly on said sump and ensuring alignment of fasteners for securing the cover assembly to the sump.

11. The sump assembly of claim 10 wherein said anchor template is substantially rectangular and defines at least one opening for receiving a fastener, said opening offset from a midway point of each side by a desired distance to facilitate alignment of a cover assembly to said sump.

12. The sump assembly of claim 9 wherein said at least one flange of said first conduit is capable of receiving a test plate thereby facilitating the testing of a pumping and filtration system of which said sump assembly is in fluid communication.

13. The sump assembly of claim 9 further comprising a relief valve assembly positioned at a lower portion of said sump, said relief valve assembly spaced apart from said first and second conduits.

14. A cover and sump assembly for a drain comprising: a frame having a base, a crown, and sloped sides, said frame defining a plurality of openings; andat least one plate defining a plurality of openings, said at least one plate positioned on said crown of said frame, said frame and said at least one plate forming a cover assembly;a sump for collecting water, said sump defining at least one opening, one of said at least one openings for receiving said frame, said sump having a flange at an upper portion thereof;a first conduit having at least one flange, said first conduit passing through one of said at least one openings in said sump; anda second conduit having a first flange, said first and second conduits in communication with one another, said second conduit defining an opening along a lower portion of said second conduit;wherein said cover and sump assembly maximizes the flow of water passing through said assembly, reduces the velocity of water flowing through said assembly, uniformly distributes a suction force created by the water flow in said sump, and prevents the formation of a vortex of flowing water substantially adjacent to said cover and sump assembly.

15. The cover and sump assembly of claim 14 wherein said plurality of openings in said frame extend along said sloped sides to the lower edge of said base to promote suction of foreign object debris into said sump.

16. The sump and cover assembly of claim 14 further comprising at least one removable channel extending across said crown of said frame and removably secured to sides of said frame.

17. The sump and cover assembly of claim 16 wherein: said at least one plate is modular; andsaid at least one removable channel supports a plurality of said at least one plates.

18. The sump and cover assembly of claim 14 wherein edges of said frame extend beyond a perimeter defined by of upper portions of said sump.

19. The sump and cover assembly of claim 14 wherein the ratio of the diameter of said frame to the diameter of the sump is between about 0.86 and 1.0