Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying Figures, of which:
FIG. 1 shows a drain cover portion according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the drain cover portion of FIG. 1 in situ covering a drainage system;
FIG. 3 shows a drain cover portion connector according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows the drain cover portion connector of FIG. 3 attached to a drain cover portion;
FIGS. 5 and 6 show stages in the process of linking drain cover portions with the drain cover portion connector of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7
a shows the underside of the drain cover portion of FIG. 1 including a drain attachment means;
FIG. 7
b shows the drain attachment means of FIG. 7a in greater detail;
FIG. 8 shows a drain cover portion incorporating projections according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 shows a cross section of the drain cover portion of FIG. 8 in situ covering a drainage system.
FIG. 10 shows an anchor incorporating an anchor connector;
FIG. 11 shows the anchor of FIG. 10 connected to a drain cover portion;
FIGS. 12
a and 12b shows a cross sectional an perspective view respectively of the drain cover portion of FIG. 11 in situ covering a drainage system embedded in the ground; and
FIGS. 13 and 14 show stages in the process of linking drain cover portions to drain portions.
Throughout the following description, like features are labelled with like reference numerals. Two embodiments of a drain cover portion 100a, 100b are described and where features relate equally to both embodiment, the drain cover portions 100a, 100b are designated generally as drain cover portion 100.
FIG. 1 shows a drain cover portion 100a which comprises a generally longitudinal steel structure. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the cross-section of the drain cover portion 100a comprises two substantially parallel side portions 102a, 102b arranged to fit around the outside of a drain portion 200.
The side portions 102a, 102b are joined by a central portion 104 which comprises two substantially parallel downstands 106a, 106b, which are arranged to fit inside the drain portion 200 and which are joined by a load bearing portion provided by a slotted inset member 108. The arrangement is such that, when the drain cover portion 100a is place in situ over a drain portion 200 as is shown in FIG. 2, the inset member 108 runs parallel with the longitudinal axis of the drain portion 200 and is wholly within the profile of the drain portion 200 such that the mouth of the drain portion 200 is substantially un-obstructed along its entire length.
The slotted inset member 108 comprises a steel body with a series of cut out portions 110 along its length to provide drainage holes through which water may pass into a drain portion there below. The inset member has an arched profile such that, when positioned within a substantially horizontal drain portion, the centre of the inset member is higher than its edges so as to form a gulley between the edges of the inset member 108 and each of the downstands 106a, 106b The arched profile contributes to the strength of the drain cover portion 100a and encourages water and debris to run off slotted inset member 108.
The side portions 102a, 102b further comprise surface protections flanges 112a, 112b which are formed along the longitudinal length of the drain cover portion 100 and project outwards. The surface protections flanges 112a, 112b are arranged to protect the edge region of a building element, for example a concrete slab, or building material such as concrete or asphalt, placed or laid adjacent to a drainage system incorporating the drain cover portion 100 and to ensure that the building element or material does not spall or crack.
Further, each of the side portions 102a, 102b edge has a projecting portion in the form of a flat side face 202a, 202b, which provides a projection in the side portions to the exterior of the drain cover portion 100, and against which building elements or materials such as block paviours and asphalt can be laid without creating areas of voiding within the installation (refer also to FIG. 12a, showing the flat side face 202a, 202b adjacent a building element).
The drain cover portion 100 further comprises anchors 114. These provide a tang around which concrete can be cast to ensure that the drain cover portion 100 is fully clamped into concrete. Each anchor 114 has a hole 116 bored into it at its distal end (as is best shown in FIG. 10) through which concrete can flow to ensure that a firm location is achieved. The anchors 114 are attached to the drain cover portion 100 via integral anchor connectors in the form of anchor clips 1002, which are discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 10 below.
The side portions 102a, 102b of the drain cover portion 100 further comprises a plurality of cut-out windows 500 such as can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 11. The cut-out windows 500 provide a connector attachment means to which a connector, such as an anchor connector or a cover portion connector means can be attached.
An example of a cover portion connector is shown in FIG. 3 and comprises a linking clip 300.
The clip 300 comprises a substantially rectangular one-piece metal body with two U-shaped cuts in arranged therein, the bases of the U's facing each other. The cuts define a first flap 302a and a second flap 302b which are formed by a portion of the body of the clip which is bent out of the plane of the clip 300. In this embodiment, the first flap 302a and second flap 302b are arranged parallel to and displaced from the plane of the clip 300.
The clip 300 further comprises a resilient means, also formed from a flap defined by a U-shaped cut in the body. The mouth of the cut-out U forming a resilient means is towards the mouth of the cut-out U defining the first flap 302a. This flap is deformed to provide the resilient means in the form of an S-shaped spring 304.
The clip 300 further comprises angled wings 306a, 306b along its long side which are bent out of the plane of the clip 300 in the same direction as the flaps 302a, 302b and are arranged to fit around the projections provided by flat side faces 202a, 202b of the drain cover portion 100. The area of the clip 300 behind the wings 306a, 306b therefore comprises a recessed portion defined by the wings 306a, 306b The clip 300 further comprises a tab 308 arranged at the opposite end of the clip to the spring 304 which is bent out of the plane of the clip 300 in the opposite direction as the flaps 302a, 302b and the wings 306a, 306b and provides a graspable portion.
The clip 800 is symmetrical about a longitudinal midline A.
In use of the clip 300, as is shown in FIG. 4, the clip 300 is positioned adjacent to the exterior of a window 500 close to the end of a drain cover portion 100 such that the spring 304 protrudes through the window 500. The s-shape of the spring 304 is arranged such that the distal end projects away from the body of the clip 300 and towards the interior of the drain cover portion 100 to allow the ready introduction of the edge of the window 500. The clip 300 is held at the tab 308 and manual pressure is applied until the edge of the window 500 acts to cause the body of the spring 304 to deform by moving slightly away from the body of the clip 300 to allow the clip 300 to be slid with respect to the drain cover portion 100. The clip 300 is moved to a position where the first flap 302a can also enter the window 500. The resilience of the first flap causes it to assume a position such that its edge abuts the inside edges of the window 500. The clip 300 is thereby attached to the drain cover portion 100 as portions of the spring 304 are one side of the side portions 102a, 102b and the body of the clip 300 is on the other side. The abutment of the first flap against the inside of the window prevents the clip 300 from moving in the plane of the side portions 102a, 102b. The recessed portion defined between the wings 306a, 306b cooperates with the projecting portions provided by the side faces 202a, 202b so that the clip 300 is held securely against shifting with respect to the vertical axis of the drain cover portion 100.
One clip 300 is arranged on each side of the drain cover portion 100, such that there are two horizontally opposed clips, between which another drain cover portion 100 can be fed in order to connect the two drain cover portions 100, as is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The tabs 308 act as a guide, assisting the introduction of the drain cover portion 100. The second drain cover portion 100 is simply aligned with the drain cover portion 100 incorporating the clip 300 and the second flap 302b is temporarily bent into the plane of the clip as the second drain cover portion 100 is introduced, then springs back when a window 500 close to an end of the second drain cover portion 100 is adjacent thereto. The alignment of the first and second drain cover portion 100 is assured as the recessed portion defined by the wings 306 ensure that the projecting portions provided by the side faces 202a, 202b are aligned. The entry of the flaps 302a, 302b into the windows 500 ensures that the cover portions 100 are securely connected. The two connected drain cover portions are equally secured against movement in either the longitudinal axis (i.e. the portions 100 cannot move apart from one another) and the vertical axis (i.e. the longitudinal alignment cannot be lost).
The clips 300 may be removed from a drain cover portion 100 either by manipulating the clip 300 by hand (i.e. grasping the tab 302 between the fingers and thumbs and manually forcing the spring 304 to bend) or by using a lever, for example a screw driver, either behind the tap 308 to bend the spring 304 until the clip 300 can be lifted free of the drain cover portion 100.
The drain cover portion 100 further comprises a drain attachment means arranged to attach the drain cover portion 100 to the drain section 200. The drain attachment means of this embodiment, as is shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b is integrally provided and comprises a toothed grip 700, which is provided on an interior face of the side portions 102a, 102b (FIG. 7 shows the underside of the drain cover portion 100 as is shown in FIG. 1). The grip 700 protrudes into the interior of the drain cover portion 100 such that it will firmly grip a drain portion 200 over which the drain cover portion 100 is placed in an interference fit. The grip 700 is angled so as to act in the manner of a barb, making pushing the drain cover portion 100 over a drain section 200 easier than removing it therefrom.
To assemble a drainage system, the drain cover portion 100 is pushed over a drain portion 200 using manual pressure. The grip 700 grips the sides of the drain portion 200 providing a reasonably secure fit. However, drain cover portion 100 may be removed from the drain portion 200 if required, without causing structural damage to the drain portion 200. This may be done manually or with the use of a simple tool such as a crowbar or other lever.
The drain portion 200 is, in this example a plastic drainage portion. The grip 700 will embed itself in the plastic.
FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a drain cover portion 100, herein termed a rollover drain cover portion 100b, in this embodiment comprising a generally longitudinal steel structure. As can be seen from FIG. 9, the cross-section of the rollover drain cover portion 100b comprises two substantially parallel side portions 102a, 102b arranged to fit around the outside of a drain portion 200.
The side portions 102a, 102b are joined by a load bearing portion in the form of an inset member provided by a slotted central member 802 which is recessed below the tops of the side portions 102a, 102b. The central member 802 comprises a series of cut out portions 110 along its length to provide drainage holes through which water may pass into a drain portion there below.
The central member 802 further comprise a series of spaced projections 804 with a rounded profile. In this embodiment, the spacing between the tops of the projections 804 is approximately 33 mm. The arrangement is such that, when the drain cover portion 100 is place in situ over a drain portion 200 as is shown in FIG. 2, the slotted central member 802 runs parallel with the longitudinal axis of the drain portion and rests over the mouth of the drain portion 200. Further, the arrangement is such that, when the drainage system is embedded in a surface, the tops of the side walls 102a, 102b and the tops of the projections 804 are substantially level with the surface (see FIGS. 12a and 12b).
The projections 804 also act to minimize the flat area between the cut out portions 110, which helps to prevent the build up of debris or water in these areas. FIG. 9 shows the use of such a rollover drain cover portion 100b in the context of a typical ‘small’ wheel 902 such as is seen on supermarket trolley, pushchairs and the like. As can be seen, the projections prevent the wheel 902 from being able to full enter the inset area between the side walls 102a, 102b, therefore preventing such wheels from being trapped and providing smother passage for wheeled vehicles passing over the rollover drain cover portion 100b. In this embodiment, the separation of the projections 804 are dispersed along the length with a spacing of approximately 33 mm. This is to ensure that a trolley wheel will be supported by at least one projection 804 while crossing the rollover drain cover portion 100b (typical diameter for a trolley wheel is about 40 mm).
FIG. 10 shows an anchor 114, which, as noted above, provides a tang around which the concrete can be cast. The anchors 114 are attached to the drain cover portion 100 via integral anchor connectors in the form of anchor clips 1002.
The anchor clip 1002 comprises a substantially rectangular metal body with two U-shaped cuts in arranged therein, the mouths of the U's facing each other. One cut defines a flap 1004 which is bent out of the plane of the anchor clip 1002. In this embodiment, the flap 1004 is formed parallel to and displaced from the plane of the clip 1002. The other flap is deformed to provide resilient means an S-shaped anchor spring 1006. The anchor clip 1002 further comprises an angled wing 1007 which is bent out of the plane of the anchor clip 1002 in the same direction as the flap 1004 and is arranged to fit over the edge of the flat side faces 202a, 202b of the drain cover portion 100.
The anchor 114 further comprises a longitudinal leg 1008 which has a bend along its length such that it comprise a substantially vertical portion 1010 proximal to the anchor clip 1002, and an angled portion 1012 distal from the anchor clip 1002. Both the vertical 1010 and the angled 1012 portions comprises strengthening ribs 1014.
In use of the anchor clip 1002, as is shown in FIG. 11, the anchor clip 1002 is positioned adjacent to the exterior of a window 500 along the length of a drain cover portion 100 such that the anchor spring 1006 protrudes through the window 500. Manual pressure is applied until the body of the anchor spring 1006 moves to allow the anchor clip 1002 to slide with respect to the drain cover portion 100. The anchor clip 1002 is thereby moved to a position where the flap 1004 can also enter the window 500 such that edges of the flap 1004 abut the internal edges of the window 500. The anchor clip 1002 is thereby attached to the drain cover portion 100 as portions of the anchor spring 1006 are one side of the side portions 102a, 102b and the body of the anchor clip 1002 is on the other side. The abutment of the edges of the flap 1004 against the internal edges of the window prevent the clip 1002 from sliding in the plane of the side faces 202a, 202b. The angled wings 1007 fit over the edge of a flat side face 202a, 202b of the drain cover portion 100, providing further stability to the anchor clip 1002 and prevent vertical movement thereof.
The anchor clip 1002 may be removed from a drain cover portion 100b either by manipulating the drain cover portion 100 by hand or by using a small lever, for example a screw driver, to bend the spring 1006 until the anchor clip 1002 can be lifted free of the drain cover portion 100.
As is shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b, the arrangement is such that, in use of a drain cover portion 100 carrying an anchor clip 1002, a building element 1200 is placed against the vertical potion 1010 and the angled portion 1012 then kicks out at an angle of about 45 degrees below the building element 1200, which is set on a concrete bed. Therefore, the angled portion 1012 will be firmly keyed into the concrete but asphalt or block paviour or the like may be laid up to the edge of the drain cover portion 100. FIG. 12b shows an ACO QMAX™ drainage system 1204, which is the subject of British Patent Applications GB 0323198.2 and GB 0215979.6.
If however the building element is particularly large and the anchor 114 will prevent it from being laid adjacent to the drain cover portion 100, the anchor 114 can be simply removed. Anchors 114 can be selectively removed and/or repositioned as required, if for example they would interfere with building elements 1200 on one side of the drainage system and not the other, or at one point along the drainage system.
FIGS. 13 and 14 show the installation of a rollover drain cover portion 100b over a drain portion 200. The rollover drain cover portion 100b shown in FIG. 13 incorporates a clip 300. That shown in FIG. 14 has an anchor 114 attached thereto. To assemble a drainage system, the rollover drain cover portion 100b is pushed over the drain portion 200, possibly using manual pressure (see FIG. 13). The grip 700 grips the sides of the drain portion 200 providing a reasonably secure fit (see FIG. 14). However, drain cover portion 100 may be removed from the drain portion 200 if required, without causing damage to the drain portion 200. This may be done manually or may require the use of a simple tool such as a crowbar or other simple lever.
Other embodiments within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to the skilled person. In particular, elements described in relation to the first embodiment above apply as appropriate in relation to the second embodiment.
Patent Application
20070274781
