GB2299357A

GB2299357A - Access frame

Info

Publication number: GB2299357A
Application number: GB9506198A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rainer Clover; Derek Pearce; Gavin May; Alan Turton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-03-27
Filing date: 1995-03-27
Publication date: 1996-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2015-03-27
Also published as: GB2299357B; GB9506198D0

Abstract

An access frame has a hinged lid L which is arranged to prevent ingress of fluid. One wall M1 of the frame is of channel section with an outer wall 10 and an inner wall 11. The outer wall has a back wall 13, an overhanging roof 14 and a depending wall 15. Between the walls 14, 15 are bridges for mounting a hinge pin. A rail 19 projects from wall 15 to support a seal. The movement of the lid is such that the seal is not damaged during greasing thereof. A second seal 22 seals against the underside of the lid.

Description

ACCESS FRAMES The invention relates to access frames, e.g. for access to pits or floors, vaults, drains, ceilings and the like.

It is an object of this invention to provide a hinge access frame comprising a frame member defining an enclosure to receive a hinged lid, and which is easily sealed against passage of fluid, e.g. liquid or gas therethrough.

According to the invention, there is provided an access frame comprising a frame deflning an enclosure and a lid to be located thereon, the frame being made up of wall members, the lid being hinged by a hinge member to a wall member of the frame, the wall member comprising an outer wall portion and an inner wall portion with a gap in between; one end of the hinge member being pivotally connected to the outer wall portion and the other end being connected to the underside of the lid, the hinge member passing through the gap; a sealing member being present on the inner wall of the outer wall portion whereby when lid is located on the frame the lid is substantially level with the top of the outer wall portion and the sealing member seals the lid against passage of fluid between the lid and the wall member.

Preferably the sealing member extends substantially continuously along the inner wall of the outer wall portion. Preferably the sealing member is a gasket mounted on a ledge extending from the outer wall portion into the gap.

In a preferred aspect the inner wall portion is shorter than the outer wall portion and a second sealing member is present on the inner wall portion.

Preferably the second sealing member is mounted in the top edge of the inner wall portion.

Preferably the outer wall portion has a top portion of inverted channel shape and the hinged member comprises an arm incorporating a crank and the free end of the arm is pivotally mounted within the channel shape.

In order that the invention may be well understood it will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a vertical section through a frame of the invention with the lid down; and Figure 2 is a section as in Figure 1 showing the frame open and the lid in the up condition.

The frame comprises four wall members M of which only one M1, carrying a hinge member H for a lid L, is shown in detail. The wall member M1 comprises a length of channel section having an outer wall portion 10 and an inner wall portion 11 joined together by a floor 12. The outer wall portion has a back wall 13 and an overhanging roof 14 from which depends a shorter vertical wall 15 generally parallel to the back wall 13. Within the overhang defined by the roof 14, the back wall 13 and the short wall 15 are bridges 16. A horizontal hinge pin 17 extends through the bridges 16 parallel to the back wall 13. The bridges 16 rest on ledges 18. A rail 19 projects towards the wall portion 11 about half way up the vertical wall 15.

A sealing member 20 is secured to the rail 19. The member is formed of compressible thermoplastic material and has an upper tubular body 21. The member extends continuously along the wall M1.

The inner wall portion 11 is a single wall and is shorter than the outer wall portion 13. A solid sealing rod 22 is partially received in a slot 23 in the top of the wall 11, at about the level of the member 20. A rod extends continuously along the wall 11. There is a gap G between the vertical wall 15 and the inner wall 11.

A lid L is to be mounted in the enclosure, extending across the gap G towards the opposite side, not shown. A hinge member H comprises a cranked arm 24, one end 25 of which is looped about the hinge pin 17 and the other 26 forms a plate which is bolted to the underside of the lid L near its outer edge. The access frame is embedded in a body of concrete, e.g. a standing area for vehicles, a delivery station or the like, having access points to underground passages. Because of the cranks in the hinge arm, the lid L can rest generally horizontal and level with the roof 14, the seal member 20 being compressed (Figure 1) and resting on the seal member 22.

As a result, fluids, e.g. water, spilled fuel, etc. will not flow into the access door. Because of the cranks in the hinge arms, the lid L may be raised to the condition shown in Figure 2, (for access) and the seals will not be damaged.

The access frame may include other components such as lilting arms, stays, latches, locks and the like.

Claims

1. An access frame comprising a frame deigning an enclosure and a lid to be located thereon, the frame being made up of wall members, the lid being hinged by a hinge member to a wall member of the frame, the wall member comprising an outer wall portion and an inner wall portion with a gap in between; one end of the hinge member being pivotally connected to the outer wall portion and the other end being connected to the underside of the lid, the hinge member passing through the gap; a sealing member being present on the inner wall of the outer wall portion whereby when lid is located on the frame the lid is substantially level with the top of the outer wall portion and the sealing member seals the lid against passage of fluid between the lid and the wall member.

2. A frame according to Claim 1, wherein the sealing member extends substantially continuously along the inner wall of the outer wall portion.

3. A frame according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner wall portion is shorter than the outer wall portion and a second sealing member is present on the inner wall portion.

4. A frame according to Claim 3, wherein the second sealing member is mounted in the top edge of the inner wall portion.

5. A frame according to any preceding Claim, wherein the first sealing member is a gasket mounted on a ledge extending from the outer wall portion into the gap.

6. A frame according to any preceding Claim wherein the outer wall portion has a top portion of inverted channel shape and the hinged member comprises an arm incorporating a crank and the free end of the arm is pivotally mounted within the channel shape.