GB2556871A

GB2556871A - Gully trap inspection/service unit

Info

Publication number: GB2556871A
Application number: GB1617422.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Collier Gregory
Original assignee: G & D Entpr Ltd
Current assignee: G & D Entpr Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-14
Filing date: 2016-10-14
Publication date: 2018-06-13
Also published as: GB201617422D0

Abstract

A gully trap inspection and service unit 6 for use in a road gully. The unit comprises a generally circular hollow conduit 7 having a first end 8 and a second end 9. At least part of the hollow conduit is dimensioned for placement within an outlet pipe (2 figure 1) leading from a gully to a sewerage system. A removable cap (10 figure 3) caps the first end, wherein the cap may be a snap fit. A hollow branch 14 forms a junction with the hollow conduit and provides an inlet for water. Later embodiments relate to a kit comprising a gully trap and said service unit, a drainage system comprising a gully trap and said unit, a method of installing the gully trap and said unit and a method of using the gully trap inspection and service unit.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Gully trap inspection/service unit Abstract Title: A gully trap inspection and service unit (57) A gully trap inspection and service unit 6 for use in a road gully. The unit comprises a generally circular hollow conduit 7 having a first end 8 and a second end 9. At least part of the hollow conduit is dimensioned for placement within an outlet pipe (2 figure 1) leading from a gully to a sewerage system. A removable cap (10 figure 3) caps the first end, wherein the cap may be a snap fit. A hollow branch 14 forms a junction with the hollow conduit and provides an inlet for water. Later embodiments relate to a kit comprising a gully trap and said service unit, a drainage system comprising a gully trap and said unit, a method of installing the gully trap and said unit and a method of using the gully trap inspection and service unit.

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-1GULLY TRAP INSPECTION/SERVICE UNIT

The invention relates to a device for use in gulleys, and methods of installation and use thereof.

Background to the invention

Gulleys are known for collecting rain water or street cleaning water and generally comprise a gulley chamber, e.g., a plastic, cast-iron or concrete receptacle buried in the ground which comprises a bottom wall and a number of side walls. In a side wall of the gulley chamber is an outlet to the public sewerage system. The basic idea of a gully is that water can pass through easily, but gases, odours and vermin cannot pass the other way.

Gulleys become blocked for a number of reasons, including leaves or other debris that cover the metal grates covering the gully, connecting pipes that are blocked with debris or silt, or pipes that have deteriorated or cracked. Fat, oil and grease in liquid form may not appear to be harmful, but as it cools it congeals and hardens. An accumulation of fat, oil and grease within the gully, particularly within the outlet to the sewerage system impedes the flow of water into the sewers. If the gulleys are not kept clear and free running, severe weather conditions can cause serious flooding.

To clean a gully, the grate over the gully is cleared of debris. Any debris or excess water in the gully can be removed by the use of a vacuum. Clean water is then flushed through the gully to ensure the drainage system is working correctly. Mechanical means, such as high pressure jetting or rodding can be used to try to clear any obstructions.

Roddable gulleys have a removable plate at the inlet to the sewer outlet pipe. This allows straight line access through the outlet pipe to the sewerage system, making the clearing of a blockage or surveying the system much easier. The plate also prevents rodents using the gully as an escape route from the sewers. A problem with the conventional design of roddable gulleys is the design of the removable plate. The plates often prove difficult to remove, and can become damaged during removal. The effectiveness of the plate to cap

-2the sewerage outlet is therefore reduced. Indeed, in some instances, the outlet to the sewer remains uncapped.

There is a need for an improved method for the inspection and servicing of the outlet pipe that leads from a gully chamber to the sewerage system. The present invention provides a gully trap inspection and service unit.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a gully trap inspection and service unit, the unit comprising:

a generally circular hollow conduit having a first end and a second end, at least part of the hollow conduit being dimensioned for placement within an outlet pipe leading from a gully to a sewerage system;

a removable cap for capping the first end, and a hollow branch forming a junction with the hollow conduit and providing an inlet for water.

In some constructions, the removable cap snap-fits to the first end of the hollow conduit. The cap can be readily removed and replaced without the risk of damage to the cap. The cap prevents liquids, odours and vermin (e.g., rodents) from accessing the gully from the sewerage system.

In some constructions, the unit is manufactured from a non-corrosive metal, such as stainless steel. The use of a metal additionally provides strength and rigidity to the unit.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising:

a first gully trap inspection and service unit as herein described, in which at least part of the hollow conduit dimensioned for placement within an outlet pipe to a sewerage system has a first outer diameter; and a second gully trap inspection and service unit as herein described, in which at least part of the hollow conduit dimensioned for placement within an outlet pipe to a sewerage system has a second outer diameter.

-3In some constructions of the kit, particularly for use within the UK, the first gully trap inspection and service unit may have a first outer diameter of about 4 inches and the second gully trap inspection and service unit may have a second outer diameter of about 6 inches.

The kit therefore provides the user with appropriately dimensioned units for installation into an outlet pipe leading from the gully chamber to the sewerage system that has either a 4 inch or a 6 inch internal diameter.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided kit comprising:

a first gully trap inspection and service unit as herein described, in which at least part of the hollow conduit dimensioned for placement within an outlet pipe to a sewerage system has a first outer diameter; and an adapter for connection to the unit, the adapter having a portion with an outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter, thereby converting the first gully trap inspection and service unit into a unit configured for placement within an outlet pipe to the sewerage system, in which the outlet pipe has an inner diameter greater than the first outer diameter.

In some constructions of the kit, the first gully trap inspection and service unit has an outer diameter of about 4 inches, and the diameter of the portion of the adapter that has a diameter that is greater than the first diameter is about 6 inches.

The kit therefore provides the user with the ability to use the first gully trap inspection and service unit within a 4 inch pipe, or convert the unit so that it can be used within a 6 inch pipe.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a drainage system comprising a gully trap inspection and service unit as herein described.

-4According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing the gully trap inspection and service unit as herein described, the method comprising the steps of;

i) providing a unit as herein described;

ii) installing the unit within the gully such that the second end of the unit is located within an outlet pipe leading from the gully to a sewerage system, and the first end of the unit extends into the gully; and iii) capping the first end of the unit with the removable cap.

In addition to the first end extending into the gully, the hollow branch will also be located within the gully.

In some constructions of the method of installing the gully trap inspection and service unit the step of installing the second end of the unit within the outlet pipe leading from the gully to a sewerage system also comprises creating a water-tight seal between an outer surface of the unit and an inner surface of the pipe. This water tight seal might be formed by the use of a waterproof material, such as a tape, glue or putty provided on the exterior surface of the conduit. Preferably, the waterproof material is selected to allow the whole unit to be removed so that the gully can be cleaned (e.g., vacuumed), and then the unit refitted.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using the gully trap inspection and service unit as herein described that has been installed within a gully, the method comprising the steps of;

i) uncapping the first end of the hollow conduit;

ii) inspecting the gully trap for obstructions by inserting an inspection device along the hollow conduit;

iii) recapping the first end of the hollow conduit.

In some constructions of the method, the inspection device is a means of visually inspecting the gully trap for obstructions. For example, the inspection device is a camera.

In some other constructions of the method, the inspection device is a means of physically inspecting the gully trap for obstructions. For example, the inspection device is a rod.

-5In addition to inspecting the gully trap for obstructions, the method may optionally comprise the step of clearing the obstruction from the gully trap.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention may be performed in various ways, and, by way of example only, embodiments thereof will now be described, reference being made to the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure 1: Shows a schematic of a conventional gully chamber installed underground;

Figure 2: Shows a side view of a construction of the gully trap inspection and service unit, without the removable cap;

Figure 3: Shows an underside view of a construction of the removable cap in place; Figure 4: Shows a side view of a construction of the adapter;

Figure 5: Shows a schematic of the gully trap inspection and service unit in situ, and in use with a 4 inch outlet pipe leading to the sewerage system.

Figure 6: Shows a schematic of the gully trap inspection and service unit shown in

Figure 5, but in this Figure it is shown in combination with an adapter such that it is suitable for use in a 6 inch outlet pipe leading to the sewerage system.

The following reference numbers are used throughout:

1. Gully chamber

2. Outlet to sewerage system

3. Grate

4. Plate/cap

A conventional pre-cast concrete gully chamber 1 is shown in Figure 1. Surface water, such as rainwater, collects in the gully chamber. As the water level rises within the gully chamber, the water is directed through the outlet to sewerage system 2 as shown by Arrow A. When the outlet becomes blocked with obstructions, such as semi-solidified oils, fats and greases, the movement of water is obstructed. Consequently, the gully chamber fills with water, which overflows through the grate 3 and results in surface flooding.

-6In order to remove the obstruction, the plate 4 (often steel) or pipe 4 (often clay) that caps the outlet is removed, allowing access for inspection and clearing of the obstructed outlet. However, removal of the plate/cap 4 is often difficult, particularly if it has not be removed for a long time. Additionally, the plate/cap often becomes damaged during removal. Workman may leave the outlet to the sewerage system uncapped, rather than install a new plate/pipe 4. This provides an escape route (above the water) from the sewerage system for vermin (as shown by arrow B).

Figure 2 shows an example of the gully trap inspection and service unit 6 of the present invention. The unit includes a generally circular hollow conduit 7 with a first end 8 and a second end 9. At least part of the hollow conduit is dimensioned for placement within an outlet pipe 2 leading from a gully chamber to a sewerage system. In the UK, outlet pipes 3 are generally circular in cross-section and have a diameter of about 4 inches or about 6 inches. Therefore, in some constructions of the unit, at least part of the hollow conduit has a diameter of 4 inches or about 6 inches. This part of the hollow conduit is capable of forming a sealing relationship with the inner surface of the outlet pipe. Optionally, a water-proof sealant, such as a tape, glue or putty may be used to provide a water-proof seal. In some constructions of the unit, the entire length of the hollow conduit has a dimeter of about 4 inches or about 6 inches. The hollow conduit may be manufactured from a non-corrosive metal, such as stainless steel.

A cap 10 (shown in Figure 3) is removably attachable to the first end 8. In the example shown, the cap is configured to snap-fit onto the first end. The cap includes a planar circular base 11 from which extend four resilient tabs 12 arranged in a cruciform. An outer surface 12a of each tab contacts the inner surface 13 of the conduit 7. The circular base has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the first end 8. This results in an outer section of the cap forming a flange about the first end, when the cap is attached to the first end. This allows a user to easily grab the cap and remove it from the first end. The cap may be provided with a retention means that ensure that the cap cannot be dropped into the gully chamber when it is removed, or taken out of the gully chamber and mislaid. This retention means may be in the form of a chain or cable. In the example shown, a first end of a chain or cable (not shown) is connected to a hook 13 on the underside of the cap 10.

-7The second end of the chain or cable is connected to an aperture 15 in the hollow branch

14.

The hollow branch 14 forms a junction with the hollow conduit 7 and provides an auxiliary inlet for water. This is illustrated in further detail in Figure 5. The angle (Θ) between the branch and the outer surface of the conduit 7 in the example shown is about 140 degrees. This allows the outer surface of the hollow conduit to lie flush with the wall of the gully chamber when the unit has been inserted. The branch 14 provides an auxiliary inlet for water, as shown by arrow C. This is advantageous, because the branch provides a route for water to exit the gully chamber 4 when the removable end cap is in place. This reduces the risk of the gully chamber overflowing with water. In addition, if any vermin try and use the unit to escape from the sewer, branch 14 (offering the only available route out of the sewer) will guide the vermin into any standing water within the gully chamber. This will result in drowning.

As mentioned above, outlet pipes are often of different sizes. In the UK for instance, the pipes are conventionally 4 inches or 6 inches in diameter. In order to reduce the inventory required, and to increase the options for a user, an adapter 16 can be provided which enables the conversion of a unit configured for use in a 4 inch pipe to a unit for configured for use in a 6 inch pipe. An example of such an adapter is shown in Figure 5. This includes an annular ring portion 18 which forms a first end of the adapter. A generally circular hollow conduit 20 is connected to the annular ring portion 18. This conduit 20 forms a second end of the adapter. The second end of the adapter connects to the second end 9 of the hollow conduit 7, thereby converting a second end 9 having a 4 inch diameter to a second end 9 having a 6 inch diameter.

it will be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the constructions described without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A gully trap inspection and service unit for use in a road gully, the unit comprising:

a generally circular hollow conduit having a first end and a second end, at least part of the hollow conduit dimensioned for placement within an outlet pipe leading from a gully to a sewerage system;

2. A unit according to claim 1, in which the removable cap snap-fits to the first end of the hollow conduit.

3. A unit according to claim 1 or 2, in which the unit is manufactured from a metal, such as stainless steel.

4. A kit comprising:

a first gully trap inspection and service unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which at least part of the hollow conduit dimensioned for placement within an outlet pipe to a sewerage system has a first outer diameter; and a second gully trap inspection and service unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which at least part of the hollow conduit dimensioned for placement within an outlet pipe to a sewerage system has a second outer diameter.

5. A kit comprising:

a first gully trap inspection and service unit according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which at least part of the hollow conduit dimensioned for placement within an outlet pipe to a sewerage system has a first outer diameter; and an adapter for connection to the unit, the adapter having a portion with an outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter, thereby converting the first gully trap inspection and service unit into a unit configured for placement within

-9an outlet pipe to the sewerage system, in which the outlet pipe has an inner diameter greater than the first outer diameter.

6. A drainage system comprising a gully trap inspection and service unit according to any of claims 1 to 3.

7. A method of installing the gully trap inspection and service unit according to any of claims 1 to 3 in a road gully, the method comprising the steps of;

i) providing a unit according to any of claims 1 to 3;

ii) installing the unit within the gully such that the second end of the unit is located within an outlet pipe to a sewerage system, and the first end of the unit extends into the gully; and iii) capping the first end of the unit with the removable cap.

8. A method according to claim 7, in which the step of installing the second end of the unit within an outlet pipe to the sewerage system also comprises creating a watertight seal between an outer surface of the unit and an inner surface of the outlet pipe.

9. A method of using the gully trap inspection and service unit according to any of claims 1 to 3 that has been installed within a road gully, the method comprising the steps of;

i) uncapping the first end of the hollow conduit;

ii) inspecting the gully trap for obstructions by inserting an inspection device along the hollow conduit; and iii) recapping the first end of the hollow conduit.

10. A method according to claim 9, in which the inspection device is a camera.

11. A method according to claim 9 or 10, in which the method further comprises the step of clearing the obstruction from the gully trap.

Intellectual

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Application No: GB1617422.9 Examiner: Mr Haydn Gupwell