US-12624516-B2 - Modular network access frame and cover

Abstract

A modular frame for a cover for an in-ground chamber or pit, the modular frame comprising a plurality of frame sections securable relative to one another to form an external frame, at least some of the frame sections comprising an abutment wall to abut an upper portion of the in-ground chamber or pit, and a cover support structure to support a portion of one or more cover members relative thereto. Optionally, a depending structure to at least partially define an internal skirt configured to be received within the in-ground chamber or pit and/or an external upstand to at least partially define an opening into which the one or more cover members are locatable to at least partially close the opening may be provided. A cover including the modular frame and an in-ground chamber or pit including the cover are also provided.

Inventors

• Claire Clements
• Steven Brooker

Assignees

• CUBIS SYSTEMS LIMITED

Dates

Publication Date

20260512

Application Date

20210907

Priority Date

20200907

Claims (19)

1. 1 . A modular frame for a cover for an in-ground chamber or pit, the modular frame comprising: a plurality of frame sections securable relative to one another to form an external frame defining a central opening for the cover, at least some of the frame sections comprising a hollow central body with an abutment wall to abut an upper portion of the in-ground chamber or pit; a cover support structure to support a portion of one or more cover members thereon; and a depending structure to at least partially define an internal skirt configured to be received within the in-ground chamber or pit, wherein the abutment wall and the cover support structure are parallel and spaced apart.
2. 2 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein frame sections are releasably securable relative to one another.
3. 3 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein a connector block shaped to fit to at least partially within the hollow central body of respective frame sections is provided with a pair of perpendicular mechanical fasteners, each located through a portion of a pair of adjacent frame sections and through the connector block.
4. 4 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein all of the frame sections used in the modular frame include the abutment wall, the cover support structure, the depending structure and an external upstand.
5. 5 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the depending structure extends substantially perpendicularly to the abutment wall.
6. 6 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein each frame section comprises a central body with the abutment wall comprising a lower wall of the central body.
7. 7 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 6 wherein the cover support structure is provided at an upper side of the central body, spaced from the abutment wall.
8. 8 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 7 wherein the abutment wall and cover support structure are spaced apart by a pair of end walls.
9. 9 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 8 wherein one or more intermediate walls are provided between the abutment wall and the cover support structure and between the end walls.
10. 10 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an external upstand to at least partially define an opening into which the one or more cover members are locatable to at least partially close the opening.
11. 11 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 10 wherein the external upstand comprises a substantially vertical outer wall with an overhang to provide clearance on an external side of the frame section.
12. 12 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 10 wherein the external upstand comprises an inner wall which at least partially defines the opening for the at least one cover member.
13. 13 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 10 further comprising a flange extending transversely and inwardly from the external upstand.
14. 14 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 13 wherein the flange engages a locking mechanism or structure provided on or relative to the cover member.
15. 15 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one pair of beam pockets provided to support a transverse beam in order to locate and support the transverse beam relative to the modular frame wherein each beam pocket is attached to the frame section using a releasable fastener.
16. 16 . A cover assembly for an in-ground chamber or pit comprising the modular frame as claimed in claim 1 and at least one cover member.
17. 17 . The cover assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein each cover member comprises a substantially planar upper support surface.
18. 18 . An in-ground chamber or pit including at least one wall assembly and a cover comprising the modular frame as claimed in claim 1 .
19. 19 . A modular frame as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a connector block for connecting adjacent hollow frame portions together, the respective frame portions each having at least one opening in a side wall thereof to receive an elongate fastener therethrough, the connector block comprising: a. a first connector block component comprising a body with a clamping portion, at least a pair of guide openings for a respective elongate fastener and at least one angled ramp portion; b. a second connector block component comprising a body with a clamping portion, at least a pair of engagement openings for a respective elongate fastener and at least one angled ramp portion; wherein elongate fasteners cause the respective angled ramp portions to slide relative to one another to move the respective clamping portions between a relaxed condition and an enlarged, clamping condition located with a first end of the connector block within a first frame portion and an opposite end of the connector block within an adjacent frame portion with the respective ends of the frame portions abutting so that the connector block is wholly within the two adjacent frame portions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a 371 U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT/GB2021/052301, filed Sep. 7, 2021, entitled “MODULAR NETWORK ACCESS FRAME AND COVER,” which designated, among the various States, the United States of America, and which claims priority to GB 2014004.2, filed Sep. 7, 2020, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of in-ground access chambers and pits. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention concerns a modular frame and cover for an in-ground access chamber or pit. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION The main components making up a complete network access system solution are the chamber, frame, beams and covers. Modular access chambers are available such as the STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Connect. However, a modular frame and cover solution is not currently available to supply large scale applications. Frames supplied with access covers conventionally, are bespoke, typically one piece, metal designs. A chamber size is typically selected for the purpose and the required frame/cover requirements specified. This information is then passed to the technical team and a bespoke frame system is designed. This a one-piece frame, or in the case of large-scale chamber applications, this design will need to be split for transport and manual handling purposes. In addition to this, certain finishing processes such as galvanising for example, can cause further issues such as warping of the frame. This can occur for example if galvanised as a single piece or in split sub-assembly situations. Warpage of split sub-assemblies can consequently lead to issues during the assembly process. This process presents a number of issues that include but are not limited to a heavy reliance on design resource for bespoke sizes, design and supply efficiency issues due to the laborious process of bespoke solutions leading to lengthy lead times for customers, operational challenges (for example, the assembly and disassembly of the frame before and after galvanising), logistical challenges, health and safety concerns, stocking challenges and quality challenges. Embodiments of the invention seek to at least partially overcome or ameliorate any one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a modular frame for a cover for an in-ground chamber or pit, the modular frame comprising: a plurality of frame sections securable relative to one another to form an external frame, at least some of the frame sections comprising:i. an abutment wall to abut an upper portion of the in-ground chamber or pit;ii. a cover support structure to support a portion of one or more cover members relative thereto; andiii. an external upstand to at least partially define an opening into which the one or more cover members are locatable to at least partially close the opening. The modular frame may further comprise a depending structure to at least partially define an internal skirt configured to be received within the in-ground chamber or pit. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a cover assembly for an in-ground chamber or pit comprising the modular frame of the first aspect and at least one cover member. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an in-ground chamber or pit including at least one wall assembly and a cover comprising the modular frame of the first aspect and at least one cover member. Providing a modular frame as defined will allow a cover to be formed for an in-ground chamber or pit utilising frame sections which are securable relative to one another to form a frame for a cover of the required size to fit an in-ground chamber or pit without requiring bespoke design. The modular frame as defined allows assembly on site. The modular frame can also be used instead of one-piece frames, minimising transport issues, particularly for larger frames. The modular frame of the present invention is typically manufactured in dimensions which are determined according to multiples of the cover member size. This will assist with minimising the number of variant sizes of cover member that have to be manufactured. Typically, the cover member will be manufactured in a single size (although more than one standard size can be manufactured) and then the modular frame will typically be formed using one or more cover members with the modular frame dimensions determined according to how many cover members are used. The frame sections will typically be manufactured in a number of predetermined cut lengths. The modular frame will typically be formed using the predetermined cut lengths. The modular frame will normally include one or more straight frame sections. The straight frame sections will normally have a consistent cross-section