A ground surface access assembly cover

Abstract

A leakage reduction system Ground Surface Access Assembly (GSAA) cover (10) configured to provide increased sealing capability to prevent rain-water ingress and leakage. The cover comprises one or mor

Description

Technical Field This invention relates to a Ground Surface Access Assembly (GSAA) cover, preferably comprising a pair of generally triangular cover members that in use are seated on discreet support elements; typically located proximal the corners of a surrounding GSAA support / mounting frame. Background Art Ground Surface Access Assemblies (GSAAs) typically comprise a support / mounting frame that defines an aperture sized to accommodate an assembly cover. GSAA covers are normally circular or rectangular, when viewed from above (plan-view). GSAAs typically comprise cast-iron components, especially when they have to withstand high transient loads; for example, when situated in roadways. Often, it is desirable to reduce or eliminate rain-water leakage through inevitable gaps between the periphery of GSAA covers and the surrounding support frame. Circular GSAA covers are known that achieve this aim by locating a sealing gasket between the underside of the cover and a support rim that forms an internally extending part of the GSAA support frame. Such gaskets, made of a resilient material, will in such circumstances be somewhat compressed, owing to the downward force that results from supporting a heavy cover. This, advantageously, helps to maintain a good seal. However, such GSAAs are prone to rock / vibrate, within their fixed frame, as vehicles pass thereover. This is undesirable, and can lead to premature failure of the frame or frame bonding to the ground. In the UK especially, rectangular GSAA covers are known that comprise a pair of generally triangular cover members, that in use are seated on discreet support elements / zones typically located proximal the corners of a surrounding rectangular GSAA support / mounting frame. Typically, each cover member is supported within a GSAA frame at three points / zones by discrete support elements; thus advantageously, preventing rocking / vibration of the cover member within the support frame; as it is impacted by transient heavy loads. Discrete support elements are used, rather than a continuous internal support rim / shelf, as the latter can trap unwanted stones and the like that result in the cover no longer being stably supported (at just three points / zones). Thus, such covers do not generally have a continuous internal support rim; preventing application of an underside gasket-type seal; resulting in appreciable rain-water leakage. Summary of Invention An aim of the present invention is to provide a GSAA cover system comprising a pair of (nominally) triangular cover members; that in use are seated on discreet support elements typically, located proximal the corners of a surrounding GSAA support / mounting frame; that largely prevents rain-water ingress. Typically, gaskets / seals, located beneath the cover, are not compatible with a GSAA cover according to the present invention. In a first aspect the invention comprises a ground surface access assembly cover (10), leakage reduction system, comprising: at least one nominally polygonal-shaped cover member (12), each having an upper surface (16) a lower surface (18) and side surfaces / walls (20); in use said cover member (12) is supported within a surrounding frame (F) by three individual / separate shelves (S) that extend inwardly from said frame (F) side walls (20), and wherein: one or more sealing elements (22) are attached to one or more cover side surfaces / walls (20) to substantially reduce the ingress of storm water through gaps between said cover side walls (20), defining the periphery of said cover member (12), and the surrounding / supporting frame (F). Preferably, the ground surface access assembly cover (10), leakage reduction system, comprises: at least one generally / nominally quadrilateral-shaped cover member (12), each having an upper surface (16) a lower surface (18) and side surfaces / walls (20); in use said cover member (12) is supported within a surrounding frame (F) by three individual / separate shelves (S) that extend inwardly from said frame (F) side walls (20), and wherein: one or more sealing elements (22) are attached to one or more cover side surfaces / walls (20) to substantially reduce the ingress of storm water through gaps between said cover side walls (20), defining the periphery of said cover member (12), and the surrounding / supporting frame (F). Preferably, the invention comprises a ground surface access assembly cover (10), leakage reduction system; said cover (12) comprises a pair of generally / nominally triangular-shaped cover members (12), each having an upper surface (16) a lower surface (18) and three side surfaces / walls (20); in use, said pair of triangular cover members (12) are supported within a surrounding rectangular frame (F) comprising frame side walls (W); said cover (12) resting upon three individual / separate support shelves (S) that extend inwardly from said frame side walls (W); and wherein: one or more sealing elements (22) are attached to at least one cover side surface / wall (20); to substantially reduce the ingress of storm water through gaps between said cover side walls (20), defining the periphery of said cover member (12), and the surrounding / supporting frame (F). Preferably, the sealing element(s) (22a) are located within a slot or slots (24) provided in said cover side surface / walls (20). Preferably, said slots (22a) and sealing element(s) (20a) are configured such that the upper surface of said sealing elements (20a) are level with or lower than the upper surface of said cover (16). Preferably, the sealing element(s) (22b) engage one or more protrusions (26) that extend outwardly from said cover side surfaces / walls (20). Preferably, the sealing element(s) (22b) have a U-shaped profile. Preferably, said protrusions (26) and sealing element(s) (22b) are configured such that the upper surface of said sealing elements (22b) are level with or lower than the upper surface of said cover (16). In a second aspect the invention comprises a method of installing a ground surface access assembly cover (14); comprising a pair of generally polygonal-shaped or triangular-shaped members (12); each having an upper surface (16) a lower surface (18) and three side surfaces / walls (20); and supported within a surrounding rectangular frame (F) comprising frame side walls (W); each cover member (12) resting upon three individual / separate support shelves (S) that extend inwardly from said frame side walls (W); comprising the following step: (a) Fixing a sealing element (22) to at least one side surface / wall (20); to provide, at least, a partial seal against the ingress of storm water through any gap between said cover side walls (20) defining the periphery of said cover member (12) and the surrounding / supporting frame (F). Preferably, the sealing element(s) (22a) are located within a slot or slots (24) provided in said cover side surface / walls (20). Preferably, the sealing element(s) (22b) engage one or more protrusions (26) that extend outwardly from said cover side surfaces / walls (20). Preferably, the sealing element(s) (22b) have a U-shaped profile. The present invention, advantageously, provides means of, at least, largely sealing a GSAA cover against rainwater ingress in situations where a gasket seal (under compression) cannot be used owing to a lack of a continuous internally extending cover support rim / shelf. The location of the sealing element in the present invention differs from resilient seals, such as gaskets, that are subject to the compressive force / pressure; used in known GSAA cover sealing systems (as described above). Brief Description of Drawings The present invention is illustrated by the following diagrammatic figures in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a GSAA support frame according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2a shows a side elevation of the support frame of Figure 1, cross-sectioned along the line A-A’, with a first type sealing element; Figure 2b shows an enlarged version of part of Figure 2a, and in particular how the first sealing element is attached to the cover sidewall / side-surface; Figure 3a shows a side elevation of the support frame of Figure 1, cross-sectioned along the line A-A’, with a second type of sealing element; Figure 3b shows an enlarged version of part of Figure 3a, and in particular how the sealing element is attached to the cover sidewall / side-surface; and Figures 4a and 4b show an embodiment of the present invention utilising a pair of polygonal shaped cover members. Detailed Description Two embodiments of the invention are described below. Both embodiments do not always provide a complete seal against the ingress of rain-water. Gasket-type seals known to be used with circular GSAA covers, and made more effective by the compressive force upon the sealing member that results from the normally heavy covers, are unsuitable for covers supported by three discrete support elements. Figures 1, 2a and 2b illustrate a ground surface access assembly support frame, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 illustrates a GSAA cover (14) comprising a pair of triangular cover members (12) (only one cover member shown for clarity) that in use, together, form a rectangular cover (14). This rectangular cover is located in an opening defined by the sidewalls (W) of a rectangular support frame (F) which has a cover support shelf (S), located and connected to each internal and lower corner portion of the frame. The two embodiments described below are characterised by how a sealing element(s) are attached to the sidewalls (20) of each cover member (12). Figures 2b and 3b (see below) both show side cross sectioned elevations along the line X-X’ shown in Figure 1. Figure 2a shows a side elevation of the support frame and cover system (10) illustrated in Figure 1, cross-sectioned along the line X-X’; according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 2b shows an enlarged version of the Figure 2a; and in particular how the sealing element is attached to the cover sidewall / side-surface. The sidewalls of each cover member (12) that in use are located proximal the frame walls (W) have sealing element 22a that in cross-section is generally “T-Shaped” and can be attached to a cover member sidewall (20) by engaging one of more sidewall grooves / slots (24) that extend at least along those cover sidewalls (20), that in use are located proximal the frame walls (W). The attached sealing elements 22a substantially or completely fill ang gap between the cover (12,14) and the surrounding frame walls (W) thereby providing at least a partial seal against the ingress of rain-water. Figure 3a shows a side elevation of the support frame and cover system (10) illustrated in Figure 1, cross-sectioned along the line X-X’; according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 3b shows an enlarged version of the Figure 3a; and in particular how the sealing element is attached to the cover sidewall / side-surface. The sidewalls of each cover member (12) that in use are located proximal the frame walls (W) have sealing element 22b that in cross-section is generally “U-Shaped” and can be attached to a cover member sidewall (20) by engaging one of more sidewall protrusions (26) that extend at least along those cover sidewalls (20), that in use are located proximal the frame walls (W). The attached sealing elements 22b substantially or completely fill any gap between the cover (12,14) and the surrounding frame walls (W) thereby providing at least a partial seal against the ingress of rain-water. Figures 4a and 4b illustrate two further embodiments of the invention. They show one (for clarity) of a pair of cover members mounted within a support frame with cover support shelves (S). However, the cover members are not triangular in shape, but polygonal in shape. In this case, a quadrilateral polygonal shape is employed. However, like the preferred embodiment each cover is stably supported by three individual / separate shelves (S). In this specification the term “nominally polygonal” includes covers members that may have one or more rounded corners in addition to three or more straight edges.

Claims

1. A ground surface access assembly cover (10), leakage reduction system, comprising: at least one nominally polygonal-shaped cover member (12), having an upper surface (16) a lower surface (18) and side surfaces / walls (20); in use, said cover member (12) is, supported within a surrounding frame (F) by three individual / separate shelves (S) that extend inwardly from said frame (F) side walls (20), and wherein: one or more sealing elements (22) are attached to one or more cover side surfaces / walls (20) to substantially reduce the ingress of storm water through gaps between said cover side walls (20), defining the periphery of said cover member (12), and the surrounding / supporting frame (F).

2. A Ground surface access assembly cover, leakage reduction system, according to Claim 1 wherein said at least one polygonal-shaped cover member (12) comprises at least one quadrilateral-shaped cover member (12).

3. A Ground surface access assembly cover (10), leakage reduction system; said cover (12) comprising a pair of triangular-shaped cover members (12), each having an upper surface (16) a lower surface (18) and three side surfaces / walls (20); in use, said pair of triangular cover members (12) are supported within a surrounding rectangular frame (F) comprising frame side walls (W); said cover (12) resting upon three individual / separate support shelves (S) that extend inwardly from said frame side walls (W); and wherein: one or more sealing elements (22) are attached to at least one cover side surface / wall (20); to substantially reduce the ingress of storm water through gaps between said cover side walls (20), defining the periphery of said cover member (12), and the surrounding / supporting frame (F).

4. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the sealing element(s) (22a) are located within a slot or slots (24) provided in said cover side surface / walls (20).

5. A system according to any of Claim 1 to 4 wherein the sealing element(s) (22b) engage one or more protrusions (26) that extend outwardly from said cover side surfaces / walls (20).

6. A system according to Claim 5 wherein the sealing elements (22b) have a U-shaped profile.

7. A system according to Claim 4 wherein said slots (22) and sealing element(s) (20a) are configured such that the upper surface (26a) of said sealing elements (20a) are level with or lower than the upper surface of said cover (16).

8. A system according to Claim 5 wherein said one or more protrusions (26) and sealing element(s) (22b) are configured such that the upper surface (28) of said sealing elements (22b) are level with or lower than the upper surface of said cover (16).

9. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the sealing element is formed from a resilient and / or non-metallic material.

10. A method of installing a ground surface access assembly cover (14); comprising a pair of nominally polygonal or triangular-shaped members (12); each having an upper surface (16) a lower surface (18) and three side surfaces / walls (20); and supported within a surrounding rectangular frame (F) comprising frame side walls (W); each cover member (12) resting upon three individual / separate support shelves (S) that extend inwardly from said frame side walls (W); comprising the following step:(a) Fixing a sealing element (22) to at least one side surface / wall (20); to provide at least a partial seal against the ingress of storm water through any gap between said cover side walls (20) defining the periphery of said cover member (12) and the surrounding / supporting frame (F).

11. A method according to Claim 10 wherein the sealing element(s) (22a) are located within a slot or slots (24) provided in said cover side surface / walls (20).

12. A method according to Claim 10 wherein the sealing element(s) (22b) engage one or more protrusions (26) that extend outwardly from said cover side surfaces / walls (20).

13. A method using the system of any of Claims 1 to 9.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS FILED AS FOLLOWS30 06 25Claims1. A ground surface access assembly cover (10), leakage reduction system, comprising: at least one nominally polygonal-shaped cover member / portion (12), having an upper surface (16) a lower surface (18) and side surfaces / walls (20); in use, said cover member / portion (12) is, supported within a surrounding frame (F) by three individual / separate shelves (S) that extend inwardly from said frame (F) side walls (20); and wherein: one or more sealing elements (22) are attached to one or more cover portion side surfaces / walls (20) to substantially reduce the ingress of storm water through gaps between said cover side walls (20), defining the periphery of said cover member / portion (12), and the surrounding / supporting frame (F).

2. A Ground surface access assembly cover, leakage reduction system, according to Claim 1 wherein said at least one polygonal-shaped cover portion / member (12) comprises at least one quadrilateral-shaped cover member (12).

3. A Ground surface access assembly cover (10), leakage reduction system; said cover (10) comprising a pair of triangular-shaped cover portions (12), each having an upper surface (16) a lower surface (18) and three side surfaces / walls (20); in use, said pair of triangular cover portions (12) are supported within a surrounding rectangular frame (F) comprising frame side walls (W); said cover portions (12) resting upon three individual / separate support shelves (S) that extend inwardly from said frame side walls (W); and wherein: one or more resilient sealing elements (22) are attached to at least one cover portion side surface / wall (20); to substantially reduce the ingress of storm water through gaps between said cover side walls (20), defining the periphery of said cover member (12); and the surrounding / supporting frame (F).

4. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the sealing element(s) (22a) are located within a slot or slots (24) provided in said cover portion side surface / walls (20).

5. A system according to any of Claim 1 to 4 wherein the sealing element(s) (22b) engage one or more protrusions (26) that extend outwardly from said cover portion side surfaces / walls (20).30 06 256. A system according to Claim 5 wherein the sealing elements (22b) have a U-shaped profile.

7. A system according to Claim 4 wherein said slots (24) and sealing element(s) (22a) are configured such that the upper surface of said sealing elements (20a) are level with or lower than the upper surface of said cover (16).

8. A system according to Claim 5 wherein said one or more protrusions (26) and sealing element(s) (22b) are configured such that the upper surface of said sealing elements (22b) are level with or lower than the upper surface of said cover (16).

9. A system according to any preceding claim wherein the sealing element is formed from a resilient and / or non-metallic material.

10. A method of installing a ground surface access assembly cover (10); comprising a pair of nominally polygonal or triangular-shaped cover portions (12); each having an upper surface (16) a lower surface (18) and three side surfaces / walls (20); and supported within a surrounding rectangular frame (F) comprising frame side walls (W); each cover portion (12) resting upon three individual / separate support shelves (S) that extend inwardly from said frame side walls (W); comprising the following step:(a) Fixing a sealing element (22) to at least one cover portion side surface / wall (20); to provide at least a partial seal against the ingress of storm water through any gap between said cover portion side wall(s) (20), defining the periphery of said cover member (12); and the surrounding / supporting frame (F).

11. A method according to Claim 10 wherein the sealing element(s) (22a) are located within a slot or slots (24) provided in said cover portion side surface / walls (20).

12. A method according to Claim 10 wherein the sealing element(s) (22b) engage one or more protrusions (26) that extend outwardly from said cover portion side surfaces / walls (20).

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