A vermin barrier for installation in a sewage pipe

Abstract

The present invention concerns a barrier for installation in a sewage pipe and for allowing a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first direction of the sewage pipe, the first direction being a downstream flow direction, and for preventing rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction being opposite to the first direction upon installation of the barrier in the sewage pipe, the second direction being an upstream flow direction, said barrier comprising a support element having a base plate with a first end and a second end and a first plate side and a second plate side; a pipe section for installation in the sewage pipe, wherein the pipe section is formed by a support wing on each side of the base plate, each of said wings being formed with a curved flange portion providing a first contact surface and a second contact surface, respectively, that are mutually displaceable and thereby applying a repulsive force between said wings by means of a vertically displaceable bushing which is provided on the second end of the base plate; at least one shutter pivotably suspended from the support element, and wherein the barrier is arranged for being installed in the sewage pipe so that the at least one shutter prevents the vermin to pass in the upstream direction; wherein the wings are pivotably mounted to the support element along each side of the base plate, and wherein each of said wings are formed with a pivotal mounting portion provided between the curved flange portion and a bushing engagement flange portion provided at the second end for abutting the displaceable bushing for pivoting the curved flange portion outwards. The invention further concerns a method of assembling and installing such vermin barrier.

Description

[0001] 84916PC01

[0002] 1

[0003] A VERMIN BARRIER FOR INSTALLATION IN A SEWAGE PIPE

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a barrier for installation in a sewage pipe and for allowing a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first direction of the sewage pipe and for preventing rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction being opposite to the first direction upon installation of the barrier in the sewage pipe. The invention further concerns a method of assembling and installing such vermin barrier.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Numerous solutions exist for preventing vermin, such as rats, from entering specific sections of a sewage pipe system.

[0008] EP2113615 relates to a barrier for preventing rats or other rodents from entering a sewage pipe. The barrier is installed within a sewage pipe, and the barrier comprises two support wings forming a pipe section of the barrier with a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The contact surfaces are provided at the sidewalls for abutting the inside of the sewage pipe. By pivoting the contact surfaces from a configuration, where the contact surfaces constitute relatively smaller exterior dimensions than the sewage pipe, to the configuration, where the contact surfaces constitute a relatively larger exterior dimensions of the pipe section, there is applied a repulsive force between the one contact surface and the other contact surface as the contact surfaces abut the inside of the sewage pipe. The repulsive force is applied by means of a vertically displaceable bushing acting on lever arms of each of the wings with the contacts surfaces.

[0009] The barrier comprises a support element that is mountable within the pipe, and a first shutter pivotally suspended within the support element for rotation about a horizontal axis and having a centre of gravity lying under the axis. The shutter is pivotable between a first angular position in which the first shutter is forming an acute angle with the direction of flow and at least substantially barring the 84916PC01

[0010] 2 aperture of the barrier, and a second angular position in which the first shutter is forming a second relatively smaller angle with the direction of flow thus keeping the aperture of the barrier at least partly open. Preferably, a second shutter is placed upstream of a first shutter and is pivotally suspended about a second axis and having a centre of gravity located under the second axis.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a barrier for installation in a sewage pipe and for allowing a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first direction of the sewage pipe, the first direction being a downstream flow direction, and for preventing rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction being opposite to the first direction upon installation of the barrier in the sewage pipe, the second direction being an upstream flow direction, said barrier comprising a support element having a base plate with a first end and a second end and a first plate side and a second plate side; a pipe section for installation in the sewage pipe, wherein the pipe section is formed by a support wing on each plate side of the base plate, each of said wings being formed with a curved flange portion providing a first contact surface and a second contact surface, respectively, that are mutually displaceable and thereby applying a repulsive force between said wings by means of a vertically displaceable bushing which is provided on the second end of the base plate; at least one shutter pivotably suspended from the support element, and wherein the barrier is arranged for being installed in the sewage pipe so that the at least one shutter prevents the vermin to pass in the upstream direction; wherein the wings are pivotably mounted to the support element along each side of the base plate, and wherein each of said wings are formed with a pivotal mounting portion provided between the curved flange portion and a bushing engagement flange portion provided at the second end for abutting the displaceable bushing for pivoting the curved flange portion outwards.

[0013] By the barrier according to this aspect, there is achieved an efficient and robust mechanical mounting of the barrier as the expansion of the wings inside a sewer pipe is simple and reliable. The wings can have a very simple design which is cost- 84916PC01

[0014] 3 expensive in manufacturing. It is also found advantageous that the vermin barrier according to the present disclosure allows for a more simple design using less material and easier in assembly. The vermin barriers are produced in different sizes since different sewage pipe diameters are used in sewage installations. By the present disclosure, it is therefore also advantageous that the support element including the mounting system can be produced as a standard component irrespective of pipe diameter, and only the support wings and the shutters need to be produced according to desired diameter size. It is furthermore advantageous that all the components can be stored and transported in a compact manner and the barrier irrespective of size can easily be assembled on site.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the wings are both detachably and pivotably mounted to the support element along each side of the base plate. This is found advantageous as the barrier can be stored and transported in a detached state whereby less storage space is required.

[0016] It is found advantageous that the wings are formed in a metal sheet. Hereby the wings can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process.

[0017] Preferably, along each side of the base plate there is provided at least a mounting hole on each side in the first end as well as the second end, and the wings are provided with engagement hooks at the pivotal mounting portions at the first and seconds ends of the wings for engaging said mounting holes. Hereby, the wings can be detachably mounted on the base plate without the use of tools enabling the installation operator to assemble the barrier on site after having measured or otherwise learned about the required diameter for the barrier.

[0018] In a preferred wing design for the detachable wings, the engagement hooks at the first and seconds ends of the wings are formed by wing sheet extensions that are perpendicularly bent at the pivotal mounting portions of said wings at the first and second ends thereof. Hereby, a simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the wings with the advantageous mounting features is achieved.

[0019] In the preferred embodiments of the barrier in this disclosure, the bushing engagement flange portions of the wings are formed as a tangential extension of 84916PC01

[0020] 4 the curved flange portion. Hereby a simple and efficient wing design may be achieved.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment, the bushing engagement flange portions of each of the wings are provided at the second end so that the engagement flange portions are extending from one base plate side, where the wing is pivotally mounted, to the opposite side of the base plate with the engagement flange portions having different positions relative to the second end. By extending the bushing engagement flange portions so that the cross each other, the bushing engagement flange portions function as levers forcing the cured portions of the wings outwards as the bushing engagement flange portions are engaged and forced downwards by the bushing of the mounting system.

[0022] Preferably, the mounting system in a barrier according to the present disclosure, is provided with a threated rod at the second end of the base plate and wherein the vertically displaceable bushing is threadedly engaged on said threated rod for the vertical displacement of said bushing and thereby enabling the provision of the repulsive force between the wings. The rod may be provided with a recess so that the mounting end of the rod is non-symmetrical in its cross-section and fits through a mounting aperture in the base plate with similar non-symmetrical shape. Hereby, the threaded rod can be mounted to the base plate by tightening a nut on the rod end that extends through said mounting aperture. This ensures that the mounting system can easily be mounted to the support element only using a spanner or even by hand.

[0023] In the preferred embodiments, the bushing engagement flange portion of at least one of the wings is provided with a stop, so that deformation of the wings is avoided when being extended outwards as the bushing is rotated downwards on the treated rod. Accordingly, in one preferred embodiment, the stop is a stop flange, which is preferably a triangular sheet folding at the distal end of said flange portion. This triangular sheet folding can easily be produced from the single metal sheet that the entire wing is formed in. Alternatively, the stop may be a tubular stop, which is provided around the foot of the treated rod with which the vertically displaceable bushing is threadedly engaged for the vertical displacement. 84916PC01

[0024] 5

[0025] In the preferred embodiment it is found advantageous that each of the components of the support element and the wings are individually displaceable. Hereby, a flexible and cost-effective maintenance and repair of the barrier can be achieved prolonging the service life of the barrier.

[0026] In the preferred embodiments, the barrier is provided with two shutters pivotably suspended from the support element. Preferably, the shutters are mounted so they can pivot in a predetermined direction and that the shutters can be remounted so that the pivot direction can be changed.

[0027] In the embodiments of the barrier, the support wings may be selectively provided with a curvature corresponding to the inner diameter of the sewage pipe. Wings with different curvature can easily be mounted on the support element according to the actual needs on an installation site.

[0028] In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling and installing a vermin barrier, said method comprising the steps of:

[0029] - providing a support element having a base plate with a first end and a second end;

[0030] - determining the sewage pipe inner diameter,

[0031] - mounting a pair of support wings on each side of the base plate, each of said wings being formed with a curved flange portion providing a first contact surface and a second contact surface, respectively, that are mutually displaceable and thereby applying a repulsive force between said wings by means of a vertically displaceable bushing which is provided on the second end of the base plate of the support element;

[0032] - mounting at least one shutter pivotably suspended from the support element; and then

[0033] - installing said assembled vermin barrier in a sewage pipe.

[0034] Advantageously, when the support wings are mounted on each side of the base plate and prior to installation, said wings may be clamped above said base plate, so that the wings are held in their retracted configuration, i.e. displaying the smallest diameter. This ensures that the wings can easily be entered into the 84916PC01

[0035] 6 sewer pipe for installation. Once installed, the clamp can easily be removed as the mounting system is engaged.

[0036] Other aspects in the present disclosure relate to a barrier for installation in a sewage pipe and for allowing a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first direction of the sewage pipe, the first direction being a downstream flow direction, and for preventing rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction being opposite to the first direction upon installation of the barrier in the sewage pipe, the second direction being an upstream flow direction, said barrier comprising:

[0037] - a support element having a first end and a second end and a base plate;

[0038] - a pipe section installable in the sewage pipe and provided at least at the first end of the support element;

[0039] - at least one shutter pivotably suspended from the support element, and wherein the barrier is arranged for being installed in the sewage pipe so that the at least one shutter prevents the vermin to pass in the upstream direction; wherein the pipe section is formed by two support wings said wings having a first contact surface and a second contact surface, respectively, that are mutually displaceable and thereby applying a repulsive force between said wings by means of a vertically displaceable bushing which is provided on the second end of said support element; wherein two elongated wing holding members are mounted mutually laterally displaceable on the support element and each elongated wing holding member being provided with a support wing mounted on the elongated wing holding members, and wherein each of said wing holding members are provided with a guide opening, and wherein the bushing is vertically displacing a bracket having inclined side flanges, and wherein said inclined flanges engage the wing holding members in their guide openings, so that the vertical displacement of the bracket causes a lateral displacement of the wing holding members either towards each other or away from each other.

[0040] By providing a vermin barrier according to the present disclosure where the support wings are laterally displaced rather than the hitherto known rocking or pivoting displacement of the support wings, i.e. their contact surfaces, the wings can have a more simple design which is less expensive in manufacturing. Instead 84916PC01

[0041] 7 of the pivoting wings known in the art, the vermin barrier according to the present disclosure allows for a more simple design using less material and easier in assembly. The vermin barriers are produced in different sizes since different sewage pipe diameters are used in sewage installations. By the present disclosure, it is therefore also advantageous that the support element can be produced as a standard component irrespective of pipe diameter, and only the support wings and the shutters need to be produced according to desired diameter size.

[0042] In the present disclosure the term lateral movement is meant a movement from side to side along a plane, i.e. a movement in a radial direction relative to the sewage pipe. The wing holding members may either pivot in said plane or move towards or away from each other in parallel in said plane.

[0043] Accordingly, in one series of embodiments of the barrier according to the disclosure, the wing holding members may be arranged on the support element for pivotal displacement by the vertical displacement of the bracket, whereby the first ends of the wing holding members are displaced in a first transverse direction substantially transverse to the flow direction and whereby the second ends of the wing holding members are displacing the support wings in a second transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the flow direction and that said second transverse direction is substantially opposite said first transverse direction.

[0044] Alternatively, in a second series of embodiments of the barrier according to the disclosure, the wing holding members may be arranged on the support element for parallel displacement by the vertical displacement of the bracket, whereby the support wings are displaced in parallel so that the first ends and the second ends of the wing holding members are displaced relative to each other and the support wings in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0045] In the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, the barrier is provided with two shutters pivotably suspended from the support element. The shutters may be provided with smooth and / or serrated edges. 84916PC01

[0046] 8

[0047] Preferably, the support wings are provided with a curvature corresponding to the inner diameter of the sewage pipe. Hereby, the support wings with their outer contact surfaces match the diameter of the pipe in which the barrier is to be installed. This ensures a uniform and firm contact between the barrier and the inner wall of the pipe and thereby secures a firm barrier installation.

[0048] It is by the disclosure realised that the support wings may be integrally formed in the elongated wing holding members. This may in some circumstances be a preferred embodiment. However, in some embodiments, the support wings may be mounted on the wing holding members. Hereby, the wings can be selected on site in accordance with the detected pipe diameter and easily be mounted on the wing holding members of the support element by the person responsible for the installation at the installation site. By enabling that the assembly of the vermin barrier can take place on the installation site, means that the person who are to install the barrier does not need to carry several barriers in different sizes with him but can bring with him a selection of wings in different sizes only. In a particular embodiment, the support wings are detachably mounted on the wing holding members. Hereby, the wings can be exchanged e.g. in relation to service, or the barrier can easily be assembled on the installation site. The wings may furthermore be identical so that the support wings can be used as both a righthand wing and a left-hand wing when the barrier is assembled.

[0049] The guide openings of the elongated wing holding members may be elongated and elongated in the same direction, and thereby essentially parallel with each other. The bracket is provided with a base portion with two inclined side flanges on each side thereof and the two inclined side flanges of the bracket may preferably be arranged for slidable engaging on the guide openings of the elongated wing holding members. Hereby, a simple but efficient lateral displacement of the wing holding members on the support element is achieved.

[0050] To cause the lateral displacement, in a first embodiment of the disclosure the inclination of the side flanges may be an acute angle relative to the base portion of said bracket, for instance as wherein said side flanges are inclined in an angle of 60-80°, for instance 70°, relative to the base portion of said bracket. Alternatively in a second embodiment, the inclination of the side flanges may be 84916PC01

[0051] 9 an obtuse angle relative to the base portion of said bracket, for instance wherein said side flanges are inclined in an angle of 120-140°, for instance 130°, relative to the base portion of said bracket. In both embodiments the inclined angle cause the lateral displacement.

[0052] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assembling and installing a vermin barrier in a sewage pipe and for allowing a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first direction of the sewage pipe, the first direction being a downstream flow direction, and for preventing rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction being opposite to the first direction upon installation of the barrier in the sewage pipe, said method comprising the steps of providing a support element with two elongated wing holding members that are mutually laterally displaceable and a mounting bushing for causing said displacement; determining the sewage pipe inner diameter, mounting a pair of support wings on said two elongated wing holding members the support element in accordance with the determined inner diameter; mounting at least one shutter pivotably suspended from the support element; and when having performed said above steps, then installing said assembled vermin barrier in a sewage pipe.

[0053] The steps of the method may be performed in any feasible order. Accordingly, the step of determining the pipe inner diameter may be performed either before or after the provision of the support element and / or before or after the step of mounting the shutter or shutters on the support element. The step of mounting the support wings can only be performed after the determination of the sewage pipe inner diameter.

[0054] The method according to this second aspect of the disclosure is advantageous since the entire method may be performed on site for the installation of the vermin barrier.

[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In the following, the invention is described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 84916PC01

[0057] 10

[0058] Fig. 1 is a perspective front top view of a barrier according to a first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0059] Fig. 2 is a perspective rear top view of the barrier according to said first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0060] Fig. 3 is a perspective front bottom view of a barrier according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0061] Fig. 4 is a perspective rear bottom view of a barrier according to the first embodiment of the disclosure;

[0062] Fig. 5 is a side view of the barrier according to the first embodiment;

[0063] Fig. 6 is a top view of same, and

[0064] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of section D-D of fig. 5;

[0065] Fig. 8 is a perspective front top view of a barrier according to a second embodiment of the disclosure;

[0066] Fig. 9 is a perspective rear top view of the barrier according to said second embodiment of the disclosure;

[0067] Fig. 10 is a perspective front bottom view of a barrier according to said second embodiment of the disclosure;

[0068] Fig. 11 is a perspective rear bottom view of a barrier according to the second embodiment of the disclosure;

[0069] Fig. 12 is a side view of the barrier according to the second embodiment;

[0070] Fig. 13 is a top view of same, and

[0071] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of section A-A of fig. 12;

[0072] Fig. 15 a) to d) are perspective views of a third embodiment of a vermin barrier according to the present disclosure;

[0073] Fig. 16 is a side view thereof;

[0074] Fig. 17 is an end view of same;

[0075] Fig. 18 is a rear perspective view of the third embodiment of a vermin barrier in an inactive position;

[0076] Fig. 19 is a rear perspective view of the third embodiment of a vermin barrier in an active position;

[0077] Fig. 20 is a front perspective view of the third embodiment of a vermin barrier;

[0078] Fig. 21 is a top view of a base plate according to an embodiment of a vermin barrier of the present disclosure; 84916PC01

[0079] 11

[0080] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a wing for a vermin barrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] Fig. 23 is a bottom perspective view of a vermin barrier according to the present disclosure during assembly;

[0082] Fig. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the vermin barrier of fig. 23 with the mounting tube firmly fixed to the support element;

[0083] Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrier according to this third embodiment;

[0084] Fig. 26 a side view of a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0085] Fig. 27 is an end view of same; and

[0086] Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of the barrier according to this fourth embodiment.

[0087] With reference to the figures, there are shown some embodiments of a vermin barrier 1 for installation in a sewage pipe (not shown). The barrier 1 when installed in a pipe allows for a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first flow direction of the sewage pipe and prevents rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction. The barrier 1 comprises a support element 2 having a first end 2a and a second end 2b and a base plate 2c. At the first end 2a of the support element 2 there is provided a pipe section 3. On the underside of the support element 2 there are mounted two shutters 4 pivotably suspended from the support element 2.

[0088] With reference to figures 1-14, The barrier is furthermore provided with two support wings 31, 32 at the pipe section 3. The support wings 31, 32 are mounted on two elongated wing holding members 21, 22 that are mounted mutually laterally displaceable on the base plate 2c of the support element 2. These support wings 31, 32 having a first contact surface and a second contact surface, respectively, that are mutually displaceable and thereby applies a repulsive force between said wings 31, 32 in response to a vertically displaceable bushing of the mounting system 6, which is provided on the second end 2b of said support element 2. The support wings 31, 32 may be provided with a curvature, which is preferably semi-circular in shape with a diameter corresponding to the inner 84916PC01

[0089] 12 diameter of the sewage pipe. The support wings 31, 32 are at least larger than half of the radius of the pipe in which the barrier is to be mounted.

[0090] On the upper side of the support element 2 the mounting system 6 is provided and a stop 7 is provided in front of the mounting system 6 so that there is a clear indicator that the barrier 1 is inserted correctly in the pipe section 3. Hereby, the barrier 1 can be lowered into a sewage shaft and the pipe section 3 can be inserted into a sewage pipe and inserted so far as the stop 7 before the barrier is then clamped into the sewage pipe by operating the mounting system 6. As the support wings 31, 32 of the pipe section 3 are forced laterally outwards towards inner wall of the sewage pipe of the sewage pipe system, the barrier thereby becomes fixedly clamped in the pipe. The lateral movement of the elongated wing holding members 21, 22 and thereby also the support wings 31, 32 is indicated in figures 6 and 7 and also in figures 13 and 14 by the arrow L.

[0091] The support wings 31, 32 are mounted on the first ends of the elongated wing holding members 21, 22, and each of said wing holding members 21, 22 are provided with a guide opening 21a, 22a at their second ends. The bushing of the mounting system 6 is adapted for vertically displacing a bracket 5 having inclined side flanges 51, 52 between a bracket base portion 53. These inclined flanges 51, 52 engage the wing holding members 21, 22 in their guide openings 21a, 22a, so that the vertical displacement of the bracket 5 causes a lateral displacement of the wing holding members 21, 22 either towards each other or away from each other.

[0092] In figures 1 to 7 there is shown a first embodiment of a vermin barrier according to the disclosure, wherein the wing holding members 21, 22 are arranged on the support element 2 for parallel displacement by the vertical displacement of the bracket 5. The wing holding members 21, 22 are displaced in parallel so that the first ends and the second ends of the wing holding members 21, 22 are displaced relative to each other and thereby the support wings 31, 32 are displaced in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0093] The inclined flanges 51, 52 engage the wing holding members 21, 22 in their guide openings 21a, 22a at the second end 2b of the barrier 1. The guide 84916PC01

[0094] 13 openings 21a, 22a are preferably elongated and sized such that the bracket flanges 51, 52 fit loosely therein. The wing holding members 21, 22 are provided with a guide tab 21t extending into associated guide holes 2cl in the base plate 2c of the support element 2. This guide tab 21t and guide hole 2cl arrangement may be provided at the central portion and also at the first end 2a of the wing holding members 21, 22.

[0095] With reference to figures 1-7, the pipe section 3 is made up by the support wings 31, 32 and the support wings 31, 32 are preferably detachable from the wing holding members 21, 22. The support wings 31, 32 are provided with mounting holes in which fastening members 33 are inserted for fixing the wings 31, 32 to the wing holding members 21, 22. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the mounting holes are positioned symmetrical on the wings 31, 32 and positioned identically in both wings, making the two wings 31, 32 identical in shape. Hereby, the wings 31, 32 need not be manufactured as a right-hand wing or a left-hand wing. The fastening members 33 may be rivets, screws or the like.

[0096] In another embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in figs 8-14, the wings 31, 32 may be integrally formed on the wing holding members 21, 22.

[0097] The inclined flanges 51, 52 may be an acute angle relative to the base portion 53, as shown in figs. 1-7 or an obtuse angle as shown in figs. 8-14.

[0098] In the embodiment of fig. 1-7, the guide openings 21a, 22a are elongated and sized such that the bracket flanges 51, 52 fit loosely therein. In another embodiment of fig. 8-14, the bracket flanges 51, 52 are shorter and the guide openings 21a, 22a are more square in shape, but nevertheless sized such that the bracket flanges 51, 52 fit loosely therein.

[0099] With reference to figures 8 to 14, the wing holding members 21, 22 are arranged on the support element 2 for pivotal displacement by the vertical displacement of the bracket 5. Like in the first series of embodiments (see figs. 1-7) the first ends of the wing holding members 21, 22 are displaced in a first transverse direction substantially transverse to the flow direction. The wing holding members 21, 22 are pivotally mounted to the base plate 2c of the support element 2 by pivot 84916PC01

[0100] 14 members 23 in the central portion of eh support member 2. As the wing holding members 21, 22 pivot in the lateral direction the second ends of the wing holding members 21, 22 are displacing the support wings 31, 32 in a second transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the flow direction and that said second transverse direction is substantially opposite said first transverse direction. Hereby, there is applied a repulsive force between said wings 31, 32 by means of the vertically displaceable bushing of the mounting system 6, whereby the second ends of the wing holding members are drawn together by a lowering of the bracket 5 and the wing holding members 21, 22 pivot resulting in the extension of the distance between the first ends of the wing holding members 21, 22. This causes the support wings 31, 32 being moved from a collapsed position to an expanded state of the barrier.

[0101] Irrespective of whether the wing holding members are displaced in parallel (figs. 1-7) or being pivoted (figs. 8-14), the collapsed configuration is the configuration during which the barrier is intended for being installed in the sewage pipe system. The expanded configuration is the configuration after which the barrier has been installed in the sewage pipe system.

[0102] In the expanded state, the support wings 31, 32 may constitute relatively larger exterior dimensions of a pipe section 34 of the barrier. The configuration where the contact surfaces of the support wings 31, 32 may constitute the larger exterior dimensions of the pipe section 3 of the barrier is the configuration, as mentioned above, where the barrier has been installed in the sewage pipe system and is the configuration, where the barrier during use as a barrier. Hereby, the support wings are forced against the inner side of the pipe and created enough friction so that the barrier becomes securely clamped and thereby fixed in the pipe.

[0103] In figures 15a-15d a vermin barrier according to a preferred embodiment of the disclosure is shown from different perspectives. In the figures 15a-15d, the vermin barrier 1 for installation in a sewage pipe (not shown). The barrier 1 when installed in a pipe allows for a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first flow direction of the sewage pipe and prevents rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second flow direction opposite to the first 84916PC01

[0104] 15 flow direction. The barrier 1 comprises a support element 2 having a first end 2a and a second end 2b and a base plate 2c. At the first end 2a of the support element 2 there is provided a pipe section 3. On the underside of the support element 2 there are mounted two shutters 4 pivotably suspended from the support element 2. The pipe section 3 of the barrier is made up of two support wings 31, 32. The support wings 31, 32 are pivotably mounted on the base plate 2c of the support element 2. These support wings 31, 32 having a first contact surface and a second contact surface, respectively, that are mutually displaceable and thereby applies a repulsive force between said wings 31, 32 in response to a vertically displaceable bushing of the mounting system 6, which is provided on the second end 2b of said support element 2. With reference also to figures 16-20 and fig. 22, the support wings 31, 32 are formed with a pivotal mounting portions 31m, 32m provided between the curved flange portions 31c, 32c and a bushing engagement flange portion 31f, 32f provided at the second end 2b for abutting the displaceable bushing 64 for pivoting the curved flange portions 31c, 32c outwards.

[0105] The curved flange portions 31c, 32c are provided with a curvature, which is preferably semi-circular in shape with a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the sewage pipe. The curved flange portions 31c, 32c of support wings 31, 32 are at least larger than half of the radius of the pipe in which the barrier is to be mounted.

[0106] The support element 2 of the barrier is provided with a mounting system 6. The mounting system comprises a rotatable pipe 61, which is secured to a bushing 64, which is threadedly engaged on a threaded rod 62 (see figures 17-20 and figures 23-25). The threated rod 62 is provided at the second end 2b of the base plate 2c and the vertically displaceable bushing 64 is threadedly engaged on said threated rod 62 for the vertical displacement of said bushing 64 and thereby enabling the provision of the repulsive force between the wings 31, 32. Preferably a washer 63 is provided between the bushing 64 and the engagement flanges 31f, 32f. The engagement flanges 31f, 32f advantageously extend onto the other side of the barrier and thereby crosses each other. Hereby a longer distance from the pivot point of the wings 31, 32 to the engagement point on the underside of the 84916PC01

[0107] 16 bushing 64 (or washer 63) is achieved and the required repulsion force is easier achievable.

[0108] The rotation of the bushing 64 is achieved by rotating the pipe 61, which is connected to the bushing 64. The pipe 61 is provided with openings 61b so that a gripping tool (not shown) on the end of a shaft (not shown) can be attached to the pipe 61 so that a rotation of said shaft is transferred to the pipe 61 and thereby also transferred to the bushing 61b.

[0109] At least one of the bushing engagement flange portion 31f, 32f of the wings 31, 32 is provided with a stop 31s. The stop 31s is a stop flange, which is preferably a triangular sheet folding at the distal end of said flange portion 31f at the second end 2b. This stop flange 31s abuts the upper surface of the base plate 2c when the bushing 63 is lowered sufficiently. Once the stop flange 31s abut this upper surface of the base plate 2c, the further lateral expansion of the wings 31, 32 is prevented and the barrier is clamped and thereby firmly mounted in the sewer pipe.

[0110] In fig. 21 a top view of the base plate 2c of the support element 2 is shown. The barrier stop 7 is folded out of the plane. In the first end 2a, taps 202 are formed at the end of the plate 2c on each of the sides of the plate 2c for engaging with the wings 31, 32 (see figures 15-21). At the second end 2b on each side of the base plate 2c there is formed an aperture 201 and a notch 204 is formed on the side edge of the base plate 2c leaving a hinge pin 203 between the notch 203 and the aperture 203, so that this hinge pin 203 can be accommodated in the correspondingly formed hinge receipt opening 31h2 in the second end 2b of the wing (see fig. 22) as the wing is mounted via the narrow opening 31h3 of the folded section of the mounting portion 31m. Before the wing 31 is hooked onto the hinge pin 203 at the second end 2b, the tap 202 is positioned into the hinge receipt hole 31hl which is formed on the folded section of the mounting portion 31m at the first end 2a (see also fig. 22). The wings 31, 32 are assembled with the base plate 2c and thereby to the support element 2 and shown in the assembled positions in figs. 15-20. 84916PC01

[0111] 17

[0112] As shown in fig. 21, the base plate 2c is also provided with a mounting hole 66, which is formed as a circular section with a flat end so that its form corresponds with the end 62a of the threated rod 62 at the second end 2b of the base plate 2c (see also figures 23 and 24). On this threated rod 62 the vertically displaceable bushing 64 is threadedly engaged on said threated rod 62 for the vertical displacement of said bushing 64 and the washer 63 (or washers 63 - see e.g. fig. 25) and thereby enabling the provision of the repulsive force between the wings 31, 32. In the shown embodiments, the rod 62 is provided with a recess 62r so that the mounting end 62a of the rod 62 is non-symmetrical in its cross-section and fits through the mounting aperture 66 in the base plate 2c with similar non- symmetrical shape. Hereby, the threaded rod 62 and thereby the mounting system 6 is fitted to the support element 2 by mounting the threaded rod 62 to the base plate 2c by tightening a nut 67 on the rod end 62a that extends through said mounting aperture 66 of the base plate 2c (see fig. 24). This ensures that the mounting system can easily be mounted to the support element only using a spanner or even by hand.

[0113] In fig. 25, a cross-sectional view of the assembled barrier is shown along the longitudinal direction of the barrier and showing the details of the assembly of the threaded rod 62 and the base plate 2c may be achieved.

[0114] In figures 26-28, an embodiment of the barrier is shown, where the stop is provided by a tube piece 69 which is provided around the threaded rod 62. The barrier shown in figs. 26-28 may be provided with wings 31, 32 having no stop triangular flange as an alternative to the embodiment shown in figures 15-20, fig. 22 and fig. 25. The stop tube 69 has an inner diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the threated rod 62but smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe 61.

[0115] In all the embodiments of the vermin barrier, it is found advantageous that all the components of the barrier may be produced in a steel material that the rat cannot gnaw on, for example acid-resistant stainless steel AISI 316. All welded joints may be stained after the joint has been sealed so that the welds are protected from corrosion. Hereby, the barrier is ensured a long service life. 84916PC01

[0116] 18

[0117] In general, when directional terms like "upper" and "lower" or similar directional references are used in the present disclosure, these terms are meant to be understood as relative terms e.g. where the term "upper" refers to a direction essentially opposite to the "lower", but it is realised that the planar assembly when in use can be positioned with any orientation.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.

[0119] Above, the invention is described with reference to some currently preferred embodiments. By the invention it is realised that many of the above mentioned different embodiments may be combined in other manners than the embodiments shown in the figures without departing from the scope of the invention as it is defined by the accompanying claims.

[0120] In the disclosure various combination of the following items are also provided:

[0121] 1. A barrier for installation in a sewage pipe and for allowing a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first direction of the sewage pipe, the first direction being a downstream flow direction, and for preventing rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction being opposite to the first direction upon installation of the barrier in the sewage pipe, the second direction being an upstream flow direction, said barrier comprising:

[0122] - a support element having a first end and a second end and a base plate; 84916PC01

[0123] 19

[0124] - a pipe section installable in the sewage pipe and provided at least at the first end of the support element;

[0125] - at least one shutter pivotably suspended from the support element, and wherein the barrier is arranged for being installed in the sewage pipe so that the at least one shutter prevents the vermin to pass in the upstream direction; wherein the pipe section is formed by two support wings said wings having a first contact surface and a second contact surface, respectively, that are mutually displaceable and thereby applying a repulsive force between said wings by means of a vertically displaceable bushing which is provided on the second end of said support element; and wherein two elongated wing holding members are mounted mutually laterally displaceable on the support element and each elongated wing holding member being provided with a support wing mounted on the elongated wing holding members, and wherein each of said wing holding members are provided with a guide opening, and wherein the bushing is vertically displacing a bracket having inclined side flanges, and wherein said inclined flanges engage the wing holding members in their guide openings, so that the vertical displacement of the bracket causes a lateral displacement of the wing holding members either towards each other or away from each other.

[0126] 2. A barrier according to item 1, wherein the two elongated wing holding members have the support wing mounted on a first end of said elongated wing holding members, and wherein each of said wing holding members are provided with the guide opening at their second ends.

[0127] 3. A barrier according to item 1 or 2, wherein the wing holding members are arranged on the support element for pivotal displacement by the vertical displacement of the bracket, whereby the first ends of the wing holding members are displaced in a first transverse direction substantially transverse to the flow direction and whereby the second ends of the wing holding members are displacing the support wings in a second transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the flow direction and that said second transverse direction is substantially opposite said first transverse direction. 84916PC01

[0128] 20

[0129] 4. A barrier according to any of the preceding items, wherein the wing holding members are arranged on the support element for parallel displacement by the vertical displacement of the bracket, whereby the support wings are displaced in parallel so that the first ends and the second ends of the wing holding members are displaced relative to each other and the support wings in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0130] 5. A barrier according to any of the preceding items, wherein the barrier is provided with two shutters pivotably suspended from the support element.

[0131] 6. A barrier according to any of the preceding items, wherein the support wings are provided with a curvature corresponding to the inner diameter of the sewage pipe.

[0132] 7. A barrier according to any of the preceding items, wherein the support wings are integrally formed in the elongated wing holding members.

[0133] 8. A barrier according to any of items 1 to 6, wherein the support wings are mounted on the wing holding members.

[0134] 9. A barrier according to item 8, wherein the support wings are detachably mounted on the wing holding members.

[0135] 10. A barrier according to any of the preceding items, wherein the guide openings of the elongated wing holding members are elongated and elongated in the same direction, and thereby essentially parallel with each other.

[0136] 11. A barrier according to any of the preceding items, wherein the bracket is provided with a base portion with two inclined side flanges on each side thereof.

[0137] 12. A barrier according to any of the preceding items, wherein the two inclined side flanges of the bracket are arranged for slidable engaging on the guide openings of the elongated wing holding members. 84916PC01

[0138] 21

[0139] 13. A barrier according to any of the preceding items, wherein the inclination of the side flanges is an acute angle relative to the base portion of said bracket.

[0140] 14. A barrier according to item 13, wherein said side flanges are inclined in an angle of 60-80°, for instance 70°, relative to the base portion of said bracket.

[0141] 15. A barrier according to any of items 1 to 12, wherein the inclination of the side flanges is an obtuse angle relative to the base portion of said bracket.

[0142] 16. A barrier according to item 15, wherein said side flanges are inclined in an angle of 120-140°, for instance 130°, relative to the base portion of said bracket.

[0143] 17. A method of assembling and installing a vermin barrier in a sewage pipe and for allowing a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first direction of the sewage pipe, the first direction being a downstream flow direction, and for preventing rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction being opposite to the first direction upon installation of the barrier in the sewage pipe, said method comprising the steps of:

[0144] - providing a support element with two elongated wing holding members that are mutually laterally displaceable and a mounting bushing for causing said displacement;

[0145] - determining the sewage pipe inner diameter,

[0146] - mounting a pair of support wings on said two elongated wing holding members the support element;

[0147] - mounting at least one shutter pivotably suspended from the support element; and then installing said assembled vermin barrier in a sewage pipe.

[0148] 18. A method according to item 17, wherein the assembled vermin barrier is according to any one of the items 1-16.

Claims

84916PC0122CLAIMS1. A barrier for installation in a sewage pipe and for allowing a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first direction of the sewage pipe, the first direction being a downstream flow direction, and for preventing rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction being opposite to the first direction upon installation of the barrier in the sewage pipe, the second direction being an upstream flow direction, said barrier comprising:- a support element (2) having a base plate (2c) with a first end (2a) and a second end (2b) and a first plate side and a second plate side;- a pipe section (3) for installation in the sewage pipe, wherein the pipe section (3) is formed by a support wing (31, 32) on each plate side of the base plate (2c), each of said wings (31, 32) being formed with a curved flange portion (31c, 32c) providing a first contact surface and a second contact surface, respectively, that are mutually displaceable and thereby applying a repulsive force between said wings (31, 32) by means of a vertically displaceable bushing (64) which is provided on the second end (2b) of the base plate (2c);- at least one shutter (4) pivotably suspended from the support element (2), and wherein the barrier is arranged for being installed in the sewage pipe so that the at least one shutter (4) prevents the vermin to pass in the upstream direction; wherein the wings (31, 32) are pivotably mounted to the support element (2) along each side of the base plate, characterised in that each of said wings (31, 32) are formed with a pivotal mounting portion (31m, 32m) provided between the curved flange portion (31c, 32c) and a bushing engagement flange portion (31f, 32f) provided at the second end (2b) for abutting the displaceable bushing (64) for pivoting the curved flange portion (31c, 32c) outwards.

2. A barrier according to claim 1, wherein the wings (31, 32) are both detachably and pivotably mounted to the support element (2) along each side of the base plate (2c).84916PC01233. A barrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wings (31, 32) are formed in a metal sheet.

4. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein along each side of the base plate (2c) there is provided at least a mounting hole on each side in the first end as well as the second end, and the wings (31, 32) are provided with engagement hooks at the pivotal mounting portions at the first and seconds ends of the wings for engaging said mounting holes.

5. A barrier according to claim 4, wherein the engagement hooks at the first and seconds ends of the wings (31, 32) are formed by wing sheet extensions that are perpendicularly bent at the pivotal mounting portions of said wings at the first and second ends thereof.

6. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bushing engagement flange portion of the wings (31, 32) is formed as a tangential extension of the curved flange portion.

7. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bushing engagement flange portions of each of the wings (31, 32) are provided at the second end so that the engagement flange portions (31f, 32f) are extending from one base plate side, where the wing (31, 32) is pivotally mounted, to the opposite side of the base plate with the engagement flange portions (31f, 32f) having different positions relative to the second end (2b).

8. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a threated rod (61) is provided at the second end (2b) of the base plate (2c) and wherein the vertically displaceable bushing (64) is threadedly engaged on said threated rod (61) for the vertical displacement of said bushing (61) and thereby enabling the provision of the repulsive force between the wings (31, 32).

9. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bushing engagement flange portion of at least one of the wings (31, 32) is provided with a stop.84916PC012410. A barrier according to claim 9, wherein the stop is a stop flange, which is preferably a triangular sheet folding at the distal end of said flange portion.

11. A barrier according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the stop is a tubular stop, which is provided around the foot of the treated rod with which the vertically displaceable bushing is threadedly engaged for the vertical displacement.

12. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the components of the support element and the wings are individually displaceable.

13. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier is provided with two shutters pivotably suspended from the support element.

14. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support wings (31, 32) are provided with a curvature corresponding to the inner diameter of the sewage pipe.

15. A method of assembling and installing a vermin barrier according to any one of the claims 1-14, said method comprising the steps of:- providing a support element having a base plate with a first end and a second end;- determining the sewage pipe inner diameter,- mounting a pair of support wings (31, 32) on each side of the base plate, each of said wings (31, 32) being formed with a curved flange portion providing a first contact surface and a second contact surface, respectively, that are mutually displaceable and thereby applying a repulsive force between said wings by means of a vertically displaceable bushing which is provided on the second end of the base plate of the support element;- mounting at least one shutter pivotably suspended from the support element; and then- installing said assembled vermin barrier in a sewage pipe.

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