GB2569280A - In-ground power distribution unit - Google Patents

Abstract

An in-ground power distribution unit 2 is fixed at the vertex of an L-shaped frame 10, which is pivotable about a ground recess from a first orientation wherein a first arm 12 of the frame lies planar with the ground such that the unit lies hidden within the recess, to a second orientation wherein a second arm 14 of the frame lies planar with the ground such that the unit stands upwardly from the ground. The outer surface of the first arm preferably faces upward from the ground in the first orientation, and preferably includes a lid plate which may comprise a bezel (30, Figure 3) surrounding an infill plate (32, Figure 3). The inside surface of the second arm preferably faces upward in the second orientation. The second arm may include a tread plate, and a channelled recess (38, Figure 6) which preferably provides a drainage channel to direct water away from the recess.

Description

In-ground power distribution unit

The present invention relates to an in-ground power distribution unit. More especially the invention relates to an in-ground unit that offers easy installation with multiple options for side-entry connection for both power and positive drainage systems.

Background to the invention

Ground mounted power assemblies are designed to provide power to outdoor locations such as, for example, outdoor markets, car parks, precincts, airfields and aircraft hangars. They generally comprise standard duty or heavy duty enclosures, fitted with a range of lid arrangements and socket outlet options with integral protection.

In-ground power distribution units are known. Such units are locatable in ground recesses. The recess is opened through lifting a cover in the ground to allow access to the unit and to lift the unit out of the recess to provide power sockets to the area when required. Once the unit is erected the cover is placed back over the recess for security. When not required the units are folded away discreetly and secured in-ground with a lock and key fastening.

One issue with known in-ground systems is that they require a recess of fairly significant depth to house the unit. Also, surface water often drains directly into the recess. Another issue concerns installation and subsequent use of the units. The need to remove the cover and then replace it once the unit is erected can be quite cumbersome and time consuming and can lead to significant periods of time when the box pit recess is exposed. This can provide a serious security hazard, particularly if the lid is not replaced correctly. Moreover, an exposed pit area can attract litter or deposits of unwanted items.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved inground power distribution unit assembly that does not suffer from the aforementioned disadvantages of known unit systems .

In particular the invention seeks to provide a single unit assembly shaped and designed to maintain security at all times by not requiring an independently removable cover.

The invention also seeks to provide a unit that is suitable for shallow depth recesses.

Further, the invention seeks to provide a unit system that incorporates drainage channels to direct surface water away from the box pit recess and to the edges thereof.

Statement of invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an in-ground power distribution unit fixed at the vertex of an L-shaped frame pivotable about a ground recess from a first orientation wherein the first arm of the frame lies planar with the ground such that the unit lies hidden within the recess, to a second orientation wherein the second arm of the frame lies planar with the ground such that the unit stands upwardly from the ground.

Preferably the first arm of the frame provides a base platform on to which the unit is secured.

Preferably the second arm of the frame takes the form of, or includes, a tread plate.

Preferably, in the first orientation the outer surface of the first arm faces upwardly from the ground.

Preferably, in the second orientation, the inside surface of the second arm faces upwardly from the ground.

Preferably, the unit is secured lengthways across the inside surface of the platform of the first arm.

Preferably the outer surface of the platform of the first arm includes a lid plate.

Preferably the lid plate comprises a bezel extending around its circumference and surrounding an infill plate.

Preferably the plate of the second arm includes a channelled recess along at least one of its edges.

Preferably, the recess provides a drainage channel to direct water away from the ground recess.

Brief description of the drawings

One embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 is side view of a power distribution unit assembly constructed in accordance with the invention shown in the open position;

Figure 2 is a front view of the assembly of figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the assembly of figures 1 and 2 in the closed position;

Figure 4 is side view of the assembly of figure 3 taken from the opposite side;

Figure 5 is a rear view of the assembly of figures 3 and 4;

Figure 6 illustrates the assembly in a vertical orientation within the ground during use;

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of shallow fill drainage system incorporating the assembly;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment showing a deep lid recess; and

Figure 9 shows the pivoting movement of the assembly of figure 8 during use.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

An in-ground power distribution unit assembly will now be described. The unit itself is just one example and style of a power distribution unit suitable for incorporation into, or use with, such an assembly. The unit itself could take any other suitable form, arrangement or design that fits within the overall framework of the assembly.

Referring first to figure 1, the assembly comprises a power distribution unit 2 that generally comprises a number of electrical sockets 4 securely mounted and protected within a rugged ethylene-prophenediene-monomer (EPDM) enclosure 6 that is resistant to ageing, temperature, oil and acid and preferably has a 99 Shore Hardness Rating. The enclosure could be made of any other suitable material with the required characteristics for outdoor use in industrial applications, often public in locations .

The box .	enclosure 6	generally	takes the form	of a	rectangular
The	electronic	components	of the power	unit	are housed

behind a protective device window 8, visible in figure 2.

The enclosure 6 is located within the vertex of an Lshaped frame 10 made form stainless steel or similarly strong or rugged material.

The first arm of the frame 10 provides a first platform forming a lid section 12. The second arm of the frame 10 provides a second platform forming a tread plate section 14 .

The back of the enclosure 6 is secured to a lid tray 16 that is, in turn, secured to the underside of the lid section 12 such that the length of the enclosure 6 is secured to the inside surface of the lid section 12. By inside surface it is meant the surface that faces inwardly towards the tread plate section 14.

The bottom of the enclosure 6 is secured to a plinth 15 that is, in turn, secured to the inside surface of the tread plate section 14 of the frame 10.

In use, the assembly is installed into a recess (pit box) in the ground. The frame 10 is pivotable about a shaft 18 in the corner of the lid section 12 from a first position, as best shown figures 3 to 5, whereby the lid section 12 lies planar with the ground at which time the tread plate section 14 extends vertically into the recess and the front of the enclosure 6 faces directly down towards the floor of the recess; to a second position, as shown in figure 1, whereby the tread plate section 14 lies planar with the ground covering the pit box recess, and the lid section 12 extends vertically upwards from the ground such that the enclosure 6 sits upright ready for use.

Pivotal movement of the frame 6 is initiated by a release latch assembly 20 incorporated within the tread plate section 14, through manually releasing a lever handle 22.

The assembly is lockable in its closed (first) position to prevent access to the power unit 2 through a modular failsafe flush mount lock 24 incorporated within the lid tray 16. Similarly, the assembly is lockable in its open (second) position to prevent accidental or un-authorised closing of the assembly.

The lock 24 is accessible through an aperture 26 in the lid section 12 using a specialist key 28.

The power distribution unit 2 is made available for use through a simple one step process during which the single structure of the frame 10 ensures that the pit box recess is automatically covered at the end of the pivoting process. No further step is required to ensure that the pit box area is protected and secure during the entire process .

This avoids risks of an accident or litter accumulating in the pit box void.

Similarly, the power distribution unit 2 can be easily stored securely away when use is no longer required using the same simple step process in reverse, again, during which time the pit box area remains protected and secure.

To close the assembly the lever handle is 22 is manually activated the to release the latch assembly 20 to gently close the assembly to an ajar position at which point the tread plate section 14 provides a surface for an authorised user to tread on thereby to apply a gentle downward force to complete closure and lock the assembly shut.

The orientation of the enclosure 6 in the second stored position is such that the assembly can be used in shallow depth pit box recesses as the minimum depth is not restricted by the height of the enclosure 6.

Referring now to figure 3, the outside surface of the lid section 12 of the frame 10 has a bezel 30 around the perimeter surrounding an infill plate 32. The infill plate 32 may have a pattern engraved in its surface (as for example shown in the figures) to match the surrounding pavement. The plate 30 may alternatively or additionally have a textured surface to provide added grip. The pivotal force of the lid section 12 may be assisted using an infill plate of a selected weight.

A further drip bezel 34 is provided along at least one side of the lid 12 to direct rain water down that side of the lid section 12 and away from the assembly.

The edge of the lid tray 16 at the vertex of the lid section 12 and the tread plate section 14 extends to an angled upstand 36 to aid pivotal movement of the assembly.

Figure 6 shows the assembly installed into the ground in the second position allowing access to the power distribution unit 2. As can be seen, the inside surface of the tread plate section 14 lies flush with the ground. A channelled recess 38 is provided along the perimeter of the side edges of the tread plate 14. The channelled recess 38 provides a drainage channel and directs water away and to the sides of the pit box recess, thereby avoiding the recess from filling with water.

As can be seen in figure 7, the drainage channels 38 can be used to capture the water and direct its flow into the underground drainage system 40 if available.

Figure 9 shows the lid section 42 of an alternative unit embodiment. The illustration shows the unit in the first close/stored position. The lid 42 is provided with a deep recess 44 of, for example, 75mm. The provision of a deeper recess reduces the need to cut paving infill and therefore reduces installation time of the assembly.

Figure 9 shows the pivotal movement of the assembly during use. The pivotal force of the lid section 42 may be assisted using selected infill media of weight. Examples of infill media would example without limitation, astro-turf or sets .

a particular include, for granite cobble

Claims (10)

1. An in-ground power distribution unit fixed at the vertex of an L-shaped frame pivotable about a ground

5 recess from a first orientation wherein a first arm of the frame lies planar with the ground such that the unit lies hidden within the recess, to a second orientation wherein a second arm of the frame lies planar with the ground such that the unit stands 10 upwardly from the ground.

2. A unit according to claim 1, wherein the first arm of the frame provides a base platform on to which the unit is secured.

3. A unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the

second arm of the frame takes the form of, or includes , a tread plate. 20

4 . A unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the first orientation the outer surface

of the first arm faces upwardly from the ground.

5. A unit according to claim 4, wherein, in the second

25 orientation, the inside surface of the second arm faces upwardly from the ground.

6. A unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the unit is secured lengthways across the inside

30 surface of the platform of the first arm.

7. A unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer surface of the platform of the first arm includes a lid plate.

8. A unit according to claim 7, wherein lid plate comprises a bezel extending around its circumference and surrounding an infill plate.

5

9. A unit according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the plate of the second arm includes a channelled recess along at least one of its edges.

10. A unit according to claim 9, wherein the recess

10 provides a drainage channel to direct water away from the ground recess.

31 10 18