This invention relates to a barrier device for a water reticulation component and in particular to a barrier device for preventing or reducing the risk of a water reticulation component being covered with soil or debris or being subject to insect or vermin infestation. The present invention has particular application to in-ground fire hydrants also known as "fire-plugs" however the present invention also has application to other in-ground water reticulation components such as in-ground stop valves, water meters and to other applications where conduits carry fluids below ground. The present invention also relates to an improved water reticulation component installation.

Background Art

In-ground fire hydrants are commonly provided at suitable locations for use typically by firefighters where access to a high volume flow of water i$ required in emergency situations for example in the case of a fire. Fire hydrants of this type can however also be used for other applications to provide a high volume water source. Usually, the in-ground hydrant is secured to an upright riser or conduit connected to a water mains typically by means of bolting a flange on the hydrant to a mating flange on the riser and the hydrant is surrounded by a vertical pipe or hollow housing or shroud set within the ground and extending from the ground level downwardly below the hydrant The upper end of the pipe or housing is covered with a closure flap which is hingedly mounted to a surround around the upper end of the pipe, the flap normally closing the pipe or housing and thus access to the hydrant but being capable of being hinged upwardly to provide access to the interior of the housing and the hydrant located therein so that for example, a firefighter can connect a fire hose to the hydrant within the housing.

In order for the firefighter to perform this operation it is important that the hydrant be readily accessible once the flap is lifted. It is common however for many hydrant pipes or housings of the type described to fill up with soil and debris over time which in some circumstances is caused by insect infestations such as ant infestations which can cause the hydrant to become covered with soil. For example, in an Internet news item entitled "Garage Fire at Highton" dated 20 October 2008, and retrieved from the- website http://www.cfaconnect.net au/ on 8 July 2009, it is explained that upon attending a house fire "A firefighter's attempts to use the closest fire-plug unearthed a plug filled with dirt and a bull ant nest - the 'occup-anis' of which did not appreciate the early morning wake-up call. Thankfully the firefighter was wearing the appropriate PPC/PPE and avoided being bitten by the angry ants. " ,

Clearly then, it will be realized that the filling or covering of fire-plugs with soil and debris presents an obstacle that interferes with the firefighters' prompt connection of the fire hose to the hydrant.

In order to address the above problem, attempts have been made in the past to ensure that the flap makes a good seal with the pipe or housing so that soil, debris and in some cases insects, are prevented from falling or obtaining access into the housing. Whilst this has some effect in preventing access through the top of the housing, it does not prevent insects entering the housing and filling the housing with soil from the bottom of the housing. Whilst insect infestations within the housings can be controlled to some extent with pesticides, this is usually only effective for a limited period of time.

Maintenance is usually carried out regularly on hydrants of the above type to ensure that they remain readily accessible however the build-up of materials within the housing increases maintenance costs as maintenance workers in order to gain access to the hydrant firstly have to remove soil or insects around and/or covering the hydrant.

Whilst the above disadvantages have been described in relation to fire hydrants, similar problems are encountered with other in-ground reticulation components such as in-ground stop valve or in-ground water meters.

It would be desirable if a means and method were available which addressed one or more of the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides m a first preferred aspect, a barrier device for use with an in-ground reticulation component or associated supply conduit located at least partially within an in-ground housing, said barrier device comprising a barrier member adapted to be associated with said reticulation component or said conduit and extend outwardly therefrom to substantially prevent or inhibit access to said housing at least from below said barrier member.

The term "reticulation component" as used herein including any water control component, water outlet component or other component which may comprise a hydrant, valve such as a gate valve or water meter and which may be used with fresh water or waste water or fluid By substantially preventing or inhibiting access to the housing from at least below the barrier device, insects are substantially blocked from entering the housing. In addition soil or debris will be substantially prevented from entering the housing from below the barrier device.

Preferably the barrier member is adapted to engage, most preferably sealingly engage, the housing. The barrier member suitably has a body having an outer periphery which is substantially complementary to the cross section of the housing or which otherwise may be sealingly engaged with the housing. In one embodiment, the periphery of the body is provided with or comprises sealing means adapted to sealingly contact an inner wall or walls of the housing. The sealing means may comprise a separate elastonieric or other flexible member which is located about a periphery of the body. The elastomeric member may comprise a rubber O-ring. The elastomeric or other flexible member may be located by a groove formed about the periphery of the body.

In this latter embodiment, the body is suitably attachable to the reticulation component Preferably the body includes attachment formations for attaching the body to the reticulation component. The attachment formations may comprise a plurality of bolt holes adapted for alignment with corresponding holes in the reticulation component.

Preferably the holes in the reticulation component comprise bolt holes of a mounting flange of the reticulation component. Thus the body may be secured to the reticulation component by means of the securing bolts for the reticulation component.

The body suitably has at least one passage therethrough. The passage may correspond to a lumen or passage of the reticulation component and/or conduit.

Alternatively the passage may correspond to an operating member of the reticulation component for example an upstanding spindle of the component. In this latter case, the component may be a valve such as a gate vale and the upstanding spindle may comprise a rotatable or liftable operating spindle of the valve.

In one embodiment, the reticulation component comprises a water hydrant and the bolt holes correspond to bolt holes of a mounting flange of the water hydrant.

In another embodiment, the housing or pipe may seat on the barrier member to extend upwardly therefrom. The barrier member may comprise a continuous wall that defines a peripheral rim portion of the member for supporting one or more lower edges or sides of the housing or pipe.

The barrier member may be provided as complementary first and second parts defining the passage therebetween, the passage being dimensioned to fit about the reticulation component or part thcreof or the conduit such as a riser which supplies water to the reticulation component. Complementary collars may be provided that extend adjacent opposing sides of the passage to cooperate in gripping the riser during use. The complementary first and second parts may include corresponding fastening portions to assist in fastening the first and second parts about the conduit. Preferably the corresponding fastening portions comprise opposed flanges extending from the body.

In yet another embodiment, the barrier device is frictionally engageable with the reticulation component or a part thereof. The barrier device for this purpose may comprise a one-piece barrier member formed by for example by moulding such as in an injection moulding process. The barrier member suitably in this embodiment is formed of a resilient or elastic material such that it may frictionally engage with and grip the reticulation component. The material may be a rubber such as a synthetic rubber.

The barrier member in this embodiment may include a skirt portion adapted to surround and engage, suitably sealingly engage, with a peripheral portion of the reticulation component or a part thereof. The barrier member may engage with a wall portion of the reticulation component, with a mounting flange of the reticulation component or an operating spindle of the reticulation component

Preferably the barrier member includes a sealing member or rib which extends outwardly from the skirt portion for engagement with the pipe or housing.

In another embodiment, the barrier device may be formed as a single piece with the water reticulation component or conduit. For example, the barrier device may be formed as a single piece for example integrally withjhe hydrant or with the riser.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a water reticulation component having an outwardly extending barrier member, said barrier member being adapted to cooperate with a housing or pipe surrounding at least portion of said component to be in substantial sealing engagement with said housing or pipe.

The barrier member may extend peripherally from a lower portion of the component, such as the mounting flange thereof or may extend from a further portion of the component. The barrier member typically is arranged to lie in a diametrical plane or planes.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for preventing ingress of soil, debris and/or insects or vermin into an in-ground housing for a water reticulation component such as a hydrant, valve or a water meter, said method comprising the steps of:

engaging a barrier device with said component; and

locating a peripheral portion of the barrier device relative to said housing to thereby substantially prevent or inhibit access into the housing from at least below the barrier member.

The water reticulation component may comprise a hydrant for installation on a riser and the step of installing the barrier device suitably includes the step of locating the barrier device between the hydrant and the riser. The barrier device may be clamped between the hydrant and riser.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a housing for an in-ground water reticulation component including:

an access assembly adapted to be located adjacent the ground surface, one or more side walls around the water reticulation component leading down from the access assembly, and

a barrier device extending from the in-ground water reticulation component to the one or more side walls to thereby prevent or inhibit access to the housing from at least below the barrier member.

In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention provides an access assembly to a housing surrounding at least part of an in-ground water reticulation component, said access assembly being adapted to be located adjacent to or above the ground surface, said housing including one or more side walls around the water reticulation component leading down from the access assembly and wherein the access assembly is adapted to prevent or inhibit the passage of liquid such as water into me housing from above the access assembly.

A barrier device may also extend from the in-ground water reticulation component to the one or more side walls to thereby prevent or inhibit access to the housing from below the barrier member.

Suitably the access assembly comprises a cover or surround having an access opening therein, the cover or surround being adapted to be set within the ground and the housing extending downwardly from the cover. Preferably the access opening is adapted to be closed by a lid. The lid typically is removable from the opening to allow access into the housing and the water reticulation component therein. Alternatively the lid may be hingedly mounted to the cover.

In one arrangement the lid when located within the access opening is substantially sealed to the cover or surround. Preferably the Hd and cover have opposing ribs or sealing members which are adapted to cooperate when the lid is located within

5 the access opening to seal the lid to the cover. Preferably one of the lid or cover may include spaced ribs or sealing members and the other of the lid or cover may include a single sealing rib or sealing member adapted to be located between the spaced ribs or sealing members. Preferably the ribs or sealing members may comprise or be provided with a sealing material such as an elastomeric material for example rubber.

0 In another arrangement, access through the access opening to the housing may be prevented by a breakable or a rupturable sealing member. The sealing member may be located on a lower side of the access opening so as to be accessible upon lifting or removing the lid. The sealing member may comprise a thin membrane. The membrane may comprise a plastics material. The sealing member may comprise a substantially5 planar member.

Thus when access to the water reticulation component is required, the lid is lifted or removed and the sealing member broken or ruptured to provide access to the component in the housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

0 Reference will now be made to the attached drawings described broadly below in order to illustrate the prior art and show preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention and the following description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding summary of the Invention in any way. In S the attached drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates an in-ground water hydrant installed within a housing in accordance with the prior art;

Fig. 2 illustrates in partly sectioned view a hydrant installation provided with a barrier device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the barrier device as used in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the barrier member of the barrier device of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the region A of the barrier device of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 illustrates in perspective view a modified barrier device according to another embodiment of , the invention;

Fig. 7 illustrates in partly sectioned view a hydrant installation provides with a barrier device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the barrier device used in the embodiment of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of an edge portion of a further modified form of barrier device for use in the manner illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 illustrates in partly sectioned view a further hydrant installation provided with a barrier device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11 illustrates ia, partly sectioned view the hydrant installation of Fig. 10 provided with alternative forms of a barrier device according other embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 12 illustrates in perspective view the barrier device used in the installation of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 illustrates a barrier device used in the installation of Fig. 11 ;

Fig. 14 illustrates in perspective view, an alternative barrier device for the hydrant assembly of Fig. 10 for use where the housing is of a rectangular configuration;

Fig. IS illustrates a two- part housing which may be used in the reticulation Component installation;

Fig. 16a illustrates in partly sectioned view a gate valve installation provided with a barrier device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 16b is a perspective view of a barrier device as used in the embodiment of Fig. 16a;

Fig. 17a illustrates in partly sectioned view a gate valve installation provided with a barrier device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 17b is a perspective view of the barrier device as used in the embodiment of Fig. 17a;

Fig. 18a illustrates in partly sectioned view a gate valve installation provided with a barrier device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 18b is a perspective view of the barrier device as used in the embodiment of

Fig. 18a;

Fig. 18c is a perspective view of a two-part barrier device which may be used in the application of Fig. 18a; Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing an access assembly comprising a cover and lid in an open position for association with a housing or pipe which surrounds a hydrant or other water reticulation component;

Fig. 20 is a sectional view showing the Hd in a closed position on the cover; and Fig. 21 a perspective view showing an alternative access assembly with the lid opened;

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring firstly to Fig. 1 , there is illustrated an in-ground fire hydrant installation

10 as used typically in water supply utilities in accordance with the prior art, the hydrant installation 10 comprising in in-ground fire hydrant 11 which is 'coupled to a vertical riser or conduit 12 extending upwards from a water mains 1«3. Surrounding the hydrant

11 is a vertical housing or shroud in the foπn of a pipe 14 which extends from ground level 15 downwardly to surround the hydrant 11. The upper end of the pipe or housing 14 is covered with a closure flap 16 which is hingedly mounted to a concrete or plastics surround 17 around the upper end of the pipe or housing 14 which provides access to the hydrant 11. The lower end of the housing or pipe 14 sits on a base plate 18 below the upper end of the riser or conduit 12. The top of the riser 12 ends in a flange 19 that is bolted via bolts 20 to a corresponding flange 21 on the lower end of hydrant 11. Typically an annular seal is provided between the hydrant flange 21 and conduit or riser flange 19.

In use, a firefighter lifts flap J 6 to have access to the interior of the housing or pipe 14 from above ground 15 for the purpose of connecting a fire hose to hydrant 11 within the housing 14. In order for the firefighter to perform this operation it is important that the hydrant 11 be readily accessible once the flap 16 is lifted.

A problem with prior art fire hydrant housings 14 of the above type is that they tend to fij) up with soil and debris as shown at 22 over time, hi some circumstances insect infestations occur within the housings 14. This therefore inhibits ready access to the hydrant 11.

The present invention thus provides in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention and as shown in Fig. 2, a barrier device 23 which in use is interposed between the upper side of the flange 19 of the riser 12 and the lower side of the flange 21 of the hydrant 11. The barrier device 23 as shown in Figs. 3 to 5 comprises a barrier member 24 which is formed of a stiff material and may be of a plastics material, suitably a rigid and hard wearing plastic such as a nylon for example glass filled or of metal for example stainless steel or aluminum.

The barrier member 24 is of a substantially disc- shaped configuration which has an outer diameter similar to the internal diameter of the pipe or housing 14 and includes a central hole 25 for the passage of water. Preferably the central hole 25 has a diameter that corresponds to the inner diameter, i.e. the lumen, of the hydrant 11. Fastening formations, in the form of a number of bolt holes 26 are provided in the barrier member 24 on a diameter and at a spacing corresponding to the bolt holes in the flanges 19 and 21 to allow for the passage of the bolts that fasten the hydrant 11 to the riser 12.

The barrier member 24 is formed with an enlarged peripheral rim 27 that adds stifrhess to the member 24. An annular groove 28 is formed about the rim 27 to locate an elastomeric member in the form of a scaling ring such as an O-ring 29.

For installation purposes, the hydrant 11 is unbolted from the riser 12 and the barrier member 24 is interposed between the respective flanges 21 -and 19 such that the holes 26 in the barrier member 24 are aligned with the bolt holes in the flanges 19 and 21. In addition, annular seals 30 (see Fig. 2) of for example elastomeric material are preferably provided on opposite sides of the barrier member 24 to be interposed between the barrier member 24 and the respective flanges 19 and 21. The bolts 20 may then be reapplied to secure the hydrant 11 to the riser 12 with the barrier member 24 sandwiched and clamped rigidly between the hydrant 11 and riser 12.

The diameter of the barrier member 24 is such as that the seal 29 is a snug fit with the inner wall of the pipe 14 to seal the barrier member 24 to the pipe 14. Consequently the barrier devices 23 operates to isolate the hydrant 1 1 from the surrounding earth so that the barrier device 23 prevents insect activity below or in the region of the barrier device 23 from forcing soil and associated debris into the housing 14. Furthermore, insects are prevented from climbing up into the housing 14 by the presence of the barrier device 23.

To allow tor drainage of water past the barrier member 24 and prevent water from possibly building up within the housing 14, the barrier member 24 may be provided with one or more drainage plugs 31 which are mounted to the barrier member 24 at positions inside and adjacent to the rim 27 as shown in Fig. 6. The plugs 31 are suitably located within stepped holes 32 in the barrier member 24 and the plugs 31 are of complementary shape to the holes 32 so that they may locate neatly therein. The plugs 31 may be secured by adhesives in the holes 32. The plugs 31 may include an enlarge head 33 and a reduced shank 33 ¹ each of which includes spaced ribs or vanes with the ribs or vanes of the head 33 being transverse to those in the shank 33' to form in plan view a mesh-like configuration. Alternatively the plug 31 may be covered with a very fine, stainless steel, ant-proof mesh. Consequently, water can flow through the plug 31 whilst ants are barred by the mesh. If. due to the location of the installation, there is no Deed for the drainage facility, then a solid plug may be inserted into a hole 32.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9 in connection with a hydrant installation of the type described above including a hydrant 11 located within upright housing or pipe 14. In this embodiment, the barrier device 34 is foπned of a resilient or elastic material such as a synthetic rubber and is of annular form including an annular top wall 35 and a skirt 36 which extends downwardly from the wall 35, the skirt 36 having an inner diameter substantially the same as or slightly less than the outer diameter of the flanges 19 and 21. The annular top wall 35 can also be provided on its inner edge which a series of scallop- like cutouts 35' as shown in dotted outlines which are spaced apart circumferentially the same as the spacing of the bolts 20. Extending radially from the skirt 36 is an annular sealing member or rib 37 which has an outer diameter substantially the same as or slightly greater than the inner diameter of the housing 14.

. The barrier device 34 is particularly suited to use in hydrant installations where it is not desirable or it is difficult to disconnect the hydrant 11 from a riser 12. For installation purposes, the device 34 is passed over the head of the hydrant 11 such that it can locate relative to the flanges 21 and 19. The device 34 is positioned on the flanges 21 and 19 such that the annular top wall 35 seats on the top of the flange 21 and such that the cut outs 35' where used are located ai the position of the bolts 20 and with the skirt 36 extending downwardly over the annular sides of the flanges 19 and 21 to be in firm engagement therewith due to the resilience of the material of the device 34. The sealing member>37 will in this position also be in firm engagement with the inner surface of the pipe 14. Because of the resilience of the material of the member 37, it can be. deflected but still retain sealing contact with the pipe 14.

When installed, the barrier device 34 isolates the hydrant 11 from the earth beneath the hydrant 11 and thus prevents soil and associated debris from being forced or being carried by insects into the housing 14 above the hydrant 11. The barrier device 34 may be of various designs and shape depending upon the size and shape of the housing 14 relative to the flanges 19 and 20. Thus where the housing

14 has a diameter which is only slightly greater than the diameter of the flanges 19 and

20, the sealing rib 37 may be reduced in size to be for example in the form of a small annular projection 38 as shown in Fig. 9.

Referring now to Fig. 10 and 11 there is illustrated an alternative hydrant installation 39 provided with barrier devices 40, 41 and 42 according to further embodiments of tbe invention. It will be noted that in the hydrant installation 39, the hydrant 43 is offset from the centre of the housing 44. The barrier device 40 of Fig. 10 is similar to the barrier device 23 of Figs. 2 and 3 and is interposed between the upper side of the flange 19 of the riser 12 and the lower side of the flange 45 of the hydrant 43. The barrier device 40 as shown in Fig. 12 however comprises a barrier member 46 having in this case its water passage opening 47 offset from the centre of the member 46. Thus when installed, the sealing ring 48 carried by the device 40 will seal against the inner wall of the housing or pipe 44.

The barrier device 41 is similar to the symmetrical barrier device 34 of Fig. 8 including a top annular wall 49, a side skirt 50 and an annular sealing rib 51 extending from the skirt 50. In this case however, the barrier device 41 is engaged with the top surface and adjacent side surface of the hydrant 43 to extend there around and be resiliency sealed thereto whilst the annular sealing rib 51 engages with and seals against the inner surface of the pipe or housing 44.

An alternative barrier device 42 to the barrier device 41 may be used in connection with the hydrant 43 of Fig. 11. Again the barrier device 42 is similar to that of Fig. 8 except that the annular skirt 52 thereof is offset from central axis of the annular sealing rib or member 53 as shown in Fig. 13. The sealing rib or member 53 thus has a variable width around its periphery. The barrier device 42 in this configuration seats on the top flange 45 of the hydrant 43 whist the skirt 52 extends downwardly therefrom to encircle the flanges 19 and 45. The sealing rib 53 peripherally engages and seals against the. inner surface of the pipe or housing 44.

Tn some cases, the housing or pipe surrounding a hydrant may be of a rectangular cross-section and in this case the barrier device 54 as shown in Fig. 14 has a rectangular periphery which is complementary to the cross section of the housing or pipe so as to seal against the inner surface thereof. Where a hydrant is not provided with a surrounding housing or shroud, a cylindrical pipe may be installed into the ground or alternatively, a housing 55 as shown in Fig. 15 may be employed. The housing 55 comprises two substantially identical parts 56 which may comprise extrusions. The parts 56 are of channel sectioned form and the respective free edges 57 and 58 thereof may be of a complementary male/female configuration whereby the two parts 56 may be interconnected in a "snap-fit" arrangement to form the housing 55.

In the above described embodiments, the barrier devices are located within the respective pipes or housings and sealingly engage with the inner walls thereof. This enables relative movement between the barrier devices and surrounding housings or pipes say due to ground movement without breaking the seal with the pipe or housing. In other embodiments, the housing or pipes may sit on the barrier members as described further below in connection with gate valves.

Referring now to Fig. 16a, there is illustrated in partly sectioned view a gate valve installation 60 provided with a barrier device 61 according to a further embodiment of the present invention, the installation 60 comprising a gate valve 62 which is located within the ground and connected in a water mains line or any other water line and which at least at its upper end is surrounded by a tubular housing or pipe 63. The gate valve 62 includes an upright spindle 64 which extends above the upper body or bonnet 65 of the valve 62 and which is fitted with a detachable spindle cap 66 which may be engaged from above with a suitable tool for operating the valve 62. The barrier device 61 may be constructed of similar material to the device of Fig. 3 and comprises as shown in Fig. 16(b), a substantially disc-shaped body 67 of a relatively stiff material and which has an outer diameter similar to the internal diameter of the pipe or housing 63 and includes a central hole 68 having a diameter similar to the diameter of the spindle 64. As with the embodiment of Fig. 3, the body 67 has an outer peripheral groove for receipt of an annular elastomeric or sealing member in the form of a sealing ring such as an O-ring 69.

The central hole 68 may also be provided with a similar groove around its inner periphery for receipt of a further elastomeric or sealing member in the form of a sealing ring such as an O-ring 70.

For installation, the spindle cap 66 is removed by releasing of the locking screw thereof and the barrier member 61 is inserted into the pipe or housing 63 and pushed downwardly so that the hole 68 locates over the spindle 64 and seals through the O-ring 70 against the spindle 64. In addition, the outer periphery of the barrier device 61 seals through the O-ring 69 against the inner surface of the pipe or housing 63. In this position, the barrier device 61 is disposed in a substantially diametrical plane. The spindle cap 66 may then be reinstalled onto the spindle 64 and secured thereto in the position of Fig. 16a. Whilst it is preferred that the device include an inner seal 70, this may be omitted and an annular seal or washer may be provided on lower side of the device body 61 surrounding the opening so as to seat on and seal agairjst the bonnet or body 65 of the gate valve 62. A sufficient seal may also be provided by the seating of the body 67 of the device 61 on the top of the body 65 of the valve 62 without the necessity of using a separate sealing member.

Fig. 17a illustrates the gate valve installation 60 provided with a barrier device 71 according to a further embodiment of the invention, the barrier device 71 in this embodiment being formed in one piece of a resilient or elastic material such as a synthetic rubber. The device 71 as shown in Fig. 17b is of a substantially disc shaped configuration and includes a central opening 72 of a diameter similar to or slightly less than the diameter of the spindle 64 and an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the housing 63. The device 71 has an upwardly stepped portion 73 which defines a recess 74 on its lower side complementary to an upper portion 75 of the body 65 which comprises a boss shaped seal retainer.

Installation is as described in relation to the embodiment of Fig. 16 with the spindle cap 66 removed, the device 71 positioned over the spindle 64 such that the boss 75 is received within the recess 74 and thus substantially sealed thereto. The spindle 64 also is sealingly received within the opening 72 whilst the outer periphery of the device 71

^■ seals against the inner surface of the housing or pipe 63.

In other embodiments, the device 71 may be formed such as to seal or seat against only portion of the body 65 of the device 62 as in the embodiment of Fig. 7 and not against the spindle 64.

Referring now to Fig. 18a, there is illustrated a further embodiment of gate valve installation 74 using a barrier device 75 which in this case serves as a mount or support for the lower end of the housing or pipe 63. In this case the barrier device 75 is usually used at the time of initial installation of the pipe or housing 63. The device 74 comprises a disc-shaped body 76 having a central opening 77 through which the spindle 64 may project. The opening 77 as in the embodiment of Fig. 16 may be provided with an inner seal such a$ an O-ring seal 78 which can seal against the spindle 64.

The outer periphery of the body 75 is provided with a downward step 79 at a diameter which is substantially the same as the diameter of the pipe or housing 63 and defines a peripheral side wall portion 80 and an annular outer rim portion 81 which lies in a substantially diametrical plane. The housing or pipe 63 is positioned so as to seat on the rim portion 81 and is located adjacent to the side wall portion 80 which is dimensioned to be a snug fit with the inner wall of the pipe or housing 63. If desired an adhesive may be provided between adjacent surfaces of the housing or pipe 63 and portions 80 and 81.

The barrier device 75 may be provided as complementary first and second parts

75a and 75b as shown in Fig. 18 (c) which have inner collars which can cooperate to define a centra) passage therebetween and which may fit about and grip the reticulation component or conduit or spindle of the component as in Fig. 18 (a). The complementary first and second parts 75a and 75b include opposed flanges which can be connected together by bolting to clamp about the component or spindle.

The two part barrier device 75 may be used to support a housing or pipe 63 as in Fig. 18a or used for a barrier device or member in any of the above described embodiments.

It will be appreciated that in each of the above installations of Figs. 16a, 17a and 18a, the volume of the pipe or housing 63 above the barrier devices 61, 71 and 75 is sealed from the area below the barrier devices 61 , 71 and 75 which will therefore prevent the passage of insects upwardly from below the barrier device 61,71 and 75 into the housing or pipe 63 or the entry of soil or other materials from below the barrier device 61,71 and 75 to above the barrier device 61, 71 or 75. The spindle 66 will thus always be freely accessible for users at ground level.

The embodiment of sealing device 75 of Fig. 18(b) may also be used in application to the hydrants of Figs. 2 and 10 with the device 75 also serving as a seat for the pipe or housing 14 or 39 and the device 75 being either bolted to the hydrant as in Figs.2 and 10 or being alternatively mounted to or seated on the hydrant

Referring now to Fig. 19, there is illustrated in a perspective view an access assembly 82 comprising a cover/lid assembly which provide access when required to a reticulation component within a pipe or housing 83 extending downwardly frorn the assembly 82. The assembly 82 is an alternative to the flap 16 and surround 17 as used in the prior art and as described with reference to Fig. 1. The assembly 82 however is designed to prevent, when in a closed position, water such as rain water, entering the pipe or housing 83 and therefore possibly filling the pipe or housing 83 with water. In addition, the assembly 82 in the closed position will prevent or inhibit the entry of debris, soil or other materials or insects into the pipe or housing 83 from above.

The assembly 82 comprises a cover or surround 84 which may be constructed of concrete, metal or plastics material having a central access opening 85 which is substantially rectangular and has an inner wall 86 provided with recesses or slots 87 at each end. The cover 82 additionally includes an upstanding rib 88 which is spaced inwardly from the inner wall 86 and extends therearound.

The Hd 89 of the assembly 82 is of a rectangular shape and substantially complementary to the opening 85. The lid 89 has a side wall 90 and a further wall 91 which is parallel to but spaced from the side wall 90 and extends therearound. The dimensions and spacing of the walls 90 and 91 are such that they may locate in use on the inside and outside of the rib 88 of the cover 84 when the Ud 89 is installed.

Both the rib 88 and at least the wall 90 and preferably also the wall 91 may be provided with a sealing material along their exposed ends. The sealing material may be for example seals of rubber or elastomeric material. When the lid 89 is in a closed position as in Fig. 20, the walls 90 and 91 are located on opposite sides of the rib 88 to form a seal therewith which is enhanced through the sealing material carried by the rib 88 and walls 90 and 91. Thus water, soil, debris or insect will be prevented from entering the housing 83 through the opening 85 when the lid is closed. The slots 87 at the end of the opening 85 allow for the insertion of a suitable elongated tool to force the lid 89 open when required.

The access assembly 92 includes as in Fig. 19 a cover or surround 93 having a rectangular access opening 94 and a lid 95 which is complementary to the opening 94. In this case however a planar bτeakable or a rupturable sealing member 96 typically of plastics is provided on the lower side of the opening 94 to close the opening 94. The member 96 which may comprise a membrane will normally prevent entry of water into the housing 83 beneath the cover or surround 93. Further when the lid 95 is placed within the opening 94, the member 96 is hidden and therefore protected.

If however access is required to the water reticulation component within the housing 83, the lid 95 is lifted or removed and the sealing member 96 broken or ruptured.

The access assembly 92 may be used in any of the embodiment of the invention described above including the embodiments of Figs. 2,7, 10, 11 and 16 to 18 or may be used in association with other water reticulation installations which may or may not include barrier members or devices.

The barrier membere or devices ^' described above usually comprise an impervious material, hi some circumstances however the barrier member or devices may be of a pervious material which will still be effective in blocking the passage of insects or soil or debris into the housing. For example the barrier members or devices may be of a very fine mesh material.

Further whilst the barrier devices usually are associated with the water reticulation component, they may be associated with the supply conduit or duct for the component. Thus the barrier device may be substantially sealed at an inner portion to the conduit or duct and at an outer peripheral portion to the housing.

It should be noted that reference to the prior art herein is not to be taken as an acknowledgement that such prior art constitutes common general knowledge in the art '

The terms "comprising" or "comprise" or derivatives thereof as used throughout the specification and claims are taken to specify the presence of the stated features, integers and components referred to but not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature/s, integer/s, component/s or group thereof.

Whilst the 'above has been given by way of illustrative embodiment of the invention, all such variations and modifications thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.