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Title:
HINGE ASSEMBLY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/012153
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A hinge assembly (10) for a ground surface access assembly (100). The ground surface access assembly (10) comprises a frame (102) and a cover (104). The hinge assembly (10) comprises a housing (12) configured to receive a tab (106) of the cover (104). The hinge assembly (10) is configured such that the tab (106) is moveable within the housing (12) to permit the position of the cover (104) relative to the frame (102) to be adjusted. The hinge assembly (10) comprises a structure (17) moveable in the housing (12) by the tab (106) of the cover (104).

Inventors:
EVANS SAMANTHA SARAH ELIZABETH (GB)
GIBSON SIMON JOHN (GB)
TURNER BARRY (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2019/051758
Publication Date:
January 16, 2020
Filing Date:
June 21, 2019
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
WREKIN HOLDINGS LTD (GB)
International Classes:
E02D29/14
Foreign References:
US20040128919A12004-07-08
EP0391825A11990-10-10
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SWINDELL & PEARSON LTD (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A hinge assembly for a ground surface access assembly, the ground surface access assembly comprising a frame and a cover, the hinge assembly comprising a housing configured to receive a tab of the cover, the hinge assembly being configured such that the tab is moveable within the housing to permit the position of the cover relative to the frame to be adjusted, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a structure moveable in the housing by the tab of the cover.

2. A hinge assembly according to claim 1 , wherein in at least a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly, wherein the cover closes an opening in the frame, the structure substantially fills at least a volume defined by a lower part of the housing.

3. A hinge assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a pocket extending from the housing, wherein the pocket is configured to receive the tab to fix the position of the cover relative to the frame.

4. A hinge assembly according to claim 3, wherein the pocket comprises a pocket preserving device.

5. A hinge assembly according to claim 4, wherein the pocket preserving device comprises a surface which is moveable between a condition in which the surface is relatively close to a pocket opening and a condition in which the surface is relatively further away from the pocket opening.

6. A hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein in the relatively close condition the surface substantially abuts the pocket opening.

7. A hinge assembly according to claims 5 or 6, wherein in the relatively close condition, the surface substantially provides a seal between the opening and the pocket.

8. A hinge assembly according to claims 5 to 7, wherein the surface is moveable from the relatively close condition to the relatively further away condition by insertion of the tab of the cover through the pocket opening into the pocket, the tab acting on the surface to move the surface during insertion.

9. A hinge assembly according to any of claims 3 to 8, wherein the pocket preserving device comprises a resiliently deformable material.

10. A hinge assembly according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 5, wherein in the relatively close condition the pocket preserving device is in a fully expanded condition and substantially fills the pocket.

11. A hinge assembly according to claims 9 or 10 when dependent on claim 5, wherein in the relatively further away condition the pocket preserving device is relatively compressed by the tab acting on the surface to move the surface during insertion into the pocket.

12. A hinge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the structure comprises a barrel configured to receive the tab, the barrel being rotatable within the housing by the tab to permit the position of the cover relative to the frame to be adjusted.

13. A hinge assembly according to claim 12, wherein the barrel comprises a channel therethrough to receive the tab.

14. A hinge assembly according to claim 13 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the hinge assembly is configured such that the tab is extendable through the channel into the pocket when the channel and the pocket are aligned to fix the position of the cover relative to the frame.

15. A hinge assembly according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the structure comprises a resiliently deformable means configured to be compressed by the tab as the tab moves within the housing as the cover is opened and configured to expand as the tab moves within the housing as the cover is closed, wherein in a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly, wherein the cover closes an opening in the frame, the resiliently deformable means is in an expanded condition.

16. A hinge assembly according to claim 15, wherein in an expanded condition the resiliently deformable means substantially fills the volume defined by the lower part of the housing.

17. A hinge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises an opening for receiving the tab of the cover.

18. A hinge assembly according to claim 17, wherein the opening in the housing is off-set from the pocket opening.

19. A ground surface access assembly, the assembly comprising:

a frame defining a frame opening;

a cover mountable to the frame in the frame opening; and

a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly comprising a housing configured to receive a tab of the cover, the tab being moveable within the housing to permit the position of the cover relative to the frame to be adjusted, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a structure moveable in the housing by the tab of the cover.

20. A ground surface access assembly according to claim 19, wherein in at least a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly wherein the cover closes an opening in the frame, the structure substantially fills at least a volume defined by a lower part of the housing.

21. A ground surface access assembly according to claim 20, wherein the frame opening is substantially circular in plan view.

22. A method of fixing the position of a cover relative to a frame of a ground surface access assembly, the method comprises:

adjusting the position of the cover relative to the frame to move a tab of the cover within a housing of a hinge assembly of the ground surface access assembly, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a structure moveable in the housing by the tab of the cover.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein in at least a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly wherein the cover closes an opening in the frame, the structure substantially fills at least a volume defined by a lower part of the housing.

24. A method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the method comprises locating the tab in a pocket of the housing to fix the position of the cover relative to the frame, wherein the pocket comprises a pocket preserving device.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein locating the tab in the pocket moves a surface of the pocket preserving device between a condition in which the surface is relatively close to a pocket opening to a condition in which the surface is relatively further away from the pocket opening.

Description:
TITLE

Hinge Assembly

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Examples of the disclosure relate to a hinge assembly, and in particular a hinge assembly for a ground surface access assembly.

BACKGROUND

Ground surface access assemblies, such as manhole covers, comprise a frame defining an opening and a cover which is mountable in the frame in the opening. In some instances, a hinge assembly may connect the cover to the frame to permit movement of the cover relative to the frame. The hinge assembly may comprise means to fix the position of the cover relative to the frame in an open condition of the ground surface access assembly to permit safe access to underground services via the opening.

Over time materials such as silt, dirt and debris from the roadway may enter the hinge assembly. Such ingress of materials may prevent the hinge assembly and the means to fix the position of the cover relative to the frame from properly functioning. Ground surface access assemblies typically comprise loose fitting hinge assemblies due to casting tolerances and tapered faces required for moulding purposes. Such loose-fitting hinge assemblies exacerbate the above problem as materials may readily enter such loose-fitting hinge assemblies.

Accordingly, there is a requirement to provide improved hinge assemblies for ground surface access assemblies.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a hinge assembly for a ground surface access assembly, the ground surface access assembly comprising a frame and a cover, the hinge assembly comprising a housing configured to receive a tab of the cover, the hinge assembly being configured such that the tab is moveable within the housing to permit the position of the cover relative to the frame to be adjusted, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a structure moveable in the housing by the tab of the cover.

Possibly, in at least a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly, wherein the cover closes an opening in the frame, the structure substantially fills at least a volume defined by a lower part of the housing.

The hinge assembly may comprise a pocket extending from the housing, wherein the pocket is configured to receive the tab to fix the position of the cover relative to the frame. The pocket may comprise a pocket preserving device.

The pocket may communicate with the housing. The pocket may open into the housing. The pocket may comprise a pocket opening. The pocket preserving device may comprise a surface which is moveable between a condition in which the surface is relatively close to the pocket opening and a condition in which the surface is relatively further away from the pocket opening.

In the relatively close condition the surface may substantially abut the pocket opening. In the relatively close condition, the surface may substantially provide a seal between the opening and the pocket.

The surface may be moveable from the relatively close condition to the relatively further away condition by insertion of the tab of the cover through the pocket opening into the pocket, the tab acting on the surface to move the surface during insertion.

The pocket preserving device may be resiliently deformable. The pocket preserving device may comprise a resiliently deformable material. The resiliently deformable material may be a plastics material.

In the relatively close condition the pocket preserving device may be in a fully expanded condition and substantially fills the pocket. Possibly, in the fully expanded condition the pocket preserving device does not protrude from the pocket into the housing. In the relatively further away condition the pocket preserving device may be relatively compressed by the tab acting on the surface to move the surface during insertion into the pocket.

In one example, the structure may comprise a barrel configured to receive the tab, the barrel being rotatable within the housing by the tab to permit the position of the cover relative to the frame to be adjusted. The barrel may comprise a channel therethrough to receive the tab.

The hinge assembly may be configured such that the tab is extendable through the channel into the pocket when the channel and the pocket are aligned to fix the position of the cover relative to the frame.

In another example, the structure may comprise a resiliently deformable means configured to be compressed by the tab as the tab moves within the housing as the cover is opened and configured to expand as the tab moves within the housing as the cover is closed, wherein in a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly wherein the cover closes an opening in the frame, the resiliently deformable means is in an expanded condition. In an expanded condition the resiliently deformable means may substantially fill the volume defined by the lower part of the housing.

The housing may comprise an opening for receiving the tab of the cover. Possibly, the opening in the housing is off-set from the pocket opening.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a ground surface access assembly, the assembly comprising:

a frame defining a frame opening;

a cover mountable to the frame in the frame opening; and

a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly comprising a housing configured to receive a tab of the cover, the tab being moveable within the housing to permit the position of the cover relative to the frame to be adjusted, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a structure moveable in the housing by the tab of the cover. Possibly, in at least a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly, wherein the cover closes an opening in the frame, the structure substantially fills at least a volume defined by a lower part of the housing.

The frame opening may be substantially circular in plan view.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a method of fixing the position of a cover relative to a frame of a ground surface access assembly, the method comprises:

adjusting the position of the cover relative to the frame to move a tab of the cover within a housing of a hinge assembly of the ground surface access assembly, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a structure moveable in the housing by the tab of the cover.

Possibly, in at least a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly, wherein the cover closes an opening in the frame, the structure substantially fills at least a volume defined by a lower part of the housing.

The method may comprise locating the tab in a pocket of the housing to fix the position of the cover relative to the frame, wherein the pocket comprises a pocket preserving device.

Locating the tab in the pocket may move a surface of the pocket preserving device between a condition in which the surface is relatively close to the pocket opening to a condition in which the surface is relatively further away from the pocket opening.

The hinge assembly, ground surface access assembly, and method may comprise any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there may be provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION For a better understanding of various examples that are useful for understanding the detailed description, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first ground surface access assembly in a closed condition;

Fig. 2 illustrates the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 1 in plan view;

Fig. 3 illustrates the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 1 in a perspective cross section view;

Fig. 4 illustrates a part of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 1 in a perspective cross section view;

Fig. 5 illustrates the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 1 in cross section view; Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 1 in a first open condition;

Fig. 7 illustrates the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 6 in cross section view; Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 1 in a second open condition;

Fig. 9 illustrates a part of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 8 in a perspective cross section view;

Fig. 10 illustrates the part of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 8 in cross section view;

Fig. 11 illustrates the part of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 8 in a perspective cross section view;

Fig. 12 illustrates the part of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 8 in cross section view;

Fig. 13 illustrates a plan view of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 1 in a third open condition;

Fig. 14 illustrates the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 13 in cross section view;

Fig. 15 illustrates a part of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 13 in a perspective cross section view;

Fig. 16 illustrates the part of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 13 in cross section view; Fig. 17 illustrates the part of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 13 in a perspective cross section view;

Fig. 18 illustrates the part of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 13 in cross section view;

Fig. 19 illustrates a part of the ground surface access assembly of Fig. 1 in a perspective view;

Fig. 20 illustrates a second ground surface access assembly in a closed condition in cross section view;

Fig. 21 illustrates a part of the second ground surface access assembly of Fig. 20 in cross section view;

Fig. 22 illustrates the part of the second ground surface access assembly of Fig. 20 in a first open condition of the assembly in cross section view;

Fig. 23 illustrates the part of the second ground surface access assembly of Fig. 20 in a second open condition of the assembly in cross section view;

Fig. 24 illustrates the part of the second ground surface access assembly of Fig. 20 in the second open condition of the assembly in cross section view; and

Fig. 25 illustrates the part of the second ground surface access assembly of Fig. 20 in a third open condition of the assembly in cross section view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures illustrate a hinge assembly 10 for a ground surface access assembly 100, and a ground surface access assembly 100 comprising a hinge assembly 10.

The ground surface access assembly 100 comprises a frame 102 defining a frame opening 105, and a cover 104 mountable to the frame 102 in the frame opening 105. The ground surface access assembly 100 is openable by adjusting the position of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102 to permit access to underground services via the opening 105.

The hinge assembly 10 connects the cover 104 to the frame 102 to permit movement of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102. The frame 102 comprises a side wall 110 which defines the frame opening 105. A flange 112 extends outwardly from a lowermost part of the side wall 110. In the illustrated example, the frame opening 105 is substantially circular in plan view. Accordingly, the cover 104 is substantially circular in plan view. In other examples, the frame opening 105 may have a different shape, for example, the frame opening

105 may be substantially square or rectangular. Accordingly, in such other examples the cover 104 may be shaped to correspond to the frame opening 105, for instance, the cover 104 may be substantially square or rectangular in plan view.

The hinge assembly 10 comprises a housing 12 configured to receive a tab

106 of the cover 104. The tab 106 is the end portion of the cover 104. The tab 106 is the part of the cover 104 which is engageable with the hinge assembly 10. Accordingly, in use the tab 106 may be pivoted about the housing 12.

The hinge assembly 10 is configured such that the tab 106 is moveable within the housing 12 to permit the position of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102 to be adjusted.

In the illustrated examples, the hinge assembly 10 comprises a structure 17 moveable in the housing 12 by the tab 106 of the cover 104. In some examples, in at least a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly 100, wherein the cover 104 closes the frame opening 105, the structure 17 substantially fills a volume defined by a lower part 11 of the housing 12. In the illustrated examples, a volume defined by the lower part 11 of the housing 12 is the volume within the housing underlying the tab 106 in a closed condition of the assembly 100.

In some examples, in at least a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly 100, the structure 17 substantially fills a volume defined by the lower part 11 of the housing 12, and a volume defined by an upper part 13 of the housing 12. In the illustrated examples, a volume defined by an upper part 13 of the housing 12 is the volume within the housing overlying the tab 106 in a closed condition of the assembly 100.

In some examples, in at least a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly 100, the structure 17 at least extends along an in use lower arc of the path along which the tab 106 will travel in use. In other examples, in a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly 100, the structure 17 extends both along respective in use lower and upper arcs of the path along which the tab 106 will travel in use. In the illustrated examples, the lower arc of the path is the path taken by the tab 106 as it moves through the lower part 11 of the housing 12 as the cover 104 is opened. In the illustrated examples, the upper arc of the path is the path taken by the tab 106 as it moves through the upper part 13 of the housing 12 as the cover 104 is opened.

The structure 17 substantially prevents the ingress of materials such as silt, dirt and debris from the roadway into the hinge assembly 10 which may otherwise jam the hinge assembly 10 and prevent opening of the ground surface access assembly 100.

In the illustrated examples, the hinge assembly 10 comprises a pocket 14 extending from the housing 12. The pocket 14 is configured to receive the tab 106 of the cover 104 to fix the position of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102. The pocket 14 comprises a pocket preserving device 16. The pocket 14 opens into the housing 12 and therefore communicates with the housing 12.

Figures 1 to 19 illustrate a first example of the disclosure in different conditions of use.

The hinge assembly 10 of the first example comprises a structure 17 in the form of barrel 18 configured to receive the tab 106. Figure 19 provides an illustration of the barrel 18 separate from the hinge assembly 10. The barrel 18 may be formed from a plastics material, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene. The barrel 18 may be self-lubricating or of low surface-friction.

The barrel 18 is rotatable within the housing 12 by the tab 106 to permit the position of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102 to be adjusted. The barrel 18 comprises a channel 20 therethrough to receive the tab 106. The tab 106 of the cover 104 extends the length of the channel 20. The barrel 18 therefore controls the movement of the tab 106 within the housing 12. The barrel 18 permits a smooth controlled movement of the tab 106 within the housing 12.

The barrel 18 substantially fills a volume defined by the housing 12, subject to a clearance fit to permit a smooth controlled movement of the barrel 18 within the housing 12.

A closed condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 is illustrated in figures 1 to 5. In the closed condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 the cover 104 closes the opening 105. In the closed condition the cover 104 bears against a seal 108. Accordingly, in use the seal 108 is under compression. The seal 108 is a mechanical seal which in use fills the space between a mating surface 114 on the cover 104 and a mating surface 116 on a cover receiving portion 118 of the frame 102. The seal 108 substantially prevents leakage from or into the ground surface access assembly 100 while under compression. In use, the seal 108 may substantially prevent leakage of fluids such as liquids and gases. The seal 108 may be a gasket.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 in which the cover 104 has been displaced from the opening 105 of the frame 102 to a small extent. The barrel 18 has rotated within the housing 12 such that the position of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102 has been adjusted from the position illustrated in figures 1 to 5. The barrel 18 is in use rotated within the housing by moving the cover 104 relative to the frame 102.

Figures 8 to 12 illustrate a condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 in which the cover 104 has been displaced from the opening 105 of the frame 102 to the maximum extent permitted by the arrangement. The barrel 18 has further rotated within the housing 12 such that the position of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102 has been further adjusted from the position illustrated in figures 6 to 8. In the illustrated example, the cover 104 is inclined relative to the frame 102 at an angle of about 110 degrees. In figures 8 to 10 the barrel 18 has been rotated within the housing such that the channel 20 of the barrel 18 and the pocket 14 are aligned.

In figures 11 and 12, the tab 106 of the cover 104 extends through the channel 20 and is received in the pocket 14 to fix the position of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102. In use, the tab 106 drops into the pocket when the channel 20 of the barrel 18 and the pocket 14 are aligned. In this condition the cover 104 is seated in a seating portion 22 of the hinge assembly 10. The seating portion 22 is configured to receive an abutment portion 120 of the cover 102. When the abutment portion 120 is seated in the seated portion 22 the tab 106 of the cover 104 extends to the maximum extent permitted by the arrangement into the pocket 14. Fixing the position of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102 allows access to the opening 105 without the risk that the cover 104 could fall back and cause injury.

The pocket 14 is therefore a means to fix the position of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102 in an open condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 to permit safe access to underground services via the opening.

As the cover 104 moves from the position illustrated in figures 8 to 10 to the seating position illustrated in figures 11 and 12 the tab 106 acts on the pocket preserving device 16.

The pocket comprises a pocket opening 24. The pocket preserving device 16 comprise a surface 26 which is moveable between a condition in which the surface 26 is relatively close to the pocket opening 24 (figure 10) and a condition in which the surface 26 is relatively further away from the pocket opening 24 (figure 11). The surface 26 of the pocket preserving device 16 is moveable by the tab 106 acting on the surface 26 as the tab 106 moves into the pocket 14 in use. As illustrated, the tab 106 is inserted through the pocket opening 24 into the pocket 14.

In the illustrated example, in the relatively close condition the surface 26 substantially abuts the pocket opening 24. The surface 26 substantially provides a seal between the opening 24 and the pocket 14. Accordingly, ingress of materials such as silt, dirt and debris from the roadway into the pocket 14 is prevented by the pocket preserving device 16. Such ingress of material may otherwise accumulate in the pocket 14 and prevent entry of the tab 106 of the cover into the pocket 14. It would not therefore be possible to reliably fix the position of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102 to allow access to the opening 105 without the risk that the cover 104 may fall back and cause injury.

In the illustrated example, the pocket preserving device 16 is a resiliently deformable material. The deformable material is resiliently compressible. In the relatively close condition the pocket preserving device 16 is in a fully expanded condition and substantially fills the pocket 14. In the fully expanded condition the pocket preserving device 16 does not protrude from the pocket 14 into the housing 12. The surface 26 is flush with the inner surface 28 of the housing 12. In the relatively further away condition the pocket preserving device 16 is relatively compressed by the tab 106 acting on the surface 26 to move the surface 26 during insertion into the pocket 14.

The tab 106 can in use be lifted from the pocket 14 by a user to provide the condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 illustrated in figures 8 to 10, wherein the pocket preserving device 16 is in a fully expanded condition and substantially fills the pocket 14. In this condition the barrel 18 can again be rotated in the housing 12. The pocket preserving device 16 automatically returns to its fully expanded condition when no longer under compression, that is, when the tab 106 is lifted from the pocket 14.

The resiliently deformable material may comprise plastics material. The resiliently deformable material may comprise foam materials, expanding foam materials, closed cell foam materials, cellular elastomers, cellular plastics (for example, low and high-density polyurethane), cellular plastics with elastomeric properties, other cellular or solid materials having elastomeric properties, cellular nitrile, cellular neoprene, cellular ethylene propylene diene terpolymer.

The deformable material is elastic in its recovery after compression, that is, it does not take on a permanent set during its temporary compression.

Suitable materials could be injected or sprayed as curable foam materials into the pocket 14 to form the pocket preserving device 16. Materials will be selected in accordance with expected contaminants and elastic properties. In other examples, the pocket preserving device 16 could be pre-formed before it is located in the pocket

14.

The pocket preserving device 16 material may be substantially weather resistant and rot resistant.

Figures 13 to 18 illustrate a condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 in which the cover 104 has been displaced from the opening 105 of the frame 102 to an intermediate extent in which the cover 104 extends substantially perpendicular to the frame 102. In use, the cover 104 extends substantially vertically from the frame 102.

In the illustrated example, the housing 12 comprises an opening 30 for receiving the tab 106 of the cover 104. Accordingly, when the channel 20 of the barrel 18 is aligned with the opening 30 of the housing 12 as illustrated in figures 13 to 18, the tab 106 can be lifted from the barrel 18 and out through the opening 20. This allows the cover 104 to be completely removed from the frame 102 if required.

The opening 30 in the housing 12 is misaligned with the opening 24 to the pocket 14. The opening 30 in the housing 12 and the opening 24 to the pocket 14 are therefore off-set. This arrangement prevents a user inadvertently removing the cover 104 when lifting the tab 106 from the pocket 14 as described in relation to figures 8 to 12.

To remove the cover 104 from the frame 102 starting from the position illustrated in figures 11 and 12, the tab 106 must first be removed from the pocket 14 by lifting the cover 104 to the position illustrated in figures 8 to 10. The barrel 18 must then be rotated within the housing by moving the cover 104 relative to the frame 102 to the position illustrated in figures 13 to 16 to align the channel 20 of the barrel 18 with the opening 30 of the housing 12. As illustrated in figure 17, the tab 106 can then be lifted from the barrel 18 and out through the opening 20 to remove the cover 104 from the frame 102. Figures 20 to 25 illustrate a second example of the disclosure in different conditions of use.

Many features of the second example are similar to those previously described, and where features are the same or similar the same reference numerals have been used and these features will not be described again for the sake of brevity. In fact, the only differences relative to the first example are as follows.

In the second example, the hinge assembly 10 comprises a structure 17 in the form of a resiliently deformable means 32 rather than a barrel 18 into which the tab 106 is received.

Figures 20 and 21 illustrate the second example in a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 wherein the cover 104 closes the opening 105. In this condition the resiliently deformable means 32 is in an expanded condition and substantially fills at least a volume defined by a lower part 11 of the housing 12. The resiliently deformable means 32 is substantially elongate in cross section. The resiliently deformable means 32 in an expanded condition is shaped to correspond to at least the volume defined by the lower part 11 of the housing 12 in the closed condition of the ground surface access assembly 100. In the closed condition, the tab 106 substantially closes the housing 12. The tab 106 comprises an arcuate end portion 122 shaped to correspond to an arcuate portion of the inner surface 28 of the housing 12. The corresponding arcuate surfaces permit a smooth movement of the tab 106 within the housing 12.

Figure 22 illustrates a condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 in which the cover 104 has been displaced from the opening 105 of the frame 102 to a small extent. The tab 106 has moved within the housing 12 and compressed the resiliently deformable means 32 to a small extent against the inner surface 28 of the housing 12.

Figures 23 and 24 illustrate a condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 in which the cover 104 has been displaced from the opening 105 of the frame 102 to the maximum extent permitted. The tab 106 has further moved within the housing 12 and compressed the resiliently deformable means 32 against the inner surface 28 of the housing 12 to the maximum extent permitted. In figure 23, the tab 106 is aligned with the pocket 14 but has not yet been lowered (or allowed to drop) into the pocket 14. In figure 24, the tab 106 has been lowered into the pocket 14. Accordingly, the pocket 14 has received the tab 106.

Figure 25 illustrates a condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 in which the cover 104 has been displaced from the opening 105 of the frame 102 to an intermediate extent in which the cover 104 extends substantially perpendicular to the frame 102. In use, the cover 104 extends substantially vertically from the frame 102. In this condition, the tab 106 can be lifted from the housing 12 and out through the opening 30 in the housing 12. The tab 106 has moved within the housing 12 and the resiliently deformable means 32 has expanded relative to the condition illustrated in figures 23 and 24. The resiliently deformable means 32 continues to expand as the cover 104 is closed and the tab 106 is moved in the housing 12 back to the closed position of the ground surface access assembly 100 illustrated in figures 20 and 21.

Accordingly, the resiliently deformable means 32 is configured to be compressed by the tab 106 as the tab 106 moves within the housing 12 as the cover 104 is opened. Accordingly, the resiliently deformable means 32 is configured to expand as the tab 106 moves away from the resiliently deformable means 32 within the housing 12 as the cover 104 is closed.

The resiliently deformable means 32 may comprise a resiliently deformable material. The resiliently deformable material of the resiliently deformable means 32 may comprise the same material as the material of the pocket preserving device 16. The resiliently deformable means 32 is resiliently compressible.

Examples of the disclosure provide a number of advantages as detailed above. Furthermore, the hinge assembly 10 substantially prevents leakage of fluids from or into the ground surface access assembly 100. Accordingly, in a closed condition of the ground surface access assembly 100 the hinge assembly 10 does not undermine the seal 108. Furthermore, the barrel 18 in the first example and the resiliently deformable means 32 in the second example provide a close fitting hinge assembly 10 which substantially prevent the ingress of materials such as silt, dirt and debris from the roadway into the hinge assembly 10 which may otherwise jam the hinge assembly 10 and prevent opening of the ground surface access assembly 100. Furthermore, the close-fitting hinge assembly 10 results in a more closely controlled actuation of the cover 104 relative to the frame 102 than is the case with conventional loose-fitting hinge assemblies. Furthermore, because the hinge assembly 10 is close fitting additional features on the cover and/or frame to maintain alignment of the cover and frame as the cover is actuated are not required as is the case with conventional ground surface access assembly with loose-fitting hinge assemblies.

As described above, the pocket preserving device 16 prevents ingress of such materials into the pocket 14, for instance should any fine materials pass the barrel 18 in the first example and the resiliently deformable means 32 in the second example toward the opening 24 of the pocket 14.

Example of the disclosure therefore provide ground surface access assemblies 100 which are readily openable throughout the service life of the assembly 100, and in which the cover 104 can be fixed relative to the frame 102 to allow safe access to the opening 105.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For instance, in some examples a ground surface access assembly 100 may comprise a plurality of cooperating hinge assemblies 10.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. The term “comprise” is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use “comprise” with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to“comprising only one...” or by using“consisting”.

In this brief description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term“example” or “for example” or“may” in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus“example”,“for example” or“may” refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub class of the class that comprise some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a features described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.