Field of the invention

The present patent specification discloses a fitting for underground electrical service pits, and an associated method of installation.

Background

In the provision of electricity to buildings such as residential properties, which may involve splitting a connection for multiple properties, underground electrical service pits are often utilised wherein requisite cabling can be connected and housed.

Figures 1 to 3 show a common underground electrical service pit 2 before installation. The pit 2 comprises three through-holes 4 at its generally cylindrical lower end, each configured to receive a respective cable conduit 6 such that the conduits 6 at least partially extend into an inner housing or chamber of the service pit 2. The through- holes 4 have a diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the cable conduits 6 so that the angular position of the conduits 6 relative to the service pit 2 can be adjusted as necessary.

With reference to Figure 2, once the cable conduits 6 are roughly positioned relative to the pit 2, crushed rock 8 or other debris is poured over the conduits 6 and around the pit 2 to hold the conduits 6 and pit 2 in place. Flowever, since the through- holes 4 of the pits 2 do not receive the conduits 6 securely, the conduits 6 are vulnerable to being moved and repositioned by the poured crushed rock 8. This is of particular concern because certain industry regulations and standards strictly govern how far such cable conduits 6 ought to extend into service pits 2 through the through-holes 4. Additionally, and with reference to Figure 3, crushed rock 8 often enters the pit 2 via gaps between the through-holes 4 and the cable conduits 6. Throughout the installation process, especially if more crushed rock 8 enters the pit 2, cabling 10 passed through the service pit 2 may be damaged, along with the pit 2 itself. Moreover, if rain enters the pit 2 before it is covered, the water and crushed rock 8 mixture can become even more difficult to remove from the pit 2. The problem of debris 8 entering through the through-holes 4 is exacerbated when smaller diameter cable conduits are used, which conduits are commonly used for receiving thinner cabling required for street lights and the like. Importantly, in installing this thinner cabling alongside the thicker power supply cabling, it should be ensured that these cables are adequately physically separated from one another within the pit 2.

Moreover, crushed rock 8 and other debris is often applied around the pit using heavy machinery. To maintain their distance from the hazardous machinery, workers often attempt to hold the pit 2 in position using a shovel and the like. This improvised way of holding the pit 2 in place, combined with the weight of the crushed rock 8 being applied, makes the pit 2 vulnerable to being displaced as the crushed rock 8 is piled around the pit 2. Additionally, the depth at which the pit 2 and conduits 6 are initially positioned often requires adjustment, and such adjustments can be difficult to make during or after installation, and without displacing the lateral position of the pit 2 and/or the conduits 6

The installation of underground electrical service pits 2 is regularly audited; inadequate positioning of pits 2 and conduits 6 and damage thereto from the crushed rock 8 can be labour-intensive and costly to address. As such, during installation, it is common for contractors to regularly reach into the pit 2 to remove crushed rock 8 and other debris.

In essence, the present installation of underground electrical service pits 2 and their conduits 6 is relatively haphazard, particularly when it comes to the positioning of the conduits 6, the positioning of the pit 2, and keeping the inside of the pit 2 and associated cabling 10 relatively free from debris such as crushed rock 8 and the like.

There is a need to address the above, and/or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fitting for a service pit configured to secure a cable conduit relative thereto, the fitting comprising a body for engaging the pit via a through-hole thereof, the body defining an opening which, in use, is aligned with the through-hole and arranged to receive the cable conduit such that the conduit extends at least partially into the pit, the fitting being configured to form a seal between the received conduit and the through-hole so as to inhibit debris from entering the pit therebetween.

Embodiments of the fitting comprise an adjustment means for enabling angular adjustment of the received conduit relative to the longitudinal axis of the through-hole.

In embodiments of the fitting: the body defines a socket; and the fitting further comprises a ball having an aperture for receiving the conduit, the ball being configured to move in the socket such that, in use, the ball and socket define the adjustment means to effect angular adjustment of the conduit received in the socket.

Embodiments of the fitting comprise a locking means for releasably locking the body to the pit.

In embodiments of the fitting, the body comprises a rearwardly extending neck configured to, in use, at least partially protrude into the service pit via the through-hole thereof, the locking means being configured to secure to or over the neck to releasably lock the body to the pit.

In embodiments of the fitting, the body comprises a collar configured to engage an external wall of the service pit adjacent the through-hole thereof when the body is secured to the pit via the locking means.

Embodiments of the fitting are configured such that as the locking means is applied to lock the body to the pit, the locking means acts to lock against movement of the received conduit along a longitudinal axis thereof.

Embodiments of the fitting are configured such that as the locking means is applied to lock the body to the pit, the locking means acts to lock against movement of the received conduit along a longitudinal axis thereof.

In embodiments of the fitting, tightening of the locking means acts to lock against angular adjustment of the received conduit.

In embodiments of the fitting, in response to tightening of the locking means relative to the body, the socket of the body holds the ball more securely so as to limit movement thereof, thereby limiting angular adjustment of the ball. For example, tightening of the locking means may cause the body and socket thereof to compress such that the socket tightens around the ball and limit movement thereof. In embodiments of the fitting, in response to tightening of the locking means, the ball holds the received conduit more securely so as to limit longitudinal movement thereof. For example, the ball may be caused to compress such that the ball's aperture through which the conduit is received tightens around the conduit, thereby limiting movement of the conduit relative to the ball.

Embodiments of the fitting further comprise one or more anchor points via which, in use, the fitting is fixable to the ground so as to anchor the pit against lateral movement relative to the ground. In embodiments of the fitting, the body comprises the one or more anchor points, the or each anchor point comprising a sleeve configured for receipt of an anchor that is drivable into the ground to inhibit lateral movement of the pit.

In embodiments of the fitting, the ball and socket are configured to receive two or more conduits. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a service pit fitted with one or more fittings according to a first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a service pit according to a second aspect of the present invention, comprising: inserting a cable conduit through the opening of the body of a fitting; adjusting the extent to which the cable conduit extends into the pit; adjusting the angle of the conduit relative to the through-hole of the pit; applying the locking means so as to lock the fitting to the pit and inhibit adjustment of the conduit; and anchoring the fitting to the ground so as to inhibit lateral movement of the pit relative to the ground.

Embodiments of the method further comprise applying debris over the conduit and around the service pit to secure a location of the pit relative to the ground.

Embodiments of the method further comprise raising the pit to adjust a height thereof relative to the ground. Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front view of an on-site service pit with three cable conduits roughly positioned therein;

Figure 2 is a front view of the pit of Figure 1 with crushed rock poured over the conduits and around a base of the pit;

Figure 3 is a top view of the pit of Figure 2 wherein crushed rock has entered the pit; Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a service pit fitted with a conduit-receiving fitting according to embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the fitting of Figure 5 in receipt of a conduit of a first size;

Figure 6 is an exploded assembly view of the fitting of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a close-up cross-sectional side view of the fitting of Figure 5 mounted to a pit;

Figure 8 is a front view of an anchor configured for use with the fitting of Figure 5;

Figure 9 is a top perspective view of a fitting according to embodiments of the present invention configured to receive a cable conduit of a second size;

Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of a fitting according to embodiments of the present invention configured to receive two different sized cable conduits;

Figure 11 is an exploded assembly view of the fitting of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a side perspective view of a ball of the fitting of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a service pit fitted with fittings according to embodiments of the present invention; and

Figure 14 is a top view of the pit and fittings of Figure 13.

Detailed description With reference to Figures 4 to 14, the present patent specification discloses a fitting 12 that can be fitted at through-holes 4 of electrical service pits 2. The fitting 12 is configured to receive a cable conduit 6 and form a seal between the through-hole 4 of the pit 2 and the received conduit 6 so as to block crushed rock 8 and other debris from entering the service pit 2 through the through-holes 4.

The fitting 12 is also configured with adjustment means to enable angular and/or longitudinal adjustments of the conduits 6 relative to the pit 2. The fitting 12 may also be equipped with anchoring means such that the fitting 12 can be anchored into the ground so as to lock against lateral movement of the pit 2 during installation thereof.

Figures 4 to 7 show a fitting 12 configured to adjustably and securely receive an industry standard cable conduit 6 having an outer diameter of approximately 63mm. In the depicted embodiment, the fitting 12 comprises a ball 14, a body portion 16 in which the ball 14 can be movably received, a washer 18 and a locking nut 20. The ball 14 comprises an aperture 22 for receiving the conduit 6. The ability of the ball 14 to swivel within the body 16 enables angular adjustment of the received conduit 6.

The body 16 is generally tubular and defines an inner socket 24 in which the ball 14 can be movably received. The ball 14 and body 16 thus interact with one another like a ball and socket joint. A rear end of the body 16 comprises a rearwardly extending neck having an external thread 26 via which the locknut 20 can be screwed onto the body 16 to lock the fitting 12 to the pit 2.

Extending around a perimeter of the tubular body 16 is an outwardly protruding rim or collar 28. The collar 28 has a curved profile such that it forms a flush engagement against the curved external wall of the pit 2. Referring to Figure 4, the collar 28 at least partially seals over and/or against the perimeter of the through-hole 4 of the pit 2.

The body 16 also comprises a pair of lateral arms 30 in the form of tubular sleeves 30 extending generally perpendicular to the ground and/or the tubular direction of the body portion 16. The sleeves 30 define openings 32 through which elongate anchors 34, such as spikes or stakes, can be driven into the ground to facilitate fixing of the lateral position of the fitting 12, and thus pit 2, relative to the ground.

To fit the fitting 12 to a service pit 2, first, the ball 14 is inserted into the socket 24 of the body 16 such that the ball 14 can swivel therein. Next, the threaded rearward end 26 of the body 16 is inserted through a through-hole 4 of the pit 2. In so doing, the collar 28 of the body 16 is positioned so that it abuts against the curved outer wall of the pit 2 around the through-hole 4. Referring to Figure 4, a lower end 36 of the collar 28 extends towards the ground and forms a relatively level or flat portion that bridges the two arms 30. The lower end 36 of the collar 28 is configured to extend to approximately the base of the pit 2. In this way, when fitted, the base 36 of the collar 28 and the two arms 30 help maintain a level and stability of the pit 2 on the ground.

With the threaded end 26 inserted through the through-hole 4 such that the collar 28 is engaged against the exterior surface of the pit 2, the washer 18 and locknut 20 can be applied to the body 16. Referring to Figure 6, the washer 18 comprises a substantially ring-shaped element 38, from which protrudes a circular lip 40. The lip 40 has a curved profile such that it can form a relatively flush engagement with the curved interior wall of the generally cylindrical base of the pit 2. The washer 18 also comprises a pair of ridges 42 configured to fit into correspondingly shaped slots 44 in the threaded neck 26 of the body 16. Location of the ridges 42 into the slots 44 can help the user orient the washer 18 correctly so that the lip 40 thereof sits substantially flush against the inner surface of the pit 2.

A rear of the ring-shaped element 38 comprises a relatively planar or flat surface against which the circular locknut 20 can abut as it is screwed over the threaded neck 26 of the body 16, which screwing acts to tighten and draw the collar 28 of the body 16 against an exterior wall of the pit 2.

At any stage prior to fully tightening the locknut 20, the conduit 6 can be inserted into and through the ball 14. Prior to tightening the locknut 20, the ball 14 can swivel freely within the body 16 to enable angular adjustment of the conduit 6. Additionally, the grip that the ball 14 has on the conduit 6 is not too tight such that the conduit 6 can be moved along its longitudinal axis into and out of the pit 2. In this way, adjustment of the longitudinal position of the conduit 6 is also possible. Once the position of the conduit 6 is adjusted, the locknut 20 can be fully screwed onto the body 16 so as to lock the fitting 12 to the pit 2.

The body 16 and ball 14 can at least be partially made from a resilient material, such as polyurethane. As the locknut 20 is gradually tightened over the threaded neck 26, the body 16 and socket 24 thereof are caused to compress slightly in the radial direction to squeeze the ball 14 therein. The compression of the body 16 is facilitated by the rearward threaded end or neck 26 not being formed as a continuous tubular section but having openings or slots 44 so that each portion of the threaded neck 26 can deflect inwardly as the locknut 20 is tightened thereon.

As the socket 24 is compressed by the locknut 20, the ball 14 is itself caused to compress in the radial direction, thereby causing the ball 14 to squeeze or more securely grip the conduit 6. In this way, tightening of the locknut 20 not only helps lock the fitting 12 to the pit 2, but also facilitates fixing the position of the conduit 6 and locks against further longitudinal or angular adjustment of the conduit 6 relative to the fitting 12. Of course, if adjustment of the conduit 6 is required, the locknut 20 can simply be loosened so that the body 16 is allowed to decompress and thus the ball 14 is allowed to loosen its grip on the conduit 6.

Figure 8 shows an elongate anchor 34 that is drivable through the sleeves 30 of the body 16 to anchor a lateral position of the fitting 12 relative to the ground. An upper end of the body of the anchor 34 comprises opposed and resiliently deformable portions or wings 46 which span a width greater than the internal diameter of the sleeves 30. As the anchor 34 is hammered or otherwise urged into the ground through the sleeve openings 32, when the resilient wings 46 progress into the sleeve 30, their urging against respective inner walls of the sleeves 30 help locate the anchor 34 relative to the fitting 12. However, the resilient portions 46 are not so wide and/or are not so rigid that they do not permit further travel of the anchor 34 through the sleeve 30. As such, if the pit 2 needs to be raised during installation thereof, the pit 2 can be raised such that the sleeves 30 continue to slide upwardly along, and, if needed, off the respective anchors 34 (raising of a pit 2 would occur after crushed rock 8 has already been piled around the pit 2 to help secure a lateral position thereof).

After the necessary fittings 12 and anchors 34 are installed, crushed rock 8 and debris can be piled over the conduits 6 and around a base of the pit 2 to further secure a position of the pit 2 and conduits 6. Advantageously, since the position of the conduits 6 have been fixed by respective fittings 12, and since lateral movement of the pit 2 is inhibited by the anchors 34, piling on of crushed rock 8 will not significantly disturb or displace the positions of the conduits 6 and pit 2.

Many modifications of the above embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the foregoing description primarily relates to a fitting 12 for receipt of a 63mm diameter cable conduit 6, the present fitting 12 may also receive other sized conduits. For example, with reference to the fitting 12' of Figure 9, the ball 14b may have a smaller aperture sized to receive another industry standard conduit 6b having an external diameter of approximately 32mm.

Fittings according to embodiments of the present invention may also carry more than one conduit 6. For example, the fitting 12" shown in Figures 10 and 11 is configured to carry both the 63mm and 32mm diameter conduits 6a, 6b. In this regard, the ball 14ab thereof (see Figures 11 and 12) is formed with two correspondingly shaped openings 48a, 48b, each for a respective conduit 6a, 6b. The ball 14ab may also be configured with a securing collar 50 shaped to receive each of the two conduits 6a, 6b. For example, and with reference to Figure 12, the collar 50 may comprise two adjacent openings 51a, 51b, each disposed forward and aligned with the respective openings 48a, 48b of the ball 14ab.

Figures 13 and 14 show a service pit 2 fitted with various examples of fittings of the type described herein. The pit 2 is fitted with a first fitting 12 configured to receive a 63mm diameter conduit 6a, a second fitting 12' configured to receive a second a 32mm diameter conduit 6b, and a third fitting 12" configured to receive

Although it is disclosed that at least a portion of the fitting 12 may be made from a resilient material such as polyurethane, other suitable materials are considered within the scope of the present specification.

It is envisaged that the fitting 12 may be provided with, for example, elastomeric sealing means for sealing around the circumference of the cable conduits 6, and/or plugging the through-holes 4 of the service pit 2.

As an alternative to fitting individual fittings 12 to a service pit 2, service pits may instead be mass-produced and preconfigured with the present fittings 12. Such service pits are also considered within the scope of the present patent specification.

Additionally, although the depicted fittings are configured to suit pits 2 having a curved wall, the present fittings 12 could readily be adapted for service pits having relatively planar or flat walls.

It is to be understood that the seal formed by the fitting 12 around the circumference of a cable conduit 6 need not be a seal that is impervious to fluid or air.

The seal simply needs to be close-fitting enough such that crushed rock and other debris is prevented from entering the service pit 2 between the fitting 12 and the cable conduit 6 received therein.

Similarly, to the extent that the fitting 12 "plugs" a respective through-hole 4 of a service pit 2, the plug formed need not be impervious to fluid or air. The nature and purpose of the plugging function is simply to prevent crushed rock 8 and other similarly sized debris from entering the service pit 2 between the fitting 12 and a corresponding through-hole 4 of the service pit 2.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.