Patent Publication Number: US-7588392-B2

Title: Removable grate

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is based on Provisional Patent Application No. 60/794,377 filed Apr. 24, 2006, on which priority of this patent application is based, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION. 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to a two-part grate assembly for a channeled drain trough and, more particularly, to a grate assembly having a grate frame that is adapted to receive a removable grate section. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Channeled drains, such as trench drains, are utilized to transfer extensive amounts of liquid from one place to another and typically transport the liquid to a drainage sewer. Such drains are installed in the ground and secured within concrete. The drains are often U-shaped or V-shaped troughs and are usually installed adjacent to either roadways or buildings. To prevent injury to people and avoid debris entering the trench drains, a grate often covers the trough. In many cases, the channeled drains include a grate to prevent large objects, such as debris and people, from falling into them. However, there are many instances where access to the interior of the trough is desirable and it can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming to remove the desired section of the grate from the trough in order to access the interior of the trough. 
   Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved grate assembly for a channeled drain trough that allows access to the interior of the trough in an expedient and time-efficient manner. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Generally, the present invention is directed to a two-part grate assembly for a channeled drain trough and, more particularly, to a grate assembly having a grate frame that is adapted to receive a removable grate section. Further, the present invention is directed to a grate frame having lugs with vertical projections extending therefrom that define securing recesses that assist in aligning and securing the grate frame atop a drain trough. Additionally, the present invention is directed to the use of an alignment bar that prevents the grate section from sliding out of operating position within the grate frame by restricting lateral movement of the grate section. Further, the present invention is directed to a method of providing a grate assembly for a channeled drain trough having a grate frame that is adapted to receive a removable grate section. 
   The present invention is directed to a removable grate assembly for a channeled drain trough having a grate frame with a first section defining a first section interior endwall and a first section exterior endwall and a second section defining a second section interior endwall and a second section exterior endwall. The first section interior endwall and the second section interior endwall are connected by two opposing sidewalls. The first section extends inwardly toward the first section interior endwall to form an internal projection defining a receiving recess on a side of the first interior endwall and the second section extends inwardly toward the second section interior endwall to form an internal projection defining a receiving recess on the second interior endwall. 
   A grate section is also provided having a first interior endwall, a first exterior endwall, a second interior endwall, and a second exterior endwall. The first interior endwall and the second interior endwall are connected by two opposing sidewalls. The first exterior endwall has an external projection extending therefrom on a side of the first exterior endwall and the second exterior endwall has an external projection extending therefrom on a side of the second exterior endwall. 
   The removable grate section is removably received by the grate frame when the external projection of the first exterior endwall is received within its corresponding receiving recess of the first interior endwall. Further, the external projection of the second exterior endwall is received within its corresponding receiving recess of the second interior endwall. 
   The present invention is also directed to a removable grate assembly for a channeled drain trough having a grate frame that has a first section defining a first section interior endwall and a first section exterior endwall and a second section defining a second section interior endwall and a second section exterior endwall. The first section interior endwall and the second section interior endwall are connected by two opposing sidewalls. The first section extends inwardly toward the first section interior endwall to form an internal projection defining a receiving recess on a side of the first interior endwall. The internal projection of the first section is substantially rectangular in shape. The second section extends inwardly toward the second section interior endwall to form an internal projection defining a receiving recess on the second interior endwall. The internal projection of the second section extends in a horizontal direction. The grate frame also defines a slot on a first of the two opposing sidewalls that extends from an inner surface of an interior surface of the first opposing sidewall toward a respective outer surface of an exterior surface of the first opposing sidewall. The grate frame further defines a slot on a second of the two opposing sidewalls that extends from an inner surface of an interior surface of the second opposing sidewall toward a respective outer surface of an exterior surface of the second opposing sidewall. 
   A removable grate section is also provided having a first interior endwall, a first exterior endwall, a second interior endwall, and a second exterior endwall. The first interior endwall and the second interior endwall are connected by two opposing sidewalls. The first exterior endwall has an external projection extending therefrom on a side of the first exterior endwall. The external projection of the first exterior endwall is substantially rectangular in shape. The second exterior endwall has an external projection extending therefrom on a side of the second exterior endwall. The external projection of the second exterior endwall extends in a horizontal direction. 
   The removable grate section is removably received by the grate frame when the external projection of the first exterior endwall is received within its corresponding receiving recess of the first interior endwall and the external projection of the second exterior endwall is received within its corresponding receiving recess of the second interior endwall. 
   Further, an alignment bar that extends throughout the width of the grate frame is provided. The alignment bar engages the grate frame and the grate section to prevent lateral movement of the grate section secured within the grate frame when the alignment bar is removably received into the slots. 
   The present invention is also directed to a removable grate assembly for a channeled drain trough having a grate frame with a first section defining a first section interior endwall and a first section exterior endwall and a second section defining a second section interior endwall and a second section exterior endwall. The first section interior endwall and the second section interior endwall are connected by two opposing sidewalls. The first section extends inwardly toward the first section interior endwall to form an internal projection defining a receiving recess on a side of the first interior endwall and the second section extends inwardly toward the second section interior endwall to form an internal projection defining a receiving recess on the second interior endwall. 
   A grate section is also provided having a first interior endwall, a first exterior endwall, a second interior endwall, and a second exterior endwall. The first interior endwall and the second interior endwall are connected by two opposing sidewalls. The first exterior endwall has an external projection extending therefrom on a side of the first exterior endwall and the second exterior endwall has an external projection extending therefrom on a side of the second exterior endwall. 
   The removable grate section is removably received by the grate frame when the external projection of the first exterior endwall is received within its corresponding receiving recess of the first interior endwall. Further, the external projection of the second exterior endwall is received within its corresponding receiving recess of the second interior endwall. 
   Further, a drain trough that is substantially U-shaped having a hollow body portion and a ledge is provided. The grate frame intended to be placed atop the ledge of the drain trough. 
   The present invention is further directed to a removable grate assembly having a grate frame with a body that defines an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surface defines a grate receiving recess. Further, the body has a horizontally extending lug extending from the external surface of the grate frame. A projection depends from the lug to define a securing recess between a portion of the external surface, at least a portion of the lug and at least a portion of the projection. A grate received by the grate receiving recess is also provided. 
   The present invention is directed to a method for providing a removable grate assembly for a channeled drain trough. The method includes providing a grate frame with a first section defining a first section interior endwall and a first section exterior endwall and a second section defining a second section interior endwall and a second section exterior endwall. The first section interior endwall and the second section interior endwall are connected by two opposing sidewalls. The first section extends inwardly toward the first section interior endwall to form an internal projection defining a receiving recess on a side of the first interior endwall and the second section extends inwardly toward the second section interior endwall to form an internal projection defining a receiving recess on the second interior endwall. The method further includes providing a grate section having a first interior endwall, a first exterior endwall, a second interior endwall, and a second exterior endwall. The first interior endwall and the second interior endwall are connected by two opposing sidewalls. The first exterior endwall has an external projection extending therefrom on a side of the first exterior endwall and the second exterior endwall has an external projection extending therefrom on a side of the second exterior endwall. The removable grate section is removably received by the grate frame when the external projection of the first exterior endwall is received within its corresponding receiving recess of the first interior endwall. Further, the external projection of the second exterior endwall is received within its corresponding receiving recess of the second interior endwall. Further, an alignment bar is provided. The method further includes aligning and placing the grate frame over a channeled drain trough and inserting the grate section into the grate frame, inserting the alignment bar into a slot on a first of the two opposing sidewalls of the grate frame and into a slot on a second of the two opposing sidewalls of the grate frame, whereby the alignment bar extends throughout the width of the grate frame and whereby the alignment bar engages the grate frame and the grate section to prevent lateral movement of the grate section secured within the grate frame, and engaging the alignment bar with a clip attached to an extending portion of at least two interior ribwalls of the grate section, whereby the clip has first and second leg portions for releasably attaching the alignment bar thereto. 
   These and other advantages of the present invention will be understood from the description of the preferred embodiments, taken with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a two-part grate assembly for a channeled drain trough having a grate frame and a removable grate section in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the grate frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the removable grate section of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the grate frame of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the grate frame of  FIG. 4  taken along lines V-V of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 5   a  is a close-up, cross-sectional view of the grate frame of  FIG. 5  taken along circumscribed area Va of  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an interior perspective view of the two-part grate assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the grate section of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 7   a  is a bottom plan view of the grate section of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the grate section of  FIG. 7  taken along lines VIII-VIII of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 8   a  is a close-up, cross-sectional view of the grate section of  FIG. 8  taken along circumscribed area VIIIa of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a front plan view of the alignment bar of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 10  is an elevated perspective end view of the two-part grate assembly of  FIG. 1  placed atop a channeled drain trough; and 
       FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the grate frame of the present invention in the process of receiving the grate section of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial or directional terms shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific components illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. 
     FIG. 1  shows a two-part grate assembly  2  according to the present invention. The two-part grate assembly  2  has a grate frame  10  adapted to receive a removable grate or grate section  50 . The grate section  50  is removable and is slidably received by the grate frame  10 . The grate frame  10  and grate section  50  may be manufactured out of cast iron, ductile iron, and/or stainless steel, as well as any other material such as polymeric materials. 
     FIG. 2  shows an un-mated grate frame  10  according to the present invention and  FIG. 3  shows an un-mated grate section  50  according to the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ,  4  and  10 , the grate frame  10  is essentially rectangular in shape with opposing interior sidewalls  12  and  12 ′ and opposing exterior sidewalls  14  and  14 ′. Further, the grate frame  10  has opposing interior endwalls  16  and  16 ′, one at the first section or front portion  24  of the grate frame  10  and one at the second section or rear portion  28  of the grate frame  10 . The grate frame  10  also has opposing exterior endwalls  18  and  18 ′, one at the first section or front portion  24  of the grate frame  10  and one at the second section or rear portion  28  of the grate frame  10 . Further, the grate frame  10  has a first or top surface  20  and a second or bottom surface  22 . The first section or front portion  24  of the grate frame  10  extends inwardly to form an internal projection  26  on opposing sides of the interior endwall  16  along each respective interior sidewall  12  and  12 ′. Further, the second section or rear portion  28  of the grate frame  10  extends inwardly to form an internal projection  26 ′ on opposing sides of the interior endwall  16 ′ along each respective interior sidewall  12  and  12 ′. Each internal projection  26  and  26 ′ defines a receiving recess  30  and  30 ′, respectively. Receiving recesses  30  are substantially rectangular in shape to matingly receive external projections  68  and receiving recesses  30 ′ are extend in a horizontal direction to matingly receive external projections  68 ′. Alternatively, receiving recesses  30 ′ may be downwardly sloped and external projections  68 ′ may be upwardly sloped. Each internal projection  26  at the first section or front portion  24  of the grate frame  10  is substantially rectangular in shape and each internal projection  26 ′ at the second section or rear portion  28  of the grate frame  10  extends in a horizontal direction. The internal projections  26  and  26 ′ are positioned on opposing interior endwalls  12  and  12 ′, respectively. A ledge L is defined on each interior sidewall  12  and  12 ′. A bottom surface of each internal projection  26  and  26 ′ is substantially parallel to an upper surface of ledge L. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4  and  10 , the grate frame  10  also has a lug  32  or  32 ′ extending outwardly from the opposing exterior sidewalls  14  and  14 ′. Specifically, a pair of lugs  32  is located on the first section or front portion  24  of the grate frame  10  and a pair of lugs  32 ′ is located on the second or rear portion  28  of the grate frame  10 . Each lug  32  at the first section or front portion  24  of the grate frame  10  has a vertical projection  34  extending therefrom that defines a securing recess  36 . Each lug  32 ′ at the second section or rear portion  28  of the grate frame  10  has a vertical projection  34 ′ extending therefrom that defines a securing recess  36 ′. Each lug  32  and  32 ′ has a free end  39   a  and  39   a ′, respectively, and a connected end  39   b  and  39   b ′, respectively. Vertical projection  34  is positioned between free end  39   a  and connected end  39   b  and vertical projection  34 ′ is positioned between free end  39   a ′ and connected end  39   b ′. Locking recesses  39   c  and  39   c ′ are defined by free ends  39   a  and  39   a ′ and their respective vertical projections  34  and  34 ′. The securing recesses  36  and  36 ′ assist in aligning and securing the grate frame  10  atop a channeled drain trough  4 . The lugs  32  and  32 ′ and vertical projections  34  and  34 ′ further stabilize or lock the grate frame  10  when earthen fill or concrete is placed around the grate frame  10  and locking recesses  39   c  and  39   c ′ and the channeled drain trough  4 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  5  and  6 , the grate frame  10  further defines slots  38  and  38 ′ (one of which is not shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 ) defined in the interior sidewalls  12  and  12 ′ that extends from the inner surface of the interior sidewalls  12  and  12 ′ toward, but not through, the respective outer surface of the exterior sidewalls  14  and  14 ′. The slots  38  and  38 ′ are intended to receive an alignment bar  40  (not shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 ) throughout the width of the grate frame  10 . 
     FIGS. 3 , and  7 - 8   a  show an un-mated slotted grate section  50  according to the present invention. The grate section  50  is essentially rectangular in shape with opposing interior sidewalls  52  and  52 ′ (of which one is shown in  FIG. 3 ) and opposing exterior sidewalls  54  and  54 ′. Further, the grate section  50  has opposing interior endwalls  56  and  56 ′ and opposing exterior endwalls  58  and  58 ′. Further, the grate section  50  has a first or top surface  60  and a second or bottom surface  62 . The grate section  50  also has at least one interior ribwall  64  contained within its structure. A first or front portion  66  of the grate section  50  extends outwardly to form an external projection  68  on opposing sides the exterior endwall  58  along each respective exterior sidewall  54  and  54 ′. A second or rear portion  70  of the grate section  50  extends outwardly to form an external projection  68 ′ on opposing sides of the exterior endwall  58 ′ along each respective exterior sidewall  54  and  54 ′. The external projection  68  at the first or front portion  66  of the grate section  50  is substantially rectangular in shape and the external projection  68 ′ at the second or rear portion  70  of the grate section  50  extends in a horizontal direction. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , when the grate section  50  is received by the grate frame  10 , each external projection  68  and  68 ′ mates with its corresponding receiving recess  30  and  30 ′, which helps to secure the grate section  50  within the grate frame  10 . Upper surfaces of the external projections  68  and  68 ′ extend in the horizontal direction and when installed, are parallel to the ledge L. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  6 ,  8  and  8   a , at least two of the interior ribwalls  64  of the grate section  50  have extending portions  72  that protrude below the second or bottom surface  62  of the grate section  50 . Further, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  6 ,  7 ,  7   a  and  10 , a hole  74  is present that extends from the first or top surface  60  through the second or bottom surface  62  of the grate section  50 . The hole  74  is spaced between the two interior ribwalls  64  having extending portions  72 . The hole  74  is used to access and manipulate the alignment bar  40  contained throughout the width of the grate frame  10 . The tool  76  is initially arranged so that the elongated portion  80  passes through the hole  74  and the hook end  78  is positioned below the alignment bar  40 . The attachment of the alignment bar  40  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , wherein a tool  76  having a hook end  78  and an elongated portion  80  has been positioned adjacent the two-part grate assembly  2  and the hook end  78  of the tool  76  captures a portion of the alignment bar  40  lifting the alignment bar  40  upwardly into place in the two-part grate assembly  2 . The alignment bar  40  engages the grate frame  10  and the grate section  50  to prevent lateral movement along the X-axis shown in  FIG. 2 . The alignment bar  40  may also be brought into operating position by hand. The alignment bar  40  releasably engages with a clip  75  attached to extending portions  72 . Preferably, two clips  75  are provided, each clip  75  attached to extending portions  72  near opposing interior sidewalls  52  and  52 ′. The clip  75  has legs A and B for releasably attaching the alignment bar  40  thereto. The tool  76  is then removed from the grate assembly  2 . To detach the alignment bar  40 , the elongated portion  80  of the tool  76  can be placed down through hole  74  forcing the alignment bar  40  downwardly out of the clip  75  for removal of the grate section  50 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , the alignment bar  40  has an intermediate or center portion  44  with a plurality of deformable fins  46  at opposing ends of the alignment bar  40 . The entire alignment bar  40  may be manufactured out of a plastic or elastomeric material; however, any pliable material now known, or heretofore developed in the art, may be used. The center portion  44  of the alignment bar  40  may be manufactured out of any substantially non-deformable material, such as cast iron, ductile iron, and/or stainless steel, whereas the fins  46  are manufactured out of an elastically deformable material, such as a plastic material or elastomeric material. Upon insertion into at least one clip  75 , the fins  46  deform inwardly when the alignment bar  40  is received and the memory of the material of the fins  46  allows the fins  46  to regain their shape. Thus, in operation, the ribbed fins  46  are frictionally engaged in the at least one clip  75  so that the alignment bar  40  is held into place. Upon removal, the fins  46  are once more deformed and the alignment bar  40  is released so that the grate section  50  may be removed from the grate frame  10 . The extending portions  72  may be somewhat flexible, as well as resilient, and also function to receive and hold the alignment bar  40  in place. 
   In operation and, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the grate frame  10  of the two-part grate assembly  2  is placed atop a channeled drain trough  4  that is substantially U-shaped having a hollow body portion  8  and ledges  6  and  6 ′. Such a channeled drain trough  4  is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,662, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The securing recesses  36  and  36 ′ of the grate frame  10  assist in aligning and securing the grate frame  10  atop the channeled drain trough  4 . The securing recesses  36  and  36 ′ are dimensioned so that they are able to receive ledges  6  and  6 ′ of the channeled drain trough  4 . Further, the lugs  32  and  32 ′ and vertical projections  34  and  34 ′ stabilize the grate frame  10  once earthen fill or concrete is placed around the grate frame  10  and the channeled drain trough  4 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 11 , upon placement of the grate section  50  within the grate frame  10 , external projection  68  can be received by receiving recess  30  until the grate section  50  reaches or is stopped by internal projection  26  and the grate section  50  can be moved toward the second section or rear portion  28  of the grate frame  10  to permit reception of external projection  68 ′ with receiving recess  30 ′ of the grate frame  10  to permit seating of the grate section  50  on the ledge L (shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 - 6  and  11 ) of the grate frame  10 . In this orientation the external projections  68  and  68 ′ of the grate section  50  co-act with the internal projections  26  and  26 ′ of the grate frame  10  to prevent lifting of the grate section  50  from the grate frame  10 . The projection  68 ′ may have an upwardly sloping upper surface to mate with the downwardly sloping bottom surface of projection  26 ′, if provided. As such, the external projections  68  and  68 ′ are slidably received by the receiving recesses  30  and  30 ′; i.e., there is enough clearance so that there is not an interference fit at the co-acting areas. Once in this operating position, pullout resistance on the grate section  50  comes from the grate frame  10  itself. The grate section  50  is slidably moved along the X-axis shown in  FIG. 2  until the extending portions  72  are positioned adjacent slots  38  and  38 ′ so that the alignment bar  40  may be received into the slots  38  and  38 ′. To further prevent the grate section  50  from sliding out of the operating position, the alignment bar  40  is used to engage the grate frame  10  and the grate section  50  to prevent lateral movement along the X-axis. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the alignment bar  40  snaps into the clip  75  attached to extending portions  72  of the grate section  50 . Preferably, two clips  75  are provided, each clip  75  attached to extending portions  72  near opposing interior sidewalls  52  and  52 ′. However, the alignment bar  40  may also snap into the grate frame  10 . The alignment bar  40  may be brought into this operating position by hand or with the use of the hook end  78  of tool  42  with or without the use of hole  74 , or a plurality of holes  74 , within the grate section  50 . Further, the alignment bar  40  may be released from this operating position using the elongated portion  80  of tool  42  through the hole  74 , or a plurality of holes  74 , of the grate section  50  to push the alignment bar  40  downwardly out of operating position. Once assembled, the two-part grate assembly  2  of the present invention is able to prevent injury to people and avoids substantially-sized debris from entering the channeled drain trough  4  because the internal projections  26  of the grate section  50  help to prevent entry into the hollow body  8  of the channeled drain trough  4 . Further, complete access to the interior of the channeled drain trough  4  is easily and quickly achieved by removing the grate section  50  from the two-part grate assembly  2 . Removal of the grate section  50  is easily accomplished by releasing the alignment bar  40  from the clip  75 . Upon release of the alignment bar  40 , the grate section  50  is slid along the X-axis relative to the grate frame  10  toward the first section or front portion  24  of the grate frame  10  until external projection  68 ′ is completely exposed and not captured within receiving recess  30 ′. External projection  68 ′ is pivoted in a counter clockwise direction W (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) relative to the grate frame  10  so that external projection  68 ′ can be released from receiving recess  30 ′ at the second section or rear portion  28  of the grate frame  10 . Upon release of external projection  68 ′, the grate section  50  is slid along the X-axis relative to the grate frame  10  toward the second section or rear portion  28  of the grate frame  10  so that external projection  68  can be released from receiving recess  30  at the first section or front portion  24  of the grate frame  10 . Upon release of external projections  68  and  68 ′, the grate section  50  may be easily lifted upwardly out of operating position in the grate frame  10 . The above method is reversed to place the grate section  50  into the grate frame  10 . As is evident, sufficient clearances are provided between projections  26 ,  26 ′ and external projections  68 ,  68 ′ to permit removal of the grate section  50  from the grate frame  10 . 
   The present invention is also directed to a method for providing a removable two-part grate assembly  2  for a channeled drain trough  4 . As such, the method involves the following steps: a) providing: i) a grate frame  10  of the present invention, ii) a removable grate section  50  of the present invention, and iii) an alignment bar  40  of the present invention; b) aligning and placing the grate frame  10  over a channeled drain trough  4  and inserting the grate section  50  into the grate frame  10 ; inserting the alignment bar  40  into the slots  38  and  38 ′ of the grate frame  10 , whereby the alignment bar  40  engages the grate frame  10  and the grate section  50  to prevent lateral movement of the grate section  50  releasably secured within the grate frame  10 ; and d) engaging the alignment bar  40  with a clip  75  attached to the extending portions  72  of the interior ribwalls  64  of the grate section  50 . The clip  75  has first and second leg portions, A and B respectively, for releasably attaching the alignment bar  40  thereto. 
   The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Modifications, combinations and alterations will occur to others upon reading the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications, combinations and alterations.