WO2020120939A1

WO2020120939A1 - A hatch

Info

Publication number: WO2020120939A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/053471
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luis MCCARTHY
Original assignee: J. Mac Safety Systems Limited
Priority date: 2018-12-10
Filing date: 2019-12-09
Publication date: 2020-06-18
Also published as: GB2580760A; GB201917075D0; GB2580760B; GB201820055D0

Abstract

A hatch (1) suitable for fitting in an opening (2), the hatch (1) comprising: a frame (3) having connected inner (4) and outer (5) frame portions wherein the inner frame portion (4) fits within the opening (2) and the outer frame portion (5) is larger than the opening (2), and one or more independently operable door panels (20) mounted to the frame (3) using one or more hinge elements (29), each door panel (20) movable between an open condition allowing access through a respective portion of the hatch opening (2), and a closed position preventing access through the hatch (1) wherein when all of the door panels (20) of the hatch (1) are in the closed condition, the door panels (20) are contiguous to prevent access through the hatch (1).

Description

A HATCH

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hatch and in particular to an access hatch for use during building construction projects.

Background to the Invention

Safety decking systems are used extensively in the building industry. A decking system provides a horizontal platform for workers enabling them to safely access parts of a building site that would otherwise be out of reach. Such decking systems comprise a plurality of square or rectangular panels supported by a plurality of vertical support rods. The vertical rods are of a substantially equal height and are typically provided with base plates to increase the stability of the rod in relation to the ground and/or head plates for enabling secure engagement with the supported panels. The panels may be formed from metal or from a substantially rigid plastic material. Plastic panels are preferred as they are cheaper and relatively lightweight. Additionally, the panels can be readily manufactured in a bright colour, enhancing visibility for workers.

In known decking systems, lateral stability is ensured mainly by the panels, the relative position of the panels and rods being fixed by the head plates. In some implementations, additional stability may be achieved by securing the rods and/or panels to other structures, such as walls and or scaffolding.

When constructing a multi-storey building, it is typical to install a ceiling/floor once the walls rise to a sufficient height. Subsequent construction can then be carried out using the floor to support workers and, as the wall height rises on upper storeys, using a safety decking system supported by the floor.

In such projects it is conventional for the installation of staircases to be postponed until the building is watertight. Accordingly, access to upper floors requires the use of a ladder extending through an opening in the installed floor. Providing an opening creates a fall hazard for workers and makes it possible for tools or other items to be dropped through the opening. Additionally, the ladder extending through the opening creates a trip hazard. These features are associated with an inherent risk injury to workers from trip hazards as well as from object falling through the opening. A further issue is that providing an opening can impact on the provision of upright support rods.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hatch that at least partially overcomes or alleviates the above issues.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hatch suitable for fitting in an opening, the hatch comprising: a frame having an inner frame portion defining a hatch opening and an outer frame portion wherein the inner frame portion fits within the opening and the outer frame portion is larger than the opening; and one or more, independently operable door panels mounted to the frame using one or more hinge elements, each door panel movable between an open condition allowing access through a respective portion of the hatch opening, and a closed condition preventing access through the hatch wherein when all of the door panels, of the hatch are in the closed condition, the door panels are contiguous to prevent access through the hatch opening.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a hatch suitable for fitting in an opening, the hatch comprising: a frame having connected inner and outer frame portions wherein the inner frame portion fits within the opening and the outer frame portion is larger than the opening, wherein each frame portion is formed from a plurality of elongate frame members connected together, each elongate frame member having a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section and being provided with one or more longitudinal tracks on each face; and one or more door panels, the door panels fitting within the outer frame portion and being larger than the inner frame portion; and wherein the door panels are connected to the outer frame portion via one or more hinge elements, the hinge elements each mounted to one of the longitudinal tracks. The present invention thus provides a hatch that can be readily constructed to fit an opening provided in a newly installed floor without impeding the subsequent installation of support rods for safety decking. The optional provision of the longitudinal tracks enables the tracks to be used to provide a secure connection for a ladder without the ladder extending through the opening and presenting a trip hazard or impeding closing of the door panels.

The hatch may be adapted to be used to provide access to an upper floor supporting a safety decking system. This can be achieved by selecting the outer dimensions of the outer frame portion such that they are less than the spacing between adjacent support rods of the safety decking system. In one embodiment, the outer dimensions of the outer frame portion may be selected such that they are less than the spacing between adjacent support rods of the safety decking system, when said rods are fitted with base plates.

In one embodiment, there is provided a pair of door panels. The provision of a pair of door panels allows the extent of the opening that is uncovered to be restricted during use by closing one of the panels independently or by closing both panels.

In some embodiments, more than two door panels, namely multiple door panels, are provided. In a particular embodiment, there is provided three door panels: a first door panel, a second door panel and a third door panel. Each door panel may be a different size. Each door panel may be independently operable.

The first door panel may span the width of the hatch opening. The first door panel may span the majority of the width of the hatch opening, but leave a small opening at at least one end of the first door panel inside the frame. Preferably, a small opening is left at both ends of the first door panel inside the frame.

The first door panel may allow a ladder to pass through the hatch. The first door panel may allow a ladder to be fixed to the hatch (with the first door open) while the other door panels remain closed.

The first door panel is preferably located at one end of the hatch opening. The first door is preferably a slimline door panel. The first door panel preferably accounts for between 1/8 and 1/10 of the length of the hatch opening. The second door panel is preferably sufficiently large to create an opening large enough to allow a person access through the hatch opening. In some embodiments, a single second door panel may create an opening large enough to allow a person access through the hatch. The second door panel preferably extends within the hatch opening between the first door panel at one end and the frame at an opposite end. The second door panel preferably extends within the hatch opening between the third door panel at one side and the frame at an opposite side.

The third door panel is preferably a laterally located door panel, extending part way along one side of the frame, inside the hatch opening (at least when it is closed). The third door panel preferably extends within the hatch opening between the first door panel at one end and the frame at an opposite end. The third door panel preferably extends within the hatch opening between the second door panel at one side and the frame at an opposite side.

The second door panel and the third door panel are preferably the same length, but different widths. The third door panel is typically between 1/5 of the width of the hatch opening and 1/3 of the width of the hatch opening and preferably approximately ¼ of the width of the hatch opening. The second door panel preferably makes up the remainder of the width of the hatch opening.

One or more support rungs may span the width and/or length of the hatch frame. The or each support rung may be positioned under the edges of each door panel when closed. In an embodiment, a single support rung may be provided.

Where the hatch includes three door panels, a single support rung may be provided which supports a longer side of the first door panel and the shorter sides of each of the second door panel and the third door panel. In this configuration, the single support rung can be located toward one end of the hatch, preferably leaving an opposite 7/8 and 9/10 of the length of the hatch opening unobstructed when the second and third door panels are open.

The additional and various size door panels increase the safety and convenience of the hatch. They allow for the hatch to be opened and closed with a ladder in place and for objects to be passed through without creating a risk of a person falling through the hatch.

Each door panel may not span the width and/or length of the hatch. Such panels may allow small objects to be passed through the hatch without creating an opening large enough for a person to fall through. Such panels may be sized to allow safety decking panels to be passed through.

Alternatively, the hatch may be provided with four or more door panels. The hatch may be provided with two or more support rungs. In some embodiments, one or more additional hatches may be provided within the or each door panel of the hatch. This further increases the flexibility and functionality of the hatch.

Each frame portion may be formed from a plurality of elongate frame members connected together. Each elongate frame member may have a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section. Each elongate frame member may be provided with one or more longitudinal tracks on each face. The tracks may each comprise a channel. The channel may comprise a relatively narrow surface opening. The surface opening may be defined by rims which overlap the channel. The rims enable suitable elements to be securely retained within the tracks.

In some embodiments, the frame members may be provided with one or more runner elements adapted to fit within and be slid along the tracks to a desired location. Such runner elements preferably have a width greater than the surface opening of the tracks. In this manner, the runner elements can only be removed from a track by sliding the runner element to an end of the track. The runner elements may comprise a fixing connection. The fixing connection may be adapted to be releasably connected to a corresponding fixing connection on another article. Suitable operation of the respective fixing connections can enable the runner element to be clamped against the rims thereby enable other elements to be mounted securely relative to the track.

In one example, the runner element may comprise a female fixing connection operable to receive a corresponding male fixing connection. Typically, these may be threaded fixing connections. The skilled man will nevertheless understand that any other suitable form of fixing connection, including but not limited to bayonet or snap fitting connections may alternatively be used.

In one example, the other article may be a hinge element. In this manner, the hinge element may be securely mounted to the track. In another embodiment, the other article may be a runner element in another track. This can enable frame elements to be securely mounted to one another. In a further example, the other article may be a mounting fixture for a ladder. In this way a ladder can be secured to the frame element with projecting so far through a hatch opening to provide a tripping hazard.

Each frame member may be provided with at least one track on each face. Alternatively, each frame member may be provided with at least two tracks on each face. Some frame members may be provided with differing numbers of tracks on each face.

The frame members may be adapted to minimise weight. In one example, this can be achieved by having hollow element rather than solid profile features. The frame members may be formed from any suitable material. In a preferred embodiment, the frame members may be formed from aluminium.

In an embodiment, the frame may be formed from a number of L-shaped members in cross-sectional shape, attached together. Each L-shaped frame member preferably includes a pair of arms perpendicularly arranged relative to one another. One of the arms preferably extends substantially vertically in use and the other of the arms will preferably extends substantially horizontally in use.

The inner frame portion defining a hatch opening is preferably defined by the respective arms (first arms) which are substantially vertical in use. The inner frame portion may fit within an opening in the hatch deck.

The outer frame portion is preferably defined by the respective arms (second arms) which are substantially horizontal in use. The respective second arms preferably extend laterally to be larger than the opening in which the hatch is located. An underside of each of the second arms preferably abuts one of the members which form the opening in the hatch deck into which the hatch is installed. The door panels may comprise one or more frame elements to form a door panel frame and one or more panel elements mounted to the frame elements. The door panel frame will preferably define the size and shape of the door panel. The one or more panel elements may be secured to the frame elements by one or more screws, bolts or the like extending through fixing hole provided in the panel and connecting to the connecting fixtures in runner elements provided in the tracks. One or more intermediate frame elements may be provided relative to the one or more frame elements to support the one or more panel elements, particularly in larger door panels.

Each of the one or more panel elements may be a solid plate or a mesh panel. An expanded metal mesh or a perforated sheet may be used for a mesh panel.

When multiple door panels are provided, each with a door panel frame, the one or more frame elements of the respective door panels will preferably be contiguous to prevent access through the hatch opening. In the context of the invention, the term ‘contiguous’ includes both near or next to but not actually touching and touching or abutting. In practice, a small clearance gap will normally be provided between adjacent frame elements (of the door panels and the hatch frame as well as between the frame elements of adjacent door panels).

Each of the door frame elements may be L-shaped in cross-sectional shape. Each L-shaped door frame element preferably includes a pair of arms perpendicularly arranged relative to one another. One of the arms preferably extends substantially vertically in use and the other of the arms will preferably extends substantially horizontally in use.

The door panels may be provided with locking elements. The locking elements can enable the door panels to be locked together. The door panels may be provided with one or more handles. The handles facilitate opening and closing of the door panels.

The hinge elements (where provided) will preferably be located on the upper surfaces of the frame members defining the hatch opening and the respective door panels. This will preferably allow the clearance between the frame members defining the hatch opening and the respective door panels to be minimised.

Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a top view of a hatch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an underside view of a hatch according to Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top view of a partly opened hatch of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a view of first embodiment of a frame member for construction of the hatch of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a view of a second embodiment of a frame member for construction of the hatch of Figure 1, further illustrating connection together of two frame members; and

Figure 6 illustrates the use of a ladder in combination with the hatch of Figure 1.

Figure 7 a side and top perspective view of a hatch according to an embodiment of the invention with three door panels all in the closed position.

Figure 8 a side and top perspective view of the hatch shown in Figure 7 with all door panels in the open position.

Figure 9 a top perspective view of the hatch shown in Figure 7 with all door panels in the open position. Turning now to figure 1, a hatch 1 for fitting within an opening 2 comprises a frame 3 having connected inner and outer frame portions 4, 5. The inner frame portion 4 fits within the opening 2 and the outer frame portion 5 is larger than the opening 2. In this manner, the outer frame portion 5 supports the hatch 1 in position by resting on an upper edge of the opening 2. In modem houses, joists are usually separated by either 550 mm or 600 mm. Therefore, in the embodiment shown, the width of the inner frame

4 is 550 mm to fit within successive joists, and the outer frame 5 is 150 mm wider than the inner frame 4. This advantageously allows the hatch 1 to fit on joists separated by either 550 mm or 600 mm. In some embodiments, each frame portion 4, 5 is formed from a plurality of elongate frame members 10 connected together. Each elongate frame member 10 has a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section 11 and is provided with one or more longitudinal tracks 12 on each face. The tracks 12 enable adjacent frame members 10 to be securely connected together, as is described in more detail below.

Within the outer frame portion 5 are provided a pair of door panels 20 connected to the outer portion 5 via one or more hinge elements 29. The hinge elements 29 are each mounted to one of the longitudinal tracks 12 of the outer portion 5 using suitable bolts 28. The door panels 20 are sized so as to be larger than the inner frame portion 4. Accordingly, the door panels 20 when closed are supported by the inner frame portion 4.

The door panels comprise a door frame 21 comprising a plurality of frame members 10 and a metal sheet 22. As can be seen especially in figure 1, the handles 23 are optionally fitted to the sheet 22 to aid opening of the door panels 20. Additionally, cooperating locking elements 24, 25 may also be provided enabling the door panels 20 to be releasably secured against opening.

Turning now to figure 4, a first embodiment of a frame member 10 is shown. This example frame member 10 has a square cross-section defining four surfaces 19, each surface 19 containing a track 12. Each track 12 comprises a channel 13 and overlapping rims 14. The overlapping rims allow the channel 13 to retain a runner element 30, which may be slid along the track 12 as necessary.

The runner element 30 is provided with a female fixing connection 31 in the form of a threaded bore. The female fixing connection is operable to receive a male fixing connection (not shown in figure 4) in the form of a threaded shaft. Typically, the male fixing connection is provided in the form of a bolt or screw 28 which can be passed through an aperture provided in another element such as hinge element 29. By driving the screw 28 into the threaded bore 31, the runner element can be pulled against the underside of rims 14 and thereby enable the hinge element 29 (or any other element) to be securely mounted relative to the frame element 10. Turning now to figure 5, a second embodiment of a frame member 10 is shown, further illustrating the connection together of frame members 10 end to side. In this example the frame members 10 has a rectangular cross-section defining four surfaces 18, 19. The rectangular cross-section of the frame member 10 in figure 5 is essentially similar to the cross-section of two of the frame members 10 of figure 4 connected side to side. The frame member 10 of figure 5 has a single rail on each surface 19 and two rails on each surface 18. This can enable greater flexibility in connection of frame members 10 or of mounting other elements with respect to frame members 10.

As is shown in figure 5, the frame members are connected together using runner elements 30, 40. The runner element 40 differs from the runner element 30 in being provided with a threaded shaft (not shown) operable to engage with the threaded bore 31 of runner element 30. In this manner the frame members 10 in figure 5 can be securely connected together. Such side to end connections enable frame elements 10 to be connected together to form the inner frame portion 4, outer frame portion 5 and door frame 21.

The skilled man will appreciate that further suitably adapted runner elements can enable frame elements 10 to be connected together side to side. This can facilitate the connection together of the inner and outer frame portions 4, 5.

Turning now to figure 6, an illustration of the hatch 1 (excluding doors 20 for clarity) is shown. In this example, a ladder 50 is positioned within the inner frame portion 4 allowing users to access the opening from below conveniently, the ladder 50 can be securely mounted to the tracks 12 by use of bolts 51 adapted to screw into the threaded bores of runner elements 30 (not shown in figure 6). The bolts 51 pass through apertures provided in connecter elements 52 which can in turn attach to a top rung or a connector bar 53 provided on the ladder 50. This enables the ladder 50 to be securely fastened to the hatch 1 without presenting a trapping hazard. It can also enable doors 20 to be shut fully whilst the ladder 50 is mounted to the hatch 1.

Beneficially, the hatch 1 can be used to provide access to an upper floor 65, even when the upper floor is supporting a safety decking system 60. This can be achieved by selecting the size of the outer frame portion 5 such that the hatch 1 can fit between normally spaced vertical support rods 61 for a safety decking system 60. This is illustrated in figure 3, wherein a safety decking system 60 comprises support rods 61 and panels 62. The support rods 61 provide support for a plurality of panels 62. The vertical rods 61 are provided with base plates 63 to increase the stability of the rod 61 in relation to the floor surface 65 in which opening 2 is provided. The base plates 63 may also provide secure engagement with the supported panels 62. The panels 62 may be formed from metal or from a substantially rigid plastic material.

Turning now to Figures 7, 8 and 9, an embodiment of the invention is shown containing three door panels 20. In this embodiment, the hatch 1 is substantially rectangular and is similar to that shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, except it is fitted with three rectangular door panels 20 of different sizes: a large panel 20a, a narrow panel 20b and a small panel 20c. The large panel 20a is pivotally connected to one long side of the outer frame portion 5 by hinge elements 29 disposed along the long side of the panel 20a. The narrow panel 20b is similarly pivotally connected to the opposing long side of the outer frame portion 5 by hinge elements 29 disposed along the long sides of the panel 20b. The small panel 20c is pivotally connected to one of the short sides of the outer frame 5 by hinge elements 29 disposed along the long sides of the small panel 20c.

The length of the large panel 20a and narrow panel 20b is less than the length of the opening 2 and is substantially the same. The width of the large panel 20a is larger than the width of the narrow panel 20b. The width of the small panel 20c is substantially the same as the difference in length between the length of the outer frame 5 and the large and narrow panels 20a, 20b. The length of the small panel 20c is the same as, or less than, the width of the outer frame 5, in this embodiment, it is 80% of the width of the outer frame 5. When the panels 20a-c are closed, the length of the outer frame 5 is spanned by the large panel 20a, or narrow panel 20b, and the small panel 20c and the width of the outer frame 5 is spanned by the large panel 20a and narrow panel 20b or the small panel 20c. Thus, the opening 2 is blocked when all panels are closed.

To provide additional support to the panels 20a-c when closed, a support rung 6 spans the width of the inner frame 4 and is disposed at the point along the length of the inner frame 4 where the large/narrow panels 20a, 20b and the small panel 20c meet. Thus, the support rung 6 provides support for the small panel 20c along its long edge distal from the hinge elements 29 and along one the short edge of the large and narrow panels 20a, 20b.

In this embodiment, the large panel 20a is sized to allow a person access through the opening 2 of the hatch 1. The small panel 20c is sized to allow a ladder 50 to pass through the opening 2 and be fixed to the frame 4, in a similar manner to that shown in Figure 6. Advantageously, the large and narrow panels 20a, 20b can be closed when access is not required while maintaining the ladder 50 in place through the small panel 20c. The narrow panel 20b is sized to allow objects, such as safety decking panels, to be passed through the hatch 1 without creating an aperture that is large enough for a person to fall through. In these embodiments, the width of the narrow panel 20b is 150 mm. Thus, the three panels 20a, 20b, 20c enhance the safety of the work site, as objects can be passed through the hatch 1 without creating the fall risk associated with opening it fully. In addition, ladders 50 can be attached to the hatch while the hatch is closed. Removing the risks associated with attaching or detaching a ladder 50 every time the hatch is opened or closed.

In other embodiments of the invention, additional door panels 20 and/or support rungs 6 may be provided depending on the functionality required of the hatch 1. Additional support rungs 6 may be span between any and/or all sides of the inner frame 4. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only.

Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1 A hatch suitable for fitting in an opening, the hatch comprising: a frame having connected inner and outer frame portions wherein the inner frame portion fits within the opening and the outer frame portion is larger than the opening, and one or more independently operable door panels mounted to the frame using one or more hinge elements, each door panel movable between an open condition allowing access through a respective portion of the hatch opening, and a closed condition preventing access through the hatch wherein when all of the door panels of the hatch are in the closed condition, the door panels are contiguous to prevent access through the hatch opening.

2 A hatch as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hatch is adapted to provide access to an upper floor supporting a safety decking system by selecting the outer dimensions of the outer frame portion such that the outer dimensions are greater than the spacing between adjacent support rods of the safety decking system. 3 A hatch as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein there is provided a pair of door panels.

4. A hatch as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2wherein there is provided three door panels: a first door panel, a second door panel and a third door panel.

5. A hatch as claimed in claim 4 wherein each door panel is a different size. 6 A hatch as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein the first door panel is sized to allow a ladder to pass through the hatch.

7. A hatch as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 wherein the second door panel is sized to allow a person access through the hatch.

8 A hatch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein only one door panel is large enough to allow a person access through the hatch.

9 A hatch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each frame portion is formed from a plurality of elongate frame members connected together, each elongate frame member having a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section and being provided with one or more longitudinal tracks on each face. 10 A hatch as claimed in claim 9 wherein the hinge elements are each mounted to one of the longitudinal tracks.

11 A hatch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tracks each comprise a channel. 12. A hatch as claimed in claim 11 wherein the channel comprises a relatively narrow surface opening defined by rims which overlap the channel.

13. A hatch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame members are provided with one or more runner elements adapted to fit within and be slid along the tracks to a desired location. 14. A hatch as claimed in claim 13 wherein the runner elements comprise a fixing connection adapted to be releasably connected to a corresponding fixing connection on another article.

15. A hatch as claimed in claim 14 wherein the other article is a hinge element.

16. A hatch as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 wherein the other article is a runner element in another track.

17. A hatch as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the other article is a mounting fixture for a ladder.

18. A hatch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each frame member is provided with at least one track on each face. 19. A hatch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the door panels comprise one or more frame elements and a panel element mounted to the frame elements. 0 A hatch as claimed in claim 19 wherein the panel element is secured to the frame elements by one or more screws, bolts or the like extending through fixing hole provided in the panel and connecting to the connecting fixtures in runner elements provided in the tracks. 1 A hatch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the door panels are provided with locking elements operable to enable the door panels to be locked together.

22. A hatch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the door panels are provided with one or more handles operable to facilitate opening and closing of the door panels.

23. A hatch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an upper surface of the respective door panels is coplanar when in the closed condition.

24. A hatch as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the door panels each comprise an outer frame defining a door panel size and shape and at least one infill member mounted relative to the frame.

25. A hatch as claimed in claim 24 wherein at least one infill member is a mesh member.