FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a barrier for installation in a sewage pipe, the
barrier preventing rats or other vermin from entering a sewage pipe system, said barrier
comprising at least two shutters pivotally mounted on the barrier on a first and a
second hinge, and a locking mechanism preventing vermin from entering the sewage pipe
system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Numerous solutions exist for preventing vermin such as rats from entering specific
sections of a sewage pipe system. Among others, the following prior art patent publications
exist:
WO2019068301 relates to a barrier for being installed at least partly within a sewage pipe, wherein
said barrier comprises two support wings forming an outer shell of said barrier, one
or more shutters, at least one shutter guide mechanism, and a mounting tube, and wherein
said barrier having a pipe shaped outer shell installable in the sewage pipe, and
said barrier having a longitudinal axis X along said pipe shaped outer shell, wherein
said shutter is partly covered by said support wings, and wherein said support wings
are placed along the longitudinal axis X, wherein said support wings are adapted to
pivot about a wing hinge positioned on a frame housing of said barrier, wherein said
barrier is adapted for having said shutter capable of pivoting about a shutter hinge
provided in said frame housing of said barrier, where said shutter having a closed
position and a more or less open position, where the shutter is capable of pivoting
from a substantially vertical closed position to an angular open position away from
vertical in one direction along the longitudinal axis X, where said shutter guide
mechanism is capable of controlling said shutter movement direction from a first direction
to a second direction opposite to the first direction, along the longitudinal axis
X, and furthermore said shutter guide mechanism is capable of adjusting a shutter
kip angle a, where shutter kip angle a is the angle from the shutters vertical closing
position to maximum angular opening position, and said shutter guide mechanism being
capable of preventing the shutter to move in the respective opposite direction to
the first or second direction along the longitudinal axis X.
EP2113615 relates to a barrier for preventing rats or other rodents from entering a sewage
pipe. The barrier comprises a support element that is mountable within the pipe, and
a first shutter pivotally suspended within the support element for rotation about
a horizontal axis and having a centre of gravity lying under the axis. The shutter
is pivotable between a first angular position in which the first shutter is forming
an acute angle with the direction of flow and at least substantially barring the aperture
of the barrier, and a second angular position in which the first shutter is forming
a second relatively smaller angle with the direction of flow thus keeping the aperture
of the barrier at least partly open. Preferably, a second shutter is placed upstream
of a first shutter and is pivotally suspended about a second axis and having a centre
of gravity located under the second axis. The first shutter can be suspended within
the support element in two different orientations such that the direction in which
the barrier blocks rodent from passing may be changed according to the needs without
changing the orientation of the support element.
[0003] However, an improved barrier suitable for installation at least partly in a sewage
pipe and for preventing rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in at least
one direction of the sewage pipe would be advantageous, and in particular a more efficient
and reliable locking mechanism in the barrier would be advantageous.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In particular, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a
barrier suitable for installation at least partly in a sewage pipe and for preventing
rats or other vermin from passing the barrier that may yield the mentioned advantages
with respect to prior art barrier, such as being more reliable and/or efficient.
[0005] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the
prior art.
[0006] Thus, the above described object and several other objects are intended to be obtained
in a first aspect of the invention by providing a barrier suitable for installation
at least partly in a sewage pipe and for allowing a sewage flow within the sewage
pipe to pass the barrier in a first direction of the sewage pipe, the first direction
being a downstream direction, and for preventing rats or other vermin from passing
the barrier in a second direction being opposite to the first direction upon installation
of the barrier in the sewage pipe, the second direction being an upstream direction,
said barrier comprising;
- a support structure with a first hinge and a second hinge,
- a first shutter pivotably mounted on the first hinge,
- a second shutter pivotably mounted on the second hinge, and
- a locking mechanism comprising
- a first part of the locking mechanism, the first part being a blocking mechanism mounted
on, or near, the first hinge, the blocking mechanism being positioned between, or
partly between, the first and the second shutter, and
- a second part of the locking mechanism, the second part being formed as a protrusion
from, or near, the top of the second shutter,
wherein the barrier is arranged for being installed in the sewage pipe so that the
first shutter and the second shutter are spaced apart along the first, downstream
direction so that the first shutter is placed before the second shutter on an axis
parallel with the first, downstream direction, and
wherein the locking mechanism is provided for keeping the second shutter between a
first, closed position (v) and a second, closed position (x) when the second shutter
is tampered with by a vermin trying to pass the barrier from the second, upstream
direction, the second shutter being allowed to have a limited rotation defined by
engagement of said first part and said second part of the locking mechanism, said
first part and said second part being arranged for engagement between, or above, the
first and the second shutter, said rotation thereby being limited by the locking mechanism
so that the second shutter cannot rotate to a third, open position (w).
[0007] The invention may be particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous for obtaining
a barrier, which may be effective in preventing vermin from passing the barrier in
at least one direction, since a locking system with at least two parts are mounted
on the barrier, the locking mechanism preventing vermin from being able to open the
shutters from the upstream direction, the locking mechanism being shaped and mounted
on the barrier so that no vermin would not be able to unlock the locking mechanism
and thereby would not be able to enter the pipe system, despite the tendency of vermin
to tries assiduously to pass the barriers.
[0008] Furthermore, the invention may be particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
for obtaining a barrier, which may be more effective in preventing vermin from passing
the barrier in at least one direction, since the parts of the locking mechanism may
be exchangeable. The parts of the locking mechanism are possibly existing in a variety
of different shapes and dimensions, thereby possibly be exactly suitable for the specific
sewage pipe system it is to be installed in.
[0009] Furthermore, the invention may be particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
for obtaining a barrier, which may be more reliable, such as not being blocked by
organic solid matter and other solid matter in, e.g., a sewage flow, since the shutters
and the locking mechanism in the barrier makes a sewage flow in a downstream direction
possible, furthermore an edge of the first shutter is possibly smoother than a corresponding
edge of the second shutter, whereby the first shutter therefore may be less likely
to attract organic solid matter and other solid matter in, e.g., a sewage flow, since
such solid matter is less likely to get attached to, such as stick to, the smoother
edge.
[0010] Furthermore, the invention may be particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
for obtaining a barrier, which may be effective in preventing vermin from passing
the barrier in at least one direction, since the barrier makes it possible to alter
the orientation of the at least first shutter between a first orientation and a second
orientation in the barrier, i.e. positioning the shutter in the one direction or the
other direction in the barrier, results in the one and same barrier being applicable
for sewage systems, nondependent on whether the vermin may enter one way or the opposite
way according to a longitudinal extension of the barrier. The at least first shutter
may always be positioned so that the vermin is prevented from entering without the
need for different barriers with differently positioned shutters, one barrier for
each way of possible entering of the vermin.
[0011] It may be seen as an insight of the present inventor, that a more reliable and efficient
barrier may be achieved by having a very reliable and durable locking mechanism as
a part of the barrier. The locking mechanism making sure, that no vermin can pass
the barrier in an upstream direction, simultaneously the barrier and the locking mechanism
still allowing solid organic waste and other solid material to pass in the downstream
direction. The barrier with the locking mechanism thereby enable both effective blocking
of rats and other vermin, and enabling a reduction of risk of blocking of the barrier.
[0012] A 'barrier' may be understood as is common in the art and described in, e.g., European
patent application
EP 1 826 326 A1 and/or
EP 2 113 615 B1. The barrier may be installed as described in, e.g., European patent application
EP 1 826 326 A1 which is hereby incorporated in their entirety.
[0013] By 'suitable for installation at least partly in a sewage pipe' may be understood
that the barrier may be positioned at least partially within a sewage pipe, such as
partially within a sewage pipe and partially outside of a sewage pipe, such as partially
in a well adjacent the sewage pipe, such as a completely inside a sewage pipe. The
barrier may be located in a downstream sewage pipe to let rodents escape from a well
and further away from housings. However, the barrier may also be used in an upstream
sewage pipe so as to allow rats or other rodents to escape into a well and away from
the upstream sewage pipe leading to, e.g. a housing.
[0014] The term 'vermin' may be understood as any animal similar sized with a rat and that
lives or moves within sewage pipes systems. This may e.g. being any rodent or a like.
[0015] A 'pipe' may in general be understood to be any pipe, and in particular a sewage
pipe, such as pipes for leading a sewage flow, such as any one of domestic sanitary,
commercial, industrial, agricultural sewage flow and surface runoff. The pipes usually
have a circular cross-sectional profile, but other profiles, e.g. elliptic cross-sectional
profile, or with vertical sides and rounded bottom, are possible within the context
of the present invention as the skilled person will understand.
[0016] By 'allowing a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first
direction of the sewage pipe' may be understood, that a sewage flow may pass the barrier,
such as the barrier being arranged so that the flow resistance of the barrier in the
first direction is small enough so as to allow a sewage flow to pass. It may be understood
that in an embodiment, a flow resistance of the barrier in the first direction is
smaller than a flow resistance in the second direction.
[0017] By 'preventing rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction'
may be understood that the barrier may prevent vermin from passing the barrier in
at least one direction, such as the second direction, such as an upstream direction.
It may further be understood, that the barrier may not block rats or vermin from passing
the barrier in the opposite direction, such as in the first direction, such as a downstream
direction.
[0018] It may be understood, that the barrier may be installed in a pipe so as to allow
a flow of liquid in a first direction, such as a downstream direction, and so as to
block rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction, such as
an upstream direction. It may be understood, that the barrier may not necessarily
block passage of rats or other vermin in a downstream direction.
[0019] By 'first direction' may be understood a direction of flow of sewage in the sewage
pipe, such as a downstream direction. While a pipe in itself may be symmetrical and
as such not have any specific flow direction, it is in general understood, that a
pipe, such as a sewage pipe, has a primary direction of flow, such as a direction
of flow. The direction of flow may be the direction in which liquid typically flow
through the pipe, such as due to gravity and/or pressure differences. By 'first direction'
is understood at direction being parallel with a longitudinal direction of the sewage
pipe in a direction being similar to a direction in which flow of sewage is allowed
by the barrier, such as a downstream direction.
[0020] By 'second direction' may be understood a direction in which rats or vermin are blocked.
The second direction may be the upstream direction. By 'second direction' is understood
at direction being parallel with a longitudinal direction of the sewage pipe in a
direction being similar to a direction in which rats or other vermin are being prevented
from passing the barrier, where the second direction is opposite to the first direction,
such as the second direction being an upstream direction.
[0021] By 'upstream direction' of a pipe may be understood a direction opposite the flow
direction in the pipe.
[0022] By 'downstream direction' of a pipe may be understood a direction of flow of liquid
in the pipe.
[0023] By 'a support structure' may be understood a structural part of the barrier in from
which the shutters may be pivotally suspended. The support structure may comprise
a part of the barrier not including the shutters or the entire barrier not including
the shutters. It may be understood that the support structure may be structurally
fixed to the sewage pipe, such as fixed via other structural elements in the barrier,
such as fixed in an upper portion of the sewage pipe (with respect to gravity).
[0024] A 'shutter' may be understood as is common in the art, such as described in, e.g.,
European patent application
EP 1 826 326 A1 and/or
EP 2 113 615 B1. In general, a shutter may thus denote a structural element, such as a plate or a
net or a set of bars, which may be pivotally suspended so as to facilitate barring
an aperture in a first angular position and not barring the aperture in a second angular
position.
[0025] By 'first shutter' and 'second shutter' may be understood shutters which are placed
relative to each other, so that in case the barrier is installed in a pipe so as to
allow a flow of liquid in a first direction, such as a downstream direction, and so
as to block rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction, such
as an upstream direction, the first shutter is placed upstream relative to the second
shutter. In other words, the first shutter is the first shutter, which the water passes
when flowing through the pipe, pass the barrier in a downstream direction, and a rat
or other vermin trying to pass the barrier in an upstream direction will first face
the second shutter.
[0026] The first shutter and the second shutter may be arranged pivotably around each of
their axes of rotation, e.g. at a first and a second hinge, respectively. They may
be arranged so as to enable each of them to pivot independently from each other, although
they may touch each other for certain combinations of angular values.
[0027] By being 'pivotably mounted on the support structure' may be understood that each
shutter is, directly or indirectly, linked to the support structure, and may each
pivot around an axis of rotation, such as a hinge in, or on, the support structure.
It is noted that the axis of rotation of the first shutter and/or the first locking
mechanism may or may not be identical to an axis of rotation of the second shutter
and/or the second locking mechanism.
[0028] By 'spaced apart along the first direction' may be understood that the first shutter
and the second shutter are at different positions, and that these positions spaced
apart along the first direction, such as along a direction parallel with the flow,
the first shutter is placed at a first position with respect to the first direction,
and the second shutter is placed at another position with respect to the first direction.
An advantage of having the shutters spaced apart may be, that a rat or vermin trying
to open the second shutter (where the second shutter may be the shutter the rat or
vermin is facing when trying to pass the barrier in an upstream direction) by rotating
it from a first angular position towards another angular position, then the rat or
other vermin may have difficulties in handling the partially opened second shutter
when it furthermore has to open the first shutter which is placed further upstream.
The distance between the first shutter and the second shutter in the flow direction
may be a distance arranged so as to be large enough that a rat or vermin cannot reach
pass the second shutter and get hold of the first shutter and small enough so that
the locking system between the two shutters are able to function, e.g. the distance
may be at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 50 mm, or at least
60 mm. Said distance may be within 10-70 mm, such as 20-60 mm, such as 30-50 mm, such
as substantially 40 mm, such as 40 mm.
[0029] It is noted that the barrier may be installed in a sewage pipe as described in any
one of
EP 1 826 326 A2 or
EP 2 113 615 A1, which are both hereby incorporated by reference in entirety. It is furthermore noted,
that said first shutter, second shutter may be capable of being positioned either
in a first orientation in the barrier or in another orientation in the barrier, depending
on the possible entering of the vermin, as described in
EP 2 113 615 A1, cf., e.g., claim 1, which is hereby incorporated by reference in entirety. Particularly,
the barrier according to the present invention may have a mounting mechanism comprising
two wings, which each have a shape conforming to the sewage pipe interior, preferably
the two wings has the shape of a part of the circumference of a circular pipe. The
mounting mechanism may be expanded to establish a mounting of the barrier in the sewage
pipe. Advantageously, the barrier may accordingly be mounted in standard circular
pipes with various diameters because the barrier is insertable, at least partly, in
such standard pipes. Additionally, the barrier is easy to replace and/or temporally
remove for service and maintenance.
[0030] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein the barrier may be installed
in a sewage pipe so that the second shutter is pivotal between
- a first angular position (v) in which the second shutter is forming a first relatively
small angle from a vertical line, the position being defined as a closed position
- a second angular position (w) in which the second shutter is forming a second relatively
large angle from a vertical line, the position being defined as an open position
- a third angular position (x) in which the second shutter is forming a third relatively
small angle from a vertical line, the position being defined as a partly closed position,
and
- a fourth angular position (z) in which the second shutter is forming a fourth relatively
large angle from a vertical line, the position being defined as a partly open position.
[0031] The four angle definitions (v, w, x, z) preferably being defined in relation to each
other as follows:
0 ≤ v ≤ x ≤ z ≤ w ≤ 90
[0032] By 'wherein the barrier may be installed in a sewage pipe so that' may be understood
that the claimed subject-matter is not confined to a barrier being installed in a
sewage.
[0033] It may be understood, that the four angular positions defined above (v, w, x and
z) is defined for the second shutter. The first shutter and potentially other shutters
within a barrier may also have different potential angular position, the angular positions
for other shutters within the barrier may not necessarily be identical with the angular
positions of the second shutter, but may potentially being relatively similar.
[0034] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein the first hinge is arranged
with a larger vertical distance to the support structure than the second hinge to
provide improved operation of the locking mechanism.
[0035] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein the first part and/or the second
part of the locking mechanism forms a separate parts from the first and/or the second
shutters, respectively.
[0036] This embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
in that the parts of the locking mechanism is possible exchangeable so that the locking
mechanism potentially mounted in the barrier fit the exact dimension and slope of
the sewage pipe system the barrier is installed in.
[0037] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein the first part of the locking
mechanism being a blocking mechanism, has a form comprising a protrusion, the protrusion
being the part of the blocking mechanism, which the corresponding protrusion of the
second part of locking mechanism is arranged for engaging.
[0038] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein the first part of the locking
mechanism forms a separate part being pivotably mounted on, or near, the first hinge
of the first shutter, alternatively being a pre-manufactured part of the first shutter.
[0039] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein the second part of the locking
mechanism being formed as a protrusion from the second shutter, said protrusion being
an extension of the second shutter so that the second shutter and said protrusion
is functioning as one mechanical coherent part, the protrusion preferable being a
separate part composed with the second shutter, alternatively being a pre-manufactured
part of the second shutter.
[0040] Referring to the two latter embodiments, the embodiments of the invention are particularly,
but not exclusively, advantageous in that the parts of the locking mechanism is possible
exchangeable so that the locking mechanism mounted in the barrier fit the exact dimension
and slope of the sewage pipe system the barrier is installed in.
[0041] Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively,
advantageous in that the installer and/or user of the barrier may decide themselves,
if they want an exchangeable locking system within their barrier or they want a locking
system having the two parts being a one- and pre-manufactured part of each associated
shutter.
[0042] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein the second part of the locking
mechanism forms an obstacle for the second shutter to rotate in a direction towards
the upstream direction, as the said protrusion is engaging the support structure,
the shape and size of the said protrusion thereby defining a first, closed position
(v) when the barrier is undisturbed by vermin.
[0043] This embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
in that the protrusion of the second shutter potentially can be formed in the exact
dimension, so that the angle, defining the first closed (v), is the most optimal angle
for stopping vermin opening the shutter and thereby preventing them from passing the
barrier.
[0044] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein the second part of the locking
mechanism comprises a form shaped as a hook.
[0045] By 'a hook' may be understood that the protrusion is curved so as it forms a bend.
[0046] This embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
in that a protrusion formed as a hook is very optimal for engagement with another
component. The said other component being the first part of the locking mechanism.
[0047] Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively,
advantageous in that a protrusion formed as a hook is very easily and relatively inexpensive
to manufacture.
[0048] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein the first and the second shutters
are arranged for preventing vermin from entering the sewage pipe, the first and the
second shutters being mounted so that they have a minimum distance between each other
so that the vermin cannot grab the first shutter from the upstream direction, such
as least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 50 mm, or at least 60 mm,
or the distance being preferably between 20 mm and 60 mm. The said distance being
between the lower part of the first and second shutter.
[0049] This embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
in that by mounting the two shutters in a distance, so that it is certain, that the
vermin cannot grab the first shutter from an upstream direction. Such distance thereby
secure, that a vermin cannot unlock the locking mechanism by tipping the first shutter
with its forelegs. Many of the already existing vermin barriers on the market having
two shutters inside the barrier have positioned the shutters in a distance so the
vermin can unlock the locking system it selves, and thereby making the locking system
more or less redundant.
[0050] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein the first shutter is arranged
for acting as an opener of the second shutter, the first shutter rotating towards
the downstream direction until engaging with the second shutter, thereby allowing
the second shutter to rotate towards the downstream direction from a first, closed
position (v) to a third, open position (w), so as to reduce damming of liquid in front
of the barrier on the side facing the first shutter by allowing a flow of liquid passing
in a downstream direction from the first shutter towards the second shutter.
[0051] This embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
in that it enables a flow of liquid to open the barrier itself, so as dispensing with
a need for actively opening the barrier for allowing a flow of liquid to pass the
barrier.
[0052] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein - when the first shutter is
in a closed position - the second part of the locking mechanism is capable of passing
the first part of the locking mechanism so that the second shutter is rotatable to
a first, closed position (v).
[0053] This embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
in that when a flow of liquid has opened the barrier in a downstream direction, the
barrier can close it selves into a closed and locked position in a upstream direction,
so that no vermin is allowed to pass the barrier.
[0054] In an embodiment there is provided a barrier, wherein the first shutter is pivotably
mounted on the first hinge, and the second shutter is pivotably mounted on the second
hinge, the first shutter having a profile being smoother than a profile of the second
shutter, preferably the second shutter having a profile being any one of: a toothed,
a serrated, a notched or a pointy profile, and wherein the barrier is arranged to
have reversible direction so that the definition of downstream and upstream direction
can be reversed using the same barrier.
[0055] By 'smoother' may be understood that topographical features on the edge of the first
shutter, such as topographical features on the edge as observed from a direction away
from the shutter where said direction is orthogonal to a plane of the shutter, may
be larger and/or less smoothly than corresponding topographical features on the edge
of the second shutter. When referring to degree of smoothness, it may be understood,
to be smoothness on a length scale (such as 1 mm or 1 cm), which may be sensed by
a rat or other rodent. It may be understood that an edge may be less smooth by comprising
pointy features, such as having any one of a saw-toothed profile, a toothed profile,
a serrated profile and/or notched profile. It may be understood that qualitatively
similar edges, such as two toothed profiles, may differ in smoothness due to differences
in quantitative measures, e.g., by differing in any one of amplitude (such as maximum
height differences between maximum and minimum points of the profile), frequency and/or
phase of teeth. It may be understood, that smoothness is to be understood to refer
to a smoothness, which may be sensed by a rat or rodent upon touching said edge.
[0056] This embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
in that the barrier can be used in any sewage pipe no matter how there downstream
direction and upstream direction is defined, since the barrier is reversible.
[0057] Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively,
advantageous in that the second shutter is less likely to get dirty by contact with
the solid matter. In particular, this may be seen as an advantage when at least a
part of an edge of the first shutter is smoother than a corresponding part of an edge
of the second shutter, since the less smooth edge of the second shutter would then
be relatively more likely to attract the solid matter, unless the - relatively smooth
- first shutter is arranged for guiding the solid matter around the second shutter.
[0058] Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively,
advantageous in that the second shutter having a toothed or alike profile will intimidate
the vermin from trying to squeeze through/under the second shutter.
[0059] In a second aspect, there is provided a upgrade kit for barriers for installation
in sewage pipes, the upgrade kit being associated with a barrier comprising a first
and a second shutter according to the first aspect, the upgrade kit comprising one
or more parts of a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising
- a first part of the locking mechanism, the first part being a blocking mechanism to
be mounted on, or near, the first hinge, the blocking mechanism is to be positioned
between, or partly between, the first and the second shutter, and/or
- a second part of the locking mechanism, the second part being formed as a protrusion,
the second part to be attached to, or near, the second shutter so as that protrudes
from, or near, a top of the second shutter.
[0060] This aspect of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous in
that it is possible to decide whether a barrier for installation in a sewage pipe
system should have a locking mechanism or a barrier without a locking mechanism it
wanted.
[0061] Furthermore, this aspect of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
in that if a barrier is installed without a locking mechanism in the first place,
but it subsequently is wanted to have a barrier with a locking mechanism, an after-installation
of a locking system is possible with the upgrade kit.
[0062] In an embodiment there is provided an upgrade kit for barriers for installation in
sewage pipes, wherein the parts of the locking mechanism is mounted on the shutters
with a click-on function and demounted with a click-off function.
[0063] This embodiment of the invention is particularly, but not exclusively, advantageous
in that the parts of the locking mechanism always possible can be replaced. Is a new
locking mechanism wanted, that is possible. Is a locking mechanism with other dimension
wanted, that is possible. The replacement of the locking mechanism can very easily
be made without the need of tools, as the system is a click-on-system.
[0064] In a third aspect, the invention relates to use of a barrier according to any of
the preceding claims for preventing vermin from passing the barrier, preventing vermin
from passing the barrier in at least one direction in a pipe, such as a sewage pipe.
[0065] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for preventing vermin from
passing through a pipe, such as a sewage pipe, preventing vermin from passing through
a pipe in at least one direction in the pipe, at least in an upstream direction, said
method comprising installing a barrier according to any of the preceding claims in
the pipe.
[0066] The first, second, third and fourth aspects of the present invention may each be
combined with any of the other aspects. These and other aspects of the invention will
be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0067] The invention will hereafter be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying
figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not
to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the
scope of the attached claim set.
FIG. 1 shows a view of a barrier for installation in a sewage pipe,
FIG. 2 shows an example of an inner portion of a barrier with a support element, a
first and a second shutter, and a locking mechanism with a first part and a second
part,
FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of an inner portion of a barrier in a first closed position
(v),
FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of an inner portion of a barrier in a configuration where
a second shutter is locked by a locking mechanism being in a second closed position
(x),
FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of an inner portion of a barrier in a configuration where
a first shutter allows opening of a second shutter,
FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of an inner portion of a barrier in a third opened position
(w),
FIG. 7a-d shows a cross-section of an inner portion of a barrier in a fourth partly
opened position (z),
FIG. 8a-d shows cross-section of an inner portion of a barrier being reversible,
FIG. 9a-b shows a click-on and a click-off function of the locking mechanism, and
FIG. 10a-b shows two different perspective of a barrier for installation in a sewage
pipe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT
[0068] FIG.1 shows a view of a barrier 100 suitable for installation at least partly in
a sewage pipe and for allowing a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier
in a first direction of the sewage pipe, the first direction being a downstream direction
106, and for preventing rats or other vermin (schematically shown above arrow 107)
from passing the barrier in a second direction being opposite to the first direction
upon installation of the barrier in the sewage pipe, the second direction being an
upstream direction 107, said barrier comprising;
- a support structure 101 with a first hinge 108 and a second hinge 109,
- a first shutter 102 pivotably mounted on the first hinge,
- a second shutter 103 pivotably mounted on the second hinge, and
- a locking mechanism comprising
- a first part 104 of the locking mechanism, the first part being a blocking mechanism
mounted on, or near, the first hinge, the blocking mechanism being positioned between,
or partly between, the first 102 and the second 103 shutter, and
- a second part 105 of the locking mechanism, the second part being formed as a protrusion
from, or near, the top of the second shutter,
wherein the barrier is arranged for being installed in the sewage pipe so that the
first shutter and the second shutter are spaced apart along the first, downstream
direction 106 so that the first shutter is placed before the second shutter on an
axis parallel with the first, downstream direction, and
wherein the locking mechanism is provided for keeping the second shutter 103 between
a first, closed position (v) and a second, closed position (x) when the second shutter
is tampered with by a vermin trying to pass the barrier from the second, upstream
direction 107, the second shutter being allowed to have a limited rotation defined
by engagement of said first part 104 and said second part 105 of the locking mechanism,
said first part and said second part being arranged for engagement between, or above,
the first and the second shutter, said rotation thereby being limited by the locking
mechanism so that the second shutter cannot rotate to a third, open position (w).
[0069] FIG. 1 furthermore shows that a profile, such as a second profile, of a part of an
edge of the second shutter 103 is toothed, and that a profile, such as a first profile,
of a part of an edge of the first shutter 102 is smooth. It may be noted that support
structure 101 is shown in FIG. 1 as the plate immediately above the shutters, but
it may in general be understood to be at least a portion of the barrier 100, besides
the respective shutters 102 and 103, on which the shutters are or may be mounted.
[0070] FIG. 2 shows an example of an inner portion 120 of a barrier 100 with a support element
101, a first hinge 108 and a second hinge 109, a first shutter 102 and a second shutter
103, and a locking mechanism with a first part 104 and a second part 105.
[0071] FIG. 2 furthermore shows an example of an inner portion 120 of a barrier 100, wherein
the first hinge 108 is arranged with a larger vertical distance to the support structure
101 than the second hinge 109.
[0072] FIG. 2 furthermore shows an example of an inner portion 120 of a barrier 100 having
a first part of the locking mechanism 104 being a blocking mechanism, that has a form
comprising a protrusion, the protrusion being the part of the blocking mechanism,
which the corresponding protrusion of the second part of locking mechanism 105 is
arranged for engaging with. FIG 2 shows the portion 120 of a barrier 200 having a
first part of the locking mechanism 103 that forms a separate part being pivotably
mounted on, or near, the first hinge of the first shutter, alternatively being a pre-manufactured
part of the first shutter.
[0073] FIG. 2 furthermore shows an inner portion 120 of a barrier 100, wherein the second
part of the locking mechanism 105 are formed as a protrusion from the second shutter
103, said protrusion 105 being an extension of the second shutter 103 so that the
second shutter and said protrusion is functioning as one mechanical coherent part,
the protrusion 105 preferable being a separate part composed with the second shutter
103, alternatively being a pre-manufactured part of the second shutter. The second
part of the locking mechanism 105 being a protrusion is in FIG. 2 shaped as a hook
105.
[0074] Moreover, FIG 2 shows an inner portion 120 of a barrier 100, wherein the first 102
and the second 103 shutters are arranged for preventing vermin from entering the sewage
pipe, the first and the second shutters being mounted so that they have a minimum
distance between each other so that the vermin cannot grab the f In an embodiment
there is provided a barrier, wherein the first part of the locking mechanism being
a blocking mechanism, has a form comprising a protrusion, the protrusion being the
part of the blocking mechanism, which the corresponding protrusion of the second part
of locking mechanism is arranged for engaging the first shutter from the upstream
direction, the distance being preferably between 20 mm and 60 mm.
[0075] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of an inner portion 120 of a barrier 100 in a first
closed position (v). The position (v) defines the condition of the barrier when it
is undisturbed only affected by gravity.
FIG 3. furthermore shows the second part of the locking mechanism 105, being an obstacle
for the second shutter 103 to pivot in the upstream direction 107, as the protrusion
105 encountering the top of the support structure 101, the shape and size of the protrusion
105 defining the first closed position (v).
[0076] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of an inner portion 120 of a barrier 100 in a configuration
where a second shutter 103 is locked by a locking mechanism 104 and 105 being in a
second closed position (x). The position (x) defines the condition of the barrier
100 when it is disturbed by a vermin (not shown) tampering with the second shutter
trying to pass the barrier.
[0077] FIG. 4 furthermore shows a an inner portion 120 of barrier 100, wherein a second
part of the locking mechanism 105, is intended to engage with a first part of the
locking mechanism 104, when the second shutter 103 is tampered to be opened by a vermin,
when the engagement of the first 104 and second part 105 of the locking mechanism
takes effect, the protrusion 105 of the second shutter 103 will encounter the blocking
mechanism 102 on or near the first shutter 102 and thereby only make a limited rotation
of the second shutter possible, the rotation being limited so that the second shutter
103 cannot be opened or passed by a vermin from the upstream direction 107, the locking
mechanism thereby ensure the second shutter 103 being kept in a closed position, the
position being a second, closed position (x).
[0078] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of an inner portion 120 of a barrier 100 in a configuration
where a first shutter 102 allows opening of a second shutter 103. The first shutter
102 is arranged for acting as an opener of the second shutter 103, the first shutter
rotating towards the downstream 106 direction until engaging with the second shutter
103, thereby allowing the second shutter to rotate towards the downstream direction
from a first, closed position (v) to a third, open position (w), so as to reduce damming
of liquid in front of the barrier on the side facing the first shutter 102 by allowing
a flow of liquid passing in a downstream direction 106 from the first shutter 102
towards the second shutter 103.
[0079] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of an inner portion 120 of a barrier 100 in a third
opened position (w). The position (w) defines the condition of the barrier when a
flow of liquid is passing in a downstream direction 106, cf. Figure 1, from the first
shutter 102 to the second shutter 103.
[0080] FIG. 7a-d shows a cross-section of an inner portion 120 of a barrier 100 in a fourth
partly opened position (z), wherein - when the first shutter 102 is in a closed position
- the second part of the locking mechanism 105 is capable of passing the first part
of the locking mechanism 104 so that the second shutter 103 is rotatable to a first,
closed position (v).
[0081] FIG. 8a-d shows cross-section of an inner part 120 a barrier 100 being reversible
so that the definition of downstream 106 and upstream direction (107) can be reversed
using the same barrier. The barrier 100 comprises a support structure 101 with a first
hinge and a second hinge. Also, a first shutter 102 is pivotably mounted on the first
hinge, and a second shutter 103 is pivotably mounted on the second hinge, and a locking
mechanism comprising a first part 104 and a second part 105.
[0082] FIG. 9a-b shows a click-on and a click-off function of the locking mechanism. In
the figure, the click-on/off functions are shown for the first locking mechanism for
the blocking mechanism 104. The click-on/off functions could as well be applicable
for the second locking mechanism 105. It is shown here, that the parts of the locking
mechanism 104 and 105 without tolls, or with simple tools, can easily be attached
and removed from the barrier 100, preferably on the site where the barrier is installed.
[0083] FIG. 10a-b shows two different perspectives of a barrier 100 for installation in
a sewage pipe.
[0084] In short, the invention relates to a barrier 100 suitable for installation in a sewage
pipe and for preventing vermin from passing the barrier. The barrier comprising a
support structure 101 with a first hinge 108 and a second hinge 109, a first shutter
102 pivotably mounted on the first hinge, a second shutter 103 pivotably mounted on
the second hinge, and a locking mechanism comprising a first part 104 being a blocking
mechanism, a second part 105 being formed as a protrusion. The locking mechanism is
provided for keeping the second shutter 103 in a closed position, when the second
shutter is tampered with by a vermin, e.g. a rat, trying to pass the barrier. This
vermin barrier has the advantage of being reliable for preventing any vermin to pass
the barrier, as the locking system within the barrier has a very optimal locking effect.
[0085] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified
embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented
examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim
set. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude
other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as "a" or
"an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs
in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features
mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning
of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features
is not possible and advantageous.
1. A barrier (100) suitable for installation at least partly in a sewage pipe and for
allowing a sewage flow within the sewage pipe to pass the barrier in a first direction
of the sewage pipe, the first direction being a downstream direction (106), and for
preventing rats or other vermin from passing the barrier in a second direction being
opposite to the first direction upon installation of the barrier in the sewage pipe,
the second direction being an upstream direction (107), said barrier comprising;
- a support structure (101) with a first hinge (108) and a second hinge (109),
- a first shutter (102) pivotably mounted on the first hinge,
- a second shutter (103) pivotably mounted on the second hinge, and
- a locking mechanism comprising
- a first part (104) of the locking mechanism, the first part being a blocking mechanism
mounted on, or near, the first hinge, the blocking mechanism being positioned between,
or partly between, the first (102) and the second (103) shutter, and
- a second part (105) of the locking mechanism, the second part being formed as a
protrusion from, or near, the top of the second shutter,
wherein the barrier is arranged for being installed in the sewage pipe so that the
first shutter and the second shutter are spaced apart along the first, downstream
direction (106) so that the first shutter is placed before the second shutter on an
axis parallel with the first, downstream direction, and
wherein the locking mechanism is provided for keeping the second shutter (103) between
a first, closed position (v) and a second, closed position (x) when the second shutter
is tampered with by a vermin trying to pass the barrier from the second, upstream
direction (107), the second shutter being allowed to have a limited rotation defined
by engagement of said first part (104) and said second part (105) of the locking mechanism,
said first part and said second part being arranged for engagement between, or above,
the first and the second shutter, said rotation thereby being limited by the locking
mechanism so that the second shutter cannot rotate to a third, open position (w).
2. A barrier according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge (108) is arranged with a larger
vertical distance to the support structure (101) than the second hinge (109).
3. A barrier according to claim 1 and 2, wherein the first part and/or the second part
of the locking mechanism forms separate parts from the first and/or the second shutter,
respectively.
4. A barrier according to claim 1, wherein the first part of the locking mechanism being
a blocking mechanism, has a form comprising a protrusion, the protrusion being the
part of the blocking mechanism, which the corresponding protrusion of the second part
of locking mechanism is arranged for engaging.
5. A barrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part of the locking mechanism
forms a separate part being pivotably mounted on, or near, the first hinge of the
first shutter, alternatively being a pre-manufactured part of the first shutter.
6. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second part of the
locking mechanism being formed as a protrusion from the second shutter, said protrusion
being an extension of the second shutter so that the second shutter and said protrusion
is functioning as one mechanical coherent part, the protrusion preferable being a
separate part composed with the second shutter, alternatively being a pre-manufactured
part of the second shutter.
7. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second part of the
locking mechanism forms an obstacle for the second shutter to rotate in a direction
towards the upstream direction, when the said protrusion is engaging the support structure,
the shape and size of the said protrusion thereby defining a first, closed position
(v) when the barrier is undisturbed by vermin.
8. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second part of the
locking mechanism comprises a form shaped as a hook.
9. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second
shutters are arranged for preventing vermin from entering the sewage pipe, the first
and the second shutters being mounted so that they have a minimum distance between
each other so that the vermin cannot grab the first shutter from the upstream direction,
the distance being preferably at least 20 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 40 mm, at least
50 mm, or at least 60 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 60 mm.
10. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first shutter is arranged
for acting as an opener of the second shutter, the first shutter rotating towards
the downstream direction until engaging with the second shutter, thereby allowing
the second shutter to rotate towards the downstream direction from a first, closed
position (v) to a third, open position (w), so as to reduce damming of liquid in front
of the barrier on the side facing the first shutter by allowing a flow of liquid passing
in a downstream direction from the first shutter towards the second shutter.
11. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein - when the first shutter
is in a closed position - the second part of the locking mechanism is capable of passing
the first part of the locking mechanism so that the second shutter is rotatable to
a first, closed position (v).
12. A barrier according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first shutter is pivotably
mounted on the first hinge, and the second shutter is pivotably mounted on the second
hinge, the first shutter having a profile being smoother than a profile of the second
shutter, preferably the second shutter having a profile being any one of: a toothed,
a serrated, a notched or a pointy profile, and
wherein the barrier is arranged to have reversible direction so that the definition
of downstream and upstream direction can be reversed using the same barrier.
13. A system comprising a pipe, such as a sewage, said pipe comprising a barrier as defined
in any one of the preceding claims, the barrier being arranged for preventing vermin
from passing the barrier, preferably preventing vermin from passing the barrier in
at least one direction, at least in an upstream direction, and allowing a flow of
liquid in at least one direction, preferably allowing a flow of liquid in at least
a downstream direction.
14. A upgrade kit for barriers for installation in sewage pipes, the upgrade kit being
associated with a barrier comprising a first and a second shutter according any of
the preceding claims, the upgrade kit comprising one or more parts of a locking mechanism,
the locking mechanism comprising
- a first part (104) of the locking mechanism, the first part being a blocking mechanism
to be mounted on, or near, the first hinge, the blocking mechanism is to be positioned
between, or partly between, the first and the second shutter, and/or
- a second part (105) of the locking mechanism, the second part being formed as a
protrusion, the second part to be attached to, or near, the second shutter so as that
protrudes from, or near, a top of the second shutter, and
15. A upgrade kit according to claim 14, wherein the parts of the locking mechanism is
arranged for being mounted on the first and second shutter with a click-on function
and is arranged for being demounted with a click-off function.
16. A method for preventing vermin from passing through a pipe, such as a sewage pipe,
preventing vermin from passing through a pipe in at least one direction in the pipe,
at least in an upstream direction, said method comprising installing a barrier according
to any of the preceding claims in the pipe.