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(11) | EP 3 550 088 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | DRAINAGE ELEMENT |
| (57) The invention relates to a drainage element for use in a modular drainage system
including a grid seat and different drain pipe connecting formations. The invention
further relates to a closure panel and a drain kit comprising said drainage element,
said closure panel, a foraminous grid and a drain pipe. |
[0001] This invention relates to water management. More particularly it relates to a drainage element. It further relates to a closure panel for use with the drainage element and to a drainage kit. It further relates to a drainage installation and to a modular drainage system.
[0002] Drainage elements are known in the prior art. They are typically 1 m long and can be adjusted together to a drain system. For other than linear structures an additional part like a junction box is necessary. With drainage elements known in the prior art it is not possible to construct a uniform and aesthetical pleasing drain system which can have various shapes.
[0003] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a drainage element for use in a modular drainage system, the drainage element including a body having a top and a bottom and which defines an upwardly open inlet and a grid seat whereby a foraminous grid is mountable to the body to extend across at least part of the inlet, the body defining an upwardly open elongate open ended channel, at least one drain pipe connecting formation whereby a drain pipe is connectable to the body, the drain pipe connecting formation being at a level below the top of the channel, at least one connecting formation provided on a side of the body intermediate the ends of the channel whereby another drainage element is connectable to the drainage element in flow communication with the channel.
[0004] The body may include at least two spaced-apart drain pipe connecting formations to each of which a drain pipe is connectable, the drain pipe connecting formations being provided at an elevation which is below that of the inlet.
[0005] The body being elongate and have a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart ends which define complementary connecting formations whereby two or more like drainage elements are connectable end-to-end.
[0006] The body may be generally U-shaped in transverse cross-section and comprise two generally parallel sides interconnected by a curved base. The or each drain pipe connecting formation may include at least one flange which depends from the base. A portion of the base which is in register with the flange may be removable, e.g. by drilling, in order to connect the flange in flow communication with the interior of the body. The drain pipe connecting formation may include an inner flange and an outer flange which is of larger diameter and concentric with the inner flange. An inner indicator, which is typically circular in shape, may be provided in the base in register with the inner flange such that removal of the portion of the base demarcated by the inner indicator connects the inner flange in flow communication with the interior of the body. An annular outer indicator which is typically concentric with the circular inner indicator may be provided in the base such that removal of the portion of the base demarcated by the outer indicator connects the outer flange in flow communication with the interior of the body. Each of the inner and outer indicators may be demarcated by score lines configured to facilitate their removal. This arrangement permits the use of the drainage element with downpipes of different diameters thereby avoiding the need to manufacture and carry stock of drainage elements suitable for use with different sizes of downpipes. The inner flange may have a diameter of 50mm and the outer flange may have a diameter of 75mm which corresponds to the diameter of piping which is normally used.
[0007] It is further preferred that the drainage system is a linear drain or a catch pit. A catch pit is also known as silt trap or interceptor trap. It is an important advantage of the invention that a drain element can be provided which can be used in different kind of drainage systems without further modification. The same drainage element can be used in a linear drain and a catch pit due to its special shape and connecting formations.
[0008] The drainage element may include complementary male and female connecting formations at opposed ends of the body to permit two or more of the drainage elements to be connected together end-to-end. In particular, a peripheral rib may protrude laterally from one end of the body and a complementary peripheral channel may be provided at the other end of the body within which the rib of an adjacent drainage element is receivable. The rib may protrude outwardly and the channel may be inwardly open.
[0009] The drainage element may include a lateral connecting formation provided on the side of the body whereby a like drainage element is connectable thereto. The lateral connecting formation may include a protrusion which protrudes from the side of the body, the shape of the protrusion corresponding to the shape and dimensions of the end of the body. The lateral connecting formation may further include, at a free end of the protrusion a peripheral channel or rib which are similar to the channels and ribs provided at the ends of the body to permit a pair of the drainage elements to be connected side-by-side or in a T-configuration. The portion of the side wall in register with the protrusion may be removable, e.g. by drilling, a jig saw or the like to permit the protrusion to be connected in flow communication with the interior of the body.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a lateral connecting formation is provided on each side of the body.
[0013] The grid seat may include a longitudinally extending shoulder on each side on the body on which edges of a grid are supportable. A longitudinally extending locating formation may be provided on each shoulder and configured to engage with a complementary locating formation on a grid. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the locating formation on the shoulder is a male locating formation configured to cooperate with a complementary female locating formation on the grid.
[0014] An elongate flange may protrude upwardly from each shoulder and include retaining formations for retaining a grid releasably in position on the drainage element.
[0015] At least one closure panel locating formation may be provided on an inner surface of the body. The closure panel locating formation may be parallel with and spaced from the end of the body to receive a closure panel. Preferably, a pair of closure panel locating formations is provided, the closure panel locating formations being positioned between the lateral connecting formation or formations and the ends of the body. Each closure panel locating formation may be in the form of a recess in an inner surface of the body within which a peripheral edge of a closure panel is snugly receivable.
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a closure panel for use with a drainage element of the type described above which includes a planar panel member an edge portion of which is snugly receivable in the recess on the inner surface of the body of a drainage element and a pipe connecting formation fast with the panel member.
[0017] It is preferred that the pipe connecting formation includes a plurality of circular cylindrical formations of differing diameters. It is further preferred that the pipe connecting formations are arranged one within the other with the innermost pipe connecting formation being the smallest diameter and the outermost pipe connecting formation being of the largest diameter, the lengths of the pipe connecting formations decreasing from the pipe connecting formation having the smallest diameter to the pipe connecting formation having the largest diameter.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment the invention relates to a closure panel, in which the panel member includes a removable circular part corresponding to each of the pipe connecting formations such that removal of one of the circular parts serves to connect the associated pipe connecting formation in flow communication with the interior of the drainage interior element to which the closure panel is mounted.
[0019] The pipe connecting formation may include at least one circular cylindrical protrusion protruding from the panel member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipe connecting formation includes a plurality circular cylindrical formations of differing diameters. The pipe connecting formations may be arranged one within the other with the innermost pipe connecting formation being the smallest diameter and the outermost pipe connecting formation being of the largest diameter. The lengths of the pipe connecting formations, i.e. the extent to which they protrude from the panel member may decrease from the pipe connecting formation having the smallest diameter to the pipe connecting formation having the largest diameter. The panel member may include a removable circular part corresponding to each of the pipe connecting formations such that removal of one of the circular parts serves to connect the associated pipe connecting formation in flow communication with the interior of the drainage element to which the closure panel is mounted.
[0020] According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a drain kit which includes:
at least one drainage element of the type described above; and
a foraminous grid which is mountable on the grid seat.
[0021] The drainage element and the grid may be provided with complementary locating formations for locating the grid on the body.
[0024] In addition, the kit may include at least one length of drainpipe which is connectable to the drainage element.
[0025] According to a still further aspect there is provided a modular drainage installation which includes:
at least one drainage element as described above; and
at least one drain pipe connected in flow communication with the drainage element.
according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular drainage system, which includes a plurality of drainage elements as described above, which are connected together in flow communication.[0028] In yet another embodiment, at least some of the drainage elements are connected in a T-configuration.
[0029] A flange may be connected to the drainage element and protrude laterally therefrom at a level below the top of the body.
[0030] In another embodiment the invention relates to a modular drainage system, which includes a plurality of drainage elements as described above which are connected together in flow communication. It is preferred that at least some of the drainage elements are connected end-to-end. It is further preferred that at least some of the drainage elements are connected side-by-side. It is also preferred that at least some of the drainage elements are connected in a T-configuration.
[0031] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.
[0032] In the drawings:
Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view from below of a drainage element in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 shows another three-dimensional view from above of the drainage element of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows an end view of the drainage element of Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows a side view of the drainage element of Figure 1;
Figure 5 shows a plan view of a grid for use with the drainage element of Figure 1;
Figure 6 shows an end view of the grid of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a three-dimensional view of a closure panel for use with the drainage element of Figure 1;
Figure 8 shows a three-dimensional view of the closure panel of Figure 7 from the other side;
Figure 9 shows a side view of an adaptor coupling for use with the drainage element of Figure 1;
Figure 10 shows a three-dimensional view of the adaptor coupling of Figure 9;
Figure 11 shows a three-dimensional view of the drainage element of Figure 1 with the closure panel of Figure 7 mounted therein;
Figure 12 shows a three-dimensional view of two drainage elements of Figure 1 connected end-to-end;
Figure 13 shows two drainage elements of Figure 1 connected perpendicular to one another in a T-shaped configuration;
Figure 14 shows a three-dimensional view of a connector for use in connecting the drainage elements of Figure 13 together;
Figure 15 shows a three-dimensional view of the drainage element of Figure 1 from the other side;
Figure 16 shows a three-dimensional view of the drainage element of Figure 1 on which another grid is mounted;
Figure 17 shows a plan view of a modular drainage system in accordance with the invention,
comprising a plurality of the drainage elements of Figure 16 connected together;
Figure 18 shows a three-dimensional view of the drainage system of Figure 17;
Figure 19 shows a three-dimensional view of another modular draining system in accordance with the invention with the grids omitted for the sake of clarity;
Figure 20 shows a three-dimensional view of the drainage element of Figure 1 to which a lateral flange has been connected; and
Figure 21 shows a three-dimensional view of the lateral flange of Figure 20.
[0033] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a drainage element in accordance with the invention.
[0034] The drainage element 10 includes a body, generally indicated by reference numeral 12 which is elongate and of generally U-shaped transverse cross-section. The body 12 has a top, generally indicated by reference numeral 14, and a bottom generally indicated by reference numeral 16.
[0035] The body 12 includes two generally parallel sides 18, 20 interconnected by a curved base 22. The body 12 further has longitudinally spaced ends 24, 26.
The ends 24, 26 define complementary connecting formations 28, 30 whereby like drainage elements 10 are connectable together end-to-end. More particularly, the connecting formation 28 at the end 24 is in the form of an outwardly directed peripheral rib 28. The complementary connecting formation at the other end 26 is in the form of a peripheral inwardly open channel-shaped formation 30 within which the rib 28 of an adjacent drainage element 10 is snuggly receivable. It will be appreciated that when the rib 28 and channel 30 are engaged, relative longitudinal displacement between adjacent drainage elements 10 is inhibited and that they together define a continuous drainage channel.
[0036] Two longitudinally spaced-apart drain pipe connecting formations 32 protrude from the base 22.
[0037] Each drain pipe connecting formation 32 includes a pair of concentric circular cylindrical flanges, namely an inner flange 34 and an outer flange 36, which protrude from the base 22. In use, a drain pipe is connectable to one of the flanges 34, 36 as described in more detail herebelow.
[0038] Generally U-shaped protrusions 38 protrude outwardly from the sides 18, 20 approximately midway between the ends 24, 26. The protrusions 38 have at their free ends a rib 40 or a complementary channel 42 which are substantially identical to the ribs 28 and channel 30, respectively, to form lateral connecting formations which permit two drainage elements 10 to be connectable side-by-side or in a T-shaped configuration.
[0039] The drainage element 10 includes a grid seat generally indicated by reference numeral 44 on which a grid, generally indicated by reference numeral 46 (Figures 5 and 6) is receivable. The grid seat 44 includes a longitudinally extending shoulder 48 on each side of the body 12 on top of which peripheral edges of the lower surface of the grid 46 can rest in use. A locating formation in the form of a longitudinally extending rib 50 protrudes upwardly from the shoulder 48 and is configured to key with a complementary longitudinally extending recess 52 in the grid 46 in order to locate the grid 46 in position. An elongate flange 54 protrudes upwardly from an outer edge of each shoulder 46. Longitudinally spaced-apart holes 56 are provided in each of the flanges 54. In use, complementary retaining tabs 58 protrude laterally from sides of the grid 46 and engage snap-lockingly with the holes 56 in order to retain the grid in position.
[0040] As can be seen in Figure 6 of the drawings, an upper surface 60 of the grid 46 is concave which serves, in use, to feed water towards the middle of the grid and into the drainage element 10. It also serves to distribute the weight of a vehicle passing over the grid over the entire width of the grid enabling it to withstand substantial compressive loads.
[0041] With reference to Figure 16 of the drawings, another grid, generally indicated by reference numeral 160 is shown mounted on the drainage element 10. The grid 160 includes parallel recesses 162 which extend longitudinally adjacent side edges thereof within which the flanges 54 of the drainage element 10 are receivable in use. The grid 160 incorporates an arrangement of apertures 164 which are arranged in rows inclined at an angle of 45° relative to the edges of the grid 160. This arrangement provides a seamless pattern flow in the arrangement of apertures 164 when drainage elements 10 are connected together either end-to-end or at right angles as illustrated in Figures 17 and 18.
[0042] In Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings, reference numeral 68 refers generally to a closure panel for use with the drainage element 10. In this regard, two closure panel locating formations in the form of recesses 72 are provided on an inner surface of the body 12. Each closure panel 68 includes a planar panel member 74 which is generally U-shaped and which is dimensioned such that a peripheral edge of the panel member 74 is snuggly receivable in one of the recesses 72.
[0043] A pipe connecting formation, generally indicated by reference numeral 76, is provided on the panel member 74. In the embodiment shown, the pipe connecting formation 76 includes three circular cylindrical formations 78, 80, 82 which protrude from an operatively outer surface of the panel member 74. The circular cylindrical pipe connecting formations 78, 80, 82 are of differing diameter and are arranged one within the other with the innermost pipe connecting formation 78 being of the smallest diameter and the outermost pipe connecting formation 82 being of the largest diameter. The lengths of the pipe connecting formations, i.e. the extent to which they protrude from the outer surface of the panel member 74 decrease from the pipe connecting formation 78 having the smallest diameter to the pipe connecting formation 82 having the largest diameter.
[0044] In use, when it is desired to install a drain to collect run-off water, a trench of the required length is dug and one or more drainpipes are laid leading away from the trench. Depending upon the length of the drain which is required, one or more of the drainage elements 10 are laid in the trench and connected end-to-end as described above and as shown in Figure 12. Closure panels 68 are then positioned in the recesses 72 (as shown in Figure 11 of the drawings) which are closest to the outer ends of the outermost drainage elements 10 to form an upwardly open drain having closed ends.
[0045] The drain pipe or pipes can be connected to one or more of the drainpipe connecting formations 32. In this regard, if it is elected to make use of the innerflange 34 as the drainpipe connecting formation then the portion of the base 22 in register with the interior of the inner flange 34 is removed, e.g. by being drilled out to connect the inner flange 34 and hence a drainpipe connected thereto in flow communication with the interior of the drainage element 10. Similarly, if use is made of the outer flange 36 as the drainpipe connecting formation, the material of the base coinciding with the interior of the outer flange 36 is removed, e.g. by drilling. To facilitate removal of the material, markings, e.g. in the form of concentric circles, can be provided in the base to indicate the material to be removed. A further advantage of providing two drainpipe connecting formations 32 is that two drainpipes can be connected to the drainage element 10 and extend either in the same direction or in different directions away from the drainage element 10. Further, the volume of water which can pass through the drainage element 10 is greatly increased compared to the use of a single drainpipe connecting formation.
[0046] The inner flange 34 and outer flange 36 will typically have diameters of 50mm and 75mm, respectively, which permits their connection to drain pipes having corresponding diameters. If, however, it is desired to use the drainage element 10 with a drainpipe of a larger diameter, then an adapter 82 (Figures 9 and 10) can be used. The adapter having opposed ends, the dimensions of which are configured to fit snuggly over the appropriate flange and drainpipe. In this way a storm water drainpipe which typically has a diameter of 110mm can be connected to the drainage element 10.
[0047] If it is required to connect a length of pipe to an end of the drain, then the pipe can be connected to one of the pipe connecting formations 78, 80, 82 and the material of the panel member 74 in register with the pipe connecting formation 78, 80, 82 can be removed, e.g. by drilling thereby connecting the pipe connecting formations 78, 80, 82 with the interior of the drainage element. Once again, to facilitate removal of the material from the panel member, circular demarcations 86, 88, 90 (Figure 8) are provided on an operatively inner surface of the panel member 74 to provide an indication of the material that should be removed.
[0048] Once the drainage elements 10 are in the desired position in the trench, they will be embedded in concrete and the concrete will be floated such that a surface of the concrete is level with or slightly above the upper edges of the flanges 54. In addition, the slope of the ground surrounding the drain will be inclined so as to feed run-off water towards the drain.
[0049] The grid 46 can then be positioned on the drainage element 10 and retained in position by the tabs 58 engaging with the holes 56.
[0050] When other configurations of the drain are required, a plurality of the drainage elements 10 can be connected side-by-side by connecting adjacent ribs of adjacent drainage elements together. Once again, the material within the rib can be removed from the side 18, 20 in order to connect the drainage elements in flow communication.
[0051] Further, a drainage element 10 can be connected such that it extends perpendicular to another drainage element by connecting its one end to the protrusion 38 of the other drainage element to form a generally T-shaped configuration as shown in Figure 13.
[0052] When it is desired to connect two drainage elements 10 together in the arrangement shown in Figure 13 of the drawings, an end of the drainage element 10 from which the rib 28 protrudes can be positioned in abutment with the rib 40 of the protrusion 38. Use can then be made of a connector, generally indicated by reference numeral 100 (Figure 14). The connector 100 defines an inwardly open channel 102 within which the abutting ribs are receivable so as to inhibit relative displacement therebetween.
[0053] Reinforcing ribs 110 are provided on the sides 18, 20 and serve both to reinforce the drainage element 10 and as keying formations in order to key with the concrete in which the drainage element 10 is located.
[0054] The Inventors believe that the components required to form a drain as described above can be supplied in kit form and the invention accordingly extends to a drain kit incorporating one or more of these components.
[0055] Further, a drainage element 10 in accordance with the invention will be extremely versatile since it permits a drainage system or installation of any required length and configuration to be constructed.
[0056] The drainage element 10 can serve a dual purpose, namely as a junction box whereby a plurality of the drainage elements are connectable together as well as a receptacle to collect and discharge water. Further, the provision of two longitudinally spaced-apart drainpipe connecting formations 32 permits two drain pipes to be connected to the drainage element 10 thereby increasing the volume of water which can be received into and discharged from the drainage element 10. Further, as explained above, storm water pipes having a diameter larger than that of the outer flange 36 can still be connected to the drainage element 10 by making use of an appropriate adaptor 82.
[0057] As can best be seen in Figure 5 of the drawings, the apertures in the grid 46 are arranged to be parallel with the sides and ends of the grid, typically in a concentric square arrangement. This permits the drainage elements 10 to be connected in different directions with the appearance of the drain being aesthetically appealing.
[0058] The versatility of the drainage element which permits drainage elements to be connected end-to-end, side-by-side or in a T-arrangement obviates the need to provide other additional components such as additional junction boxes, T-pieces or L-pieces.
Reference is now made to Figures 17 and 18 of the drawings, in which reference numeral 200 refers generally to a drainage system in accordance with the invention and, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to designate similar parts. The installation 200 includes a plurality of the drainage elements 10 connected end-to-end and side-by-side in order to form a generally T-shaped configuration.
[0059] As mentioned above, the apertures in the grids are arranged such that they form a continuous flow.
[0060] In Figure 19 of the drawings, reference numeral 210 refers generally to part of another drainage installation in accordance with the invention and, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to designate similar parts. In this embodiment of the invention, the drainage elements 10 are connected side-by-side with the lateral connecting formations of adjacent drainage elements being connected together. The portions of the sidewalls in register with the protrusions 38 are removed to connect the drainage elements 10 in flow communication with one another.
[0062] In Figures 20 and 21 of the drawings reference numeral 220 refers generally to a flange which is connected to a drainage element 10 such that it protrudes laterally therefrom. More particularly, the flange 220 includes a planar portion 222 and a clip arrangement 224 which is configured to engage with the reinforcing ribs 110 such that the planar portion 222 protrudes laterally from the drainage element 10 at a position or level which is below the upper edge of the drainage element 10.
[0063] This allows the drainage element 10 to be used for various applications including on flat roofs and interior use. The flange will enable an installer to apply a waterproofing membrane, e.g. a torched-on waterproofing membrane or a painted-on waterproofing product on the upper surface of the planar portion of the flange 220.
[0064] Typically, the components will be moulded from a synthetic plastics material. The specific material from which the grid 46 is formed can be varied depending on the intended application. Accordingly, where the drain is to be positioned in an area of pedestrian traffic, a lighter less expensive material can be used. However, in an area where vehicular traffic is expected, a stronger material, having a higher carrying capacity can be used.
[0065] The configuration of the invention permits its use both as a linear drain and also as a catch pit. If the drainage elements are joined together in parallel and the side walls removed and clips are used to secure adjacent drainage elements to one another, a catch pit of any desired dimension can be created. This is in contrast with prior art drains which require the use of separate junction boxes or T- or L-shaped pieces. The use of these additional components is eliminated by making use of the invention.
[0066] Further, the configuration of the grate or grid is such that in whichever configuration the drainage elements are connected, the grate appears to have a seamless and continuous pattern. It is therefore preferred that the foraminous pattern of the grid is arranged in a way that a seamless pattern emerges when more grids are placed next to each other. This is an aesthetic advantage over prior art.
[0067] The length of the drainage element is preferred 150mm to 300mm, especially preferred 250mm. This size together with its numerous outlet configurations enable it to be used for diverse applications such as for internal atriums. In addition, the relatively short length of the drainage elements avoids wastage as it enables the plumber to order exactly what is required for a particular job. This is in contrast with prior art drains of which are typically supplied in lengths of one meter.
1. A drainage element for use in a modular drainage system, the drainage element including
a body having a top and a bottom and which defines an upwardly open inlet and a grid
seat whereby a foraminous grid is mountable to the body to extend across at least
part of the inlet, the body defining an upwardly open elongate open-ended channel,
at least one drain pipe connecting formation whereby a drain pipe is connectable to
the body, the drain pipe connecting formation being at a level below the top of the
channel, at least one connecting formation provided on a side of the body intermediate
the ends of the channel whereby another drainage element is connectable to the drainage
element in flow communication with the channel.
2. A drainage element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drainage system is a linear
drain or a catch pit.
3. A drainage element according to claim 1 or 2, in which the body is elongate and has
a pair of longitudinally spaced-apart ends which define complementary connecting formations
whereby two or more like drainage elements are connectable end-to-end.
4. A drainage element as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the body
is generally U-shaped in transverse cross-section and comprises two generally parallel
sides interconnected by a curved base, the or each drainpipe connecting formation
including at least one flange which depends from the base preferred wherein a portion
of the base which is in register with the flange is removable in order to connect
the flange in flow communication with the interior of the body.
5. A drainage element as claimed in claim 4, in which the drain pipe connecting formation
includes an inner flange and an outer flange which is of larger diameter and concentric
with the inner flange, preferred wherein an inner indicator is provided in the base
in register with the inner flange such that removal of the portion of the base demarcated
by the inner indicator connects the inner flange in flow communication with the interior
of the body, an annular outer indicator which is concentric with the inner indicator
being provided in the base such that removal of the portion of the base demarcated
by the outer indicator connects the outer flange in flow communication with the interior
of the body.
6. A drainage element as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes complementary
male and female connecting formations at opposed ends of the body to permit two or
more of the drainage elements to be connected together end-to-end.
7. A drainage element as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a peripheral
rib protrudes laterally from one end of the body and a complementary peripheral channel
is provided at the other end of the body within which the rib of an adjacent drainage
element is receivable.
8. A drainage element as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes a
lateral connecting formation provided on the side of the body whereby a like drainage
element is connectable thereto.
9. A drainage element as claimed in the preceding claim, in which the lateral connecting
formation includes a protrusion which protrudes from the side of the body, the shape
of the protrusion corresponding to the shape and dimensions of the end of the body,
preferred wherein the lateral connecting formation further includes, at a free end
of the protrusion, a peripheral channel or rib which is engageable with a complementary
connecting formation provided on another drainage element in order to permit the drainage
elements to be connected together side-by-side or in a T-configuration.
10. A drainage element as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the grid
seat includes a longitudinally extending shoulder on each side of the body on which
edges of a grid are supportable preferred a longitudinally extending locating formation
is provided on each shoulder and configured to engage with a complementary locating
formation on a grid preferred wherein the locating formation on the shoulder is a
male locating formation configured to cooperate with a complementary female locating
formation on the grid.
11. A drainage element as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, in which an elongate
flange protrudes upwardly from each shoulder and includes retaining formations for
retaining a grid releasably in position on the drainage element.
12. A drainage element as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which at least
one closure panel locating formation is provided on an inner surface of the body,
preferred wherein the closure panel locating formation is parallel with and spaced
from the end of the body to receive a closure panel.
13. A drainage element as claimed in any one claims 11 or 12, in which the or each closure
panel locating formation is in the form of a recess in an inner surface of the body
within which a peripheral edge of a closure panel is snugly receivable.
14. A closure panel for use with a drainage element as claimed in any one of the preceding
claims, which closure panel includes a planar panel member, an edge portion of which
is snugly receivable in the recess on the inner surface of the body of a drainage
element and a pipe connecting formation fast with the panel member, preferred wherein
the pipe connecting formation includes at least one circular cylindrical protrusion
protruding from the panel member.
15. A drain kit which includes
at least one drainage element as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13; and
at least one foraminous grid which is mountable on the grid seat and optionally
at least one closure panel as claimed in claim 14 and/or
at least one length of drain pipe which is connectable to the drainage element.