WO2010108220A1

WO2010108220A1 - Drain barrier

Info

Publication number: WO2010108220A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/000336
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig Rothleitner
Original assignee: Craig Rothleitner
Priority date: 2009-03-24
Filing date: 2010-03-24
Publication date: 2010-09-30

Abstract

A drain barrier (11) adapted to be releasably fitted relative to a drain opening (13) of a drainage system for minimising debris from entering the drainage system. The drain barrier (11) comprises a body (15) having a drainage means (17) for allowing liquid to pass through the body (15) whilst substantially preventing debris entering the drainage system. The drainage means (17) aligns with the drain opening (13) when the barrier (11) is in place.

Description

Drain Barrier

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a drain barrier. In particular this invention generally relates to a drain barrier with drainage means for use on drain openings associated with sewer and drainage systems.

Background Art

Drainage systems comprise a drain opening located on or near a surface through which fluid, such as storm water, enter so as to be conveyed to a different location. This is required to minimise potential hazards in the drain catchment area. The drain openings are typically either flush with the surface and are covered by a grate or are located in a side curb, such as in some roadside applications.

The openings and grates, particularly those associated with storm water drains are designed to prevent large debris entering the drainage system but do not prevent smaller debris such as leaves, twigs or sand entering the system. Over time the smaller debris builds up in the system and eventually blocks the system rendering the system incapable of draining the area. This results in large pools of liquid and debris forming around the drain.

Another problem with current drainage systems is that the grates or drainage openings are not able to prevent chemical spills, pollutants from building sites, drainage from fire sites or other pollutants from entering the drainage system unless they are first blocked. However, blocking the drain opening creates a hazard as the liquid pools around the drain. Furthermore, the liquid will still be required to be manually removed before the drain may be unblocked. To date, drainage systems are maintained in working order by maintenance crews who regularly check and clear the drain where required. This is often done manually or by sucking the debris out, and requires considerable time and resources.

The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

It is an object of this invention to provide a drain barrier which will minimise the amount of debris entering the drainage systems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a drain barrier adapted to be releasably fitted relative to a drain opening of a drainage system for minimising debris from entering the drainage system, the drain barrier comprises a body having a drainage means for allowing liquid to pass through the body whilst substantially preventing debris entering the drainage system, the drainage means aligning with the drain opening when the barrier is in place.

The drainage means may be in the form of a drainage system incorporated in at least a drain portion of the body. The drainage means may prevent debris as small as sand from entering the drainage system.

In contrast to the prior art, the present invention provides a drain barrier which can be fitted relative to the drain opening for preventing debris entering the drainage system whilst still allowing the fluid to flow through the drain opening and into the drainage system. As debris does not enter the drainage system the drainage system requires less maintenance and is not as prone to blockages. In one aspect of the invention the drain barrier is in the form of a cover which may be releasably fixed relative to a grate covering the drain opening. The body of the cover may be planar. The body of the cover may have at least one projection extending from an underside portion thereof for cooperation with the grate when fitted to releasably retain the cover thereto. The at least one projection may be such that it is received in an at least one aperture in the grate whereby the at least one projection is adapted to form an interference fit therewith.

The cover may also have a flap extending from a side thereof. In one embodiment, the cover is adapted to be fitted to a road drain whereby the road drain comprises a drain opening in the road surface covered by a grate, and a further drain opening located in a curb adjacent the grate cover or adjacent the grate cover whereby the body is adapted to fit over the grate whilst the flap fits over the drain opening located adjacent the grate. The flap may be hingedly connected to the body, or may be fixed to the body at a predetermined angle thereto.

In another aspect of the invention the drain barrier is in the form of an insert which in use may be releasably fixed relative to the drain opening. The insert may be placed in the drain opening such that a portion of the insert extends into the drainage system. The body of the insert may comprise an open end for receiving fluid therein, and a closed end, whereby when installed the open end is fixed relative to the drain opening. The body may also provide a collection region where debris is stored in the insert for later removal. The collection region may be defined by the closed end, the open end and upper, lower and side walls extending therebetween.

The drain insert was developed to prevent debris such as building waste from entering the street drains and then the waterways whilst allowing large amounts of water to still enter the drain and the water system.

In the case of construction, the builder may put one on either side of the building site in the nearest street drain location. This also is suitable for Fire and Emergency services. When the Fire and Emergency services attend a fire they can put one in the drains which are in close proximity to the fire. The drain insert allows the water to drain away whilst trapping the hard waste, ash etc.

The body may comprise openings incorporated therein to allow fluid flow to pass therethrough to assist in overflow. The openings may be incorporated in the upper wall of the body. With this arrangement, should the insert become full, the debris in the collection region will not block flow of fluid into the drainage system as the fluid may pass through the openings in the upper wall.

The insert may be mechanically fixed with respect to the drain opening using mechanical means such as a clamping system. The clamping system may be located in the open end of the body and exert an outward force such that the body is clamped to an inner surface of the drain opening. The clamping system may be locked in an installed position so as to prevent unauthorised removal of the drain barrier.

The clamping system may be in the form of at least one fixing bracket. In one aspect of the invention the fixing bracket may be made from spring steel or steel with springs whereby the bracket is biased outwardly. In another aspect the fixing bracket is movable between a flexible condition whereby it may be fitted or removed from an opening, and a fixed condition whereby the fixing bracket clamps the insert relative to the drain opening.

The fixing bracket help keeps the shape of the body of the insert to maximise the amount of debris receive and held in the Insert.

The insert may have a flap located each side of the open end. The flap may be adapted to be secured to a side face adjacent the drain opening. The side face may be, at least be in part, provided by the roadside curb.

The drain barrier may comprise a filter medium to filter contaminants from the fluid before the fluid passes into the drainage system. The filter medium may be selected from numerous materials depending upon the contaminants to be removed. Such contaminants may include oil, fuel and other chemicals. The barrier may comprise a pocket into which the filter medium may be placed. The pocket may be adapted to allow for easy removal and replacement of the filter medium. For example, the filter medium may be provided in the form of a pillow for ease of installment in the barrier pocket.

The filter medium may be placed relative to the drainage means so that the fluid first passes through the filter medium before passing into the drainage system.

Preferably the drainage means is in the form of a porous material which allows fluid to pass therethrough whilst substantially preventing debris such as sand from entering the drainage system. The porous material may be in the form of a woven material. The porous material may be flexible. The porous material allows water to flow through whilst filtering solids, sands, mud etc,

The body may be made from the porous material. As the drainage means is provided by the entire body, the amount of fluid flow that may pass through the barrier is maximised.

The present invention provides a drain insert for preventing debris passing into the drainage system whilst allowing fluid to pass therethrough, the drain insert comprises an insert adapted to be received in an opening of the drain, the drain insert also has fixing means adapted to secure the insert in place relative to the drain.

The insert comprises an opening for receiving fluid and debris contained in the draining fluid. The opening of the insert may be slightly smaller than the opening of the drain.

The fixing means may comprise one or more fixing brackets adapted to be received in the opening of the insert such that when in place the insert is clamped between one or more clamping faces of the fixing bracket and a surface of the drain which defines the opening. The fixing brackets may be biased outwardly to assist in clamping the insert in place.

The insert may comprise a drainage means.

The insert may be made, at least in part, from a porous material. The porous material may provide the drain means.

The present invention provides a drain barrier in the form of a cover adapted to be placed across a drain opening of a drainage system, to minimise debris passing into the opening. The cover comprises an upper section designed to be positioned adjacent the opening, and at least one projection extending from a portion of the upper section, whereby the at least one projection is adapted to be inserted into apertures/slots of a grate fitted relative to the drain opening, such that the cover remains in position. The upper section has a portion which provides a drainage means whereby the drainage means aligns with the drain opening when the cover is in place.

The cover is installed by placing the cover over the drain opening. The cover is adapted such that at least one projection extending from a portion of the cover is adapted to fit into apertures/slots in a grate fitted relative to the drain.

Preferably the upper section provides the drainage means. The upper section may be made from a porous material such that it allows liquid to pass therethrough. The upper section may be flexible. The upper section may be at least the same size and shape as the opening for which it is intended to cover. The upper section may be planar in shape.

The at least one projection may be made from the same material as the upper section.

The portion from which the at least one projection extends may be provided by a first surface of the upper section.

Preferably the at least one projection is snugly received in respective apertures/slots of the grate. Preferably there is an interference fit therebetween. Preferably the upper section is slightly larger than the opening such that a section of the first surface adjacent the periphery of the upper section may be secured to a surface adjacent the opening.

Preferably a side section is secured to an edge of the upper section such that the side section can be positioned to provide a cover where the opening is also incorporated in more than one plane, as may be the case for road drains whereby the curb also incorporates an opening to allow for drainage of excess amounts of liquid. The side section may be movable relative to the upper section.

The side section may be secured to the upper section such that the side section is substantially perpendicular to the upper section.

The cover may be adapted to be received relative to an opening for preventing debris passing therein, the cover comprising a lower section adapted to be received relative to/in the opening, the lower section being fixedly connected to a substantially planar upper section to ensure the lower section does not move inwardly away from the opening, the upper section having a region made from a porous material which allows fluid to readily permeate and a drainage means incorporated in the upper section to allow fluid to pass through the cover , wherein the fluid may pass through the cover without debris passing through with the fluid.

Various uses such as street drains, wharfs, side entry pits, workshop drains, heavy industry drains etc will be adaptable to different industries all four or more depending on shape can be glued for single use or one side zipped or Velcro to allow changing of oil soaking material.

Various materials can also be used to allow different water flow speed etc. Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will be further explained with reference to several embodiments of the invention as shown in the attached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drain barrier according to a first embodiment of the invention, the drain barrier incorporating a fixing bracket;

Figure 2 is a view similar to figure 1 with the fixing bracket partly installed;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the fixing bracket according to the first embodiment;

Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a typical roadside drain;

Figure 5 shows a drain insert according to a second embodiment of the invention prior to being inserted in a drain opening, and two fixing means in the form of fixing brackets;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a drain having the drain insert of the second embodiment partially inserted in the drain opening;

Figure 7 is a view similar to figure 6 with the drain insert fully inserted in the drain with one of the fixing brackets in place;

Figure 8 and 9 are views similar to figure 7 with the drain insert fully installed using three fixing brackets.

Figure 10 is a view of a section of figure 9 showing the fixing bracket in place; Figure 11 is a cross section side view of a drain barrier according to a third embodiment, the drain barrier incorporating a filter medium;

Figure 12 is a side view of a drain barrier according to a fourth embodiment;

Figure 13 is a bottom view of the drain barrier of figure 12 prior to being installed over a grate covering a drain opening;

Figure 14 is a view showing the drain barrier of the fourth embodiment being installed;

Figure 15 is a front view of a drain barrier according to a fifth embodiment;

Figure 16 is a side view of the drain barrier shown in figure 15;

Figures 17 and 18 are views of the underside of the drain barrier of figures 15 and 16 prior to installing on a grate covering a drain opening; and

Figure 19 is a view of the underside of the drain barrier according to a sixth embodiment prior to installing on a grate covering a drain opening.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying out the Invention

Drainage systems are an important element of infrastructure. Failure to have adequate drainage results in hazardous and unhygienic environments. It is therefore important that drainage systems are able to drain liquids from a particular location. It is also important that drainage systems are maintained to ensure they are free of debris build up which may block the drainage system.

The inlet into drainage systems are generally one of two types: a drain opening located in a surface and covered by a grate, or a drain opening located adjacent a surface, such as in a roadside curb, with no grate. Those drain openings which are covered by a grate block large debris from entering the drainage system but still allow smaller sized pieces entering the system. These smaller pieces will end up building up in the drainage system and will eventually block the system. To date there has been no solution which provides a means of preventing the smaller pieces of debris from entering the drainage system whist still allowing large volumes of fluid to pass into the drainage system.

For those drain openings which do not have a grate there across, obviously the only factor limiting the size of the debris is the size of the opening.

The present invention provides a drainage barrier 11 which is adapted to be releasably fixed with respect to the drain opening 13. The drain barrier 11 comprises a body 15 which incorporates a drainage means 17. In the below discussed embodiments, the body 15 is formed from a porous woven material which allows fluid to easily pass through, but which prevents a large proportion of the debris, including sand, from passing into the drainage system. The porous material provides the drainage means 17. Thus, as the drainage means 17 is provided by the entire body 15 the allowable volume of fluid which may pass into the drainage system is maximised.

In the three embodiments shown in figures 1 to 11 , the body 15 of the drainage barrier 11 is in the form of an insert 19. The insert 19 has been designed to provide a drain barrier 11 for roadside drains comprising a drain opening 13 located in a curb, as best shown in figure 4.

The insert 19 comprises an open end 21 for receiving fluid into a collection region 31. The collection region 31 extends between the open end 21 and a closed end 23 of the insert 19, and is further defined by an upper wall 25, a lower wall 27 and two side walls 29 of the insert.

In these embodiments the drain barrier 11 also comprises a fixing means in the form of a clamping system 33. The clamping system 33 operates in the drain opening 13 whereby the clamping system exerts an outwardly force within the open end 21 of the insert 19 to clamp the insert 19 relative to the upper and lower inner surfaces 14 of the drain opening 13.

The clamping system 33 may also comprise means to lock the clamping system 33 in place to prevent unauthorised removal of the insert 19 from the drainage system.

Figures 6 to 10 show the installation process of the insert 19 into the drain system. Referring first to figure 6, the insert 19 is first placed through the drain opening 13 with the closed end 23 entering first.

When the insert 19 is fully inserted the clamping system 33 is installed to secure the insert 19 in place.

In the first embodiment, as shown in figures 1 to 3, the clamping system 33 is in the form of a unitary fixing bracket 35. The fixing bracket 35 has adjustment means 37 to adjust the fixing bracket 35 between a first condition whereby an open end 39 of the fixing bracket 35 is or may be made smaller relative to the drain opening 13 such that it may be placed in the drain opening 13, and an installed condition whereby the open end 21 of the insert 19 is clamped between the open end 39 of the fixing bracket 35 and the inner surfaces 14 of the drain opening 13 to retain the insert 19 in place.

In the second embodiment, as shown in figures 5 to 10, the clamping system 33 is in the form of three fixing brackets 135. Each fixing bracket 135 has adjustment means 137 (not shown) to adjust the fixing bracket 135 between the first condition and an installed condition.

The fixing brackets 35, 135 also comprise support arms 36 to support the insert 19 in an open orientation.

Referring to figure 1 , the upper wall 25 of the insert 19 incorporates a plurality of openings 41. These openings 41 are adapted to allow fluid to pass through the insert 19 when the collection region 31 is too full.

In use, fluid and debris enter the drain insert 19 through the inserts open end 21 and passes into the collection region 31. The drainage means 17 allows the fluid to exit the collection region 31 into the drainage system whilst retaining debris within the collection region 31. Periodically, a maintenance crew removes the insert 19 and empties any debris from the insert 19 before fixing it back in place.

Referring to figure 11 , the third embodiment of the drain barrier 11 is shown. In this embodiment the drain barrier 11 is adapted to also remove other liquid contaminants from the draining fluid before it exits the insert 19. In this regard the insert 19 incorporates a pocket 43 within the collection region 31 in the lower wall 27. The pocket 43 is adapted to receive a filter medium 45. The filter medium 45 can be chosen from any number of suitable materials depending on the contaminant(s) which is present in the draining liquid and are required to be removed. The pocket 43 may be designed to allow for ease of removal and replacement of the filter medium 45.

In embodiment's four to six, as shown in figures 12 to 19, the body 15 of the drainage barrier 11 is in the form of a cover 71. The cover 71 has been designed to provide a drain barrier 11 for drain systems comprising a drain opening 13 with a grate 73 thereacross, as best shown in figure 14.

The cover 71 comprises a planar upper section 75 designed to be positioned over the grate 73 adjacent the drain opening 13 to minimise debris passing into the opening.

The cover 71 has two projections 77 extending from a portion of the upper section 75, whereby each projection 77 is adapted to be inserted into a respective aperture 74 in the grate 73. The projections 77 are sized so as to create an interference fit with the grate 73 so as to releasably fix the cover 71 across the drain opening 13. Thθ upper section 75 is made from the porous, woven material and as such provides the drainage means 17.

In the fourth embodiment as shown in figures 12, 13 and 14 the cover 71 is designed to be used in conjunction with a drain opening 13 which is entirely covered by the grate 73.

In the fifth and sixth embodiments as shown in figures 15 to 18 and figure 19 respectively, the cover 171 is designed to be used in conjunction with a drain opening 13 which has one opening covered by the grate 73 and a side drain opening 16. These types of systems are used in those areas where the drainage system is often required to deal with large volumes of liquid.

The cover 171 in these embodiments is the same as that in the fourth embodiment but has the additional feature of a flap 79 connected to a side edge 81 of the upper section 75. The side flap 79 may be fixed to the side edge 81 at a predetermined angle, such as is the case in the fifth embodiment, or it may be hingedly connected so that it can be positioned at the required angle when in place, as shown in the sixth embodiment.

When installed, the side flap 79 is adapted to span across the side drain opening 16 to prevent debris entering the drainage system.

The side flap 81 is made from the same porous, woven material as the upper section 75. As such the side flap 81 also provides a drainage means 17 and allows fluid to pass therethough whilst providing a barrier to debris.

The cover 71 is adapted to be easily installed and can just as readily be removed and cleaned.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

For example in other variations, the upper section 75 may be slightly larger than the grating 73 and may be glued, or otherwise fixed to the surface around the grating 73.

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

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows:

1. A drain barrier adapted to be releasably fitted relative to a drain opening of a drainage system for minimising debris from entering the drainage system, the drain barrier comprises a body having a drainage means for allowing liquid to pass through the body whilst substantially preventing debris entering the drainage system, the drainage means aligning with the drain opening when the barrier is in place.

2. The drain barrier according to claim 1 wherein the drainage means is in the form of a drainage system incorporated in at least a drain portion of the body.

3. The drain barrier according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the drain barrier is in the form of a cover which is releasably fixed relative to a grate covering the drain opening.

4. The drain barrier according to claim 3 wherein the body of the cover is planar.

5. The drain barrier according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the body of the cover has at least one projection extending from an underside portion thereof for cooperation with the grate when fitted to releasably retain the cover thereto.

6. The drain barrier according to claim 5 whereby when installed the at least one projection is received in an at least one aperture in the grate whereby the at least one projection is adapted to form an interference fit therewith.

7. The drain barrier according to claim 3, 4, 5 or 6 wherein the cover has a flap extending from a side thereof whereby the flap fits over a drain opening located adjacent the grate.

8. The drain barrier according to claim 7 wherein the flap is hingedly connected to the body.

9. The drain barrier according to claim 7 wherein the flap is fixed to the body at a predetermined angle thereto.

10.The drain barrier according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the drain barrier is in the form of an insert which in use is releasably fixed relative to the drain opening.

11 The drain barrier according to claim 10 wherein the insert is placed in the drain opening such that a portion of the insert extends into the drainage system.

12.The drain barrier according to claim 11 wherein the body comprises an open end for receiving fluid therein, and a closed end, whereby when installed the open end is fixed relative to the drain opening.

13.The drain barrier according to claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein the body provides a collection region where debris is stored in the insert for later removal.

14.The drain barrier according to claim 13 wherein the collection region is defined by the closed end, the open end and upper, lower and side walls extending therebetween.

15.The drain barrier according to any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the body comprise openings incorporated therein to allow fluid flow to pass therethrough to assist in overflow.

16.The drain barrier according to claim 15 wherein the openings are incorporated in the upper wall of the body.

17.The drain barrier according to any one of claims 10 to 16 wherein the insert is mechanically fixed with respect to the drain opening using mechanical means.

18.The drain barrier according to claim 17 wherein the mechanical means is in the form of a clamping system.

19.The drain barrier according to claim 18 wherein the clamping system is located in the open end of the body and exerts an outward force such that the body is clamped to an inner surface of the drain opening.

2O.The drain barrier according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the clamping system is locked in an installed position so as to prevent unauthorised removal of the drain barrier.

21. The drain barrier according to claim 18, 19 or 20 wherein the clamping system is in the form of at least one fixing bracket.

22.The drain barrier according to claim 21 wherein the at least one fixing bracket is made from spring steel or steel with springs whereby the bracket is biased outwardly.

23.The drain barrier according to claim 21 wherein the at least one fixing bracket is movable between a flexible condition whereby it is fitted or removed from an opening, and a fixed condition whereby the fixing bracket clamps the insert relative to the drain opening.

24.The drain barrier according to any one of claims 10 to 23 wherein the insert has a flap located each side of the open end, the flap being adapted to be secured to a side face adjacent the drain opening.

25.The drain barrier according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a filter medium to filter contaminants from the fluid before the fluid passes into the drainage system.

26.The drain barrier according to claim 25 wherein the drain barrier comprises a pocket into which the filter medium is placed.

27The drain barrier according to claim 25 or 26 wherein the filter medium is placed relative to the drainage means so that the fluid first passes through the filter medium before passing into the drainage system.

28.The drain barrier according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the drainage means is in the form of a porous material which allows fluid to pass therethrough whilst substantially preventing debris such as sand from entering the drainage system.

29.The drain barrier according to claim 28 wherein the porous material is in the form of a woven material.

3O.The drain barrier according to claim 28 or 29 wherein the porous material is flexible.

31 The drain barrier according to claim 28, 29 or 30 wherein the body is made from the porous material.

32.A drain barrier in the form of a drain insert for preventing debris passing into the drainage system whilst allowing fluid to pass therethrough, the drain insert comprises an insert adapted to be received in an opening of the drain, the drain insert also has fixing means adapted to secure the insert in place relative to the drain.

33.The drain barrier according to claim 32 wherein the insert comprises an opening for receiving fluid and debris contained in the draining fluid, the opening of the insert being slightly smaller than the opening of the drain.

34.The drain barrier according to claim 32 or 33 wherein the fixing means comprises one or more fixing brackets adapted to be received in the opening of the insert such that when in place the insert is clamped between one or more clamping faces of the fixing bracket and a surface of the drain which defines the opening.

35.The drain barrier according to claim 34 wherein the fixing brackets are biased outwardly to assist in clamping the insert in place.

36The drain barrier according to any one of claims 32 to 35 wherein the insert comprises a drainage means.

37.The drain barrier according to any one of claims 32 to 36 wherein the insert is made, at least in part, from a porous material.

38.The drain barrier according to claim 37 wherein the porous material provides the drain means.

39.A drain barrier in the form of a cover adapted to be placed across a drain opening of a drainage system, to minimise debris passing into the opening, the cover comprises an upper section designed to be positioned adjacent the opening, and at least one projection extending from a portion of the upper section, whereby the at least one projection is adapted to be inserted into apertures/slots of a grate fitted relative to the drain opening, such that the cover remains in position, the upper section having a portion which provides a drainage means whereby the drainage means aligns with the drain opening when the cover is in place.

4O.The drain barrier according to claim 39 wherein the cover is adapted such that at least one projection extending from a portion of the cover is adapted to snugly fit into apertures/slots in a grate fitted relative to the drain so as to provide an interference fit therebetween.

41 The drain barrier according to claim 39 or 40 wherein the upper section provides the drainage means.

42.The drain barrier according to claim 41 wherein the upper section is made from a porous material such that it allows liquid to pass therethrough, the upper section is flexible and is at least the same size and shape as the opening for which it is intended to cover.

43.The drain barrier according to any one of claims 39 to 42 wherein the upper section is slightly larger than the opening such that a section of the first surface adjacent the periphery of the upper section is secured to a surface adjacent the opening when installed.

44.The drain barrier according to any one of claims 39 to 43 wherein a side section is secured to an edge of the upper section such that the side section can be positioned to provide a cover where the opening is also incorporated in more than one plane

45.The drain barrier according to any one of claims 39 to 43 wherein the cover is adapted to be received relative to an opening for preventing debris passing therein, the cover comprising a lower section adapted to be received relative to/in the opening, the lower section being fixedly connected to a substantially planar upper section to ensure the lower section does not move inwardly away from the opening, the upper section having a region made from a porous material which allows fluid to readily permeate and a drainage means incorporated in the upper section to allow fluid to pass through the cover , wherein the fluid pass through the cover without debris passing through with the fluid.

46. A drain barrier as substantially herein described with reference to figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 19.