AU2021201850B2

AU2021201850B2 - A cover for a cavity

Info

Publication number: AU2021201850B2
Application number: AU2021201850A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Luke Bolton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-03-24
Filing date: 2021-03-24
Publication date: 2021-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2041-03-24
Also published as: AU2021201850A1; AU2021277670A1; AU2024204657A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cover for a cavity in a panel through which at least two conduits pass, the cover comprising at least two sections, each section having a mating 5 portion for engaging the sections together, and a shaped portion which partly defines one or more close-fit apertures for the conduits to pass through, wherein the sections are configured such that when positioned about a cavity with the mating portions in engagement, the shaped portions are placed together to fully define the one or more close fit apertures, and the cavity is substantially covered. The present invention also relates to 10 related methods.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

Applicant: Luke BOLTON

Title: A COVER FOR A CAVITY

The invention is described in the following statement:

A COVER FOR A CAVITY

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an improved cover for a cavity in a panel through which conduits may pass, and related methods. The present invention finds particular utility in the field of plumbing.

Background of the Invention

Many different appliances are connected to services such as water, sewerage and electricity by conduits. Often appliances are in-built to cabinetry or against walls which requires holes to be drilled to create a cavity through which the conduits may pass. This applies especially to household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines which often require a service connection to water and waste using hoses, and electricity using a power cable. Such hoses generally include fittings which are larger than the diameter of the hose. For example, a dishwasher water hose may include a safety or solenoid valve which is quite bulky, and power cables have plugs. Accordingly, the cavity must be comparatively large in order to pass the hoses and power cable there through, especially in the case of a solenoid valve. Using common size hole saws, this may require at least two holes to be drilled side-by-side and conjoined to create the cavity. Once the service conduits have been passed through this then leaves a large space in the cavity which is unsightly and provides a point of entry for drafts, insects and rodents. There are certain cavity covers available, but they are often applicable only to cavities with a single conduit or are finicky and time-consuming to install.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least alleviate, one or more of the difficulties or deficiencies associated with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

In the first aspect, the present invention provides a cover for a cavity in a panel through which at least two conduits pass, the cover comprising at least two sections, each section having a mating portion for engaging the sections together, and a shaped portion which partly defines one or more close-fit apertures for the conduits to pass through, wherein the sections are configured such that when positioned about a cavity with the mating portions in engagement, the shaped portions are placed together to fully define the one or more close-fit apertures, and the cavity is substantially covered.

The cover as defined is particularly useful to cover cavities that are comparatively larger than the conduits, for example to pass there through conduits which have bulky fittings, such as a safety or solenoid valve or an elbow connector, which may require say two holes to be drilled side-by-side using common sized hole saws and conjoined, but then once the conduits have been passed through the cavity a large space remains about the conduits. One or more of the sections of the cover with a shaped portion as defined may be positioned after the conduits, and their bulky fittings, have been passed through the cavity, to cover the cavity with the close-fit apertures about the conduits. The unsightly cavity may thereby be hidden and the entry of drafts, insects and rodents may be inhibited or prevented.

The conduits may be water pipes and/or electrical cables for example. In preferred embodiments, the conduits include each of a hot water inlet pipe and/or a cold water inlet pipe, a waste-water outlet pipe and an electrical cable, as may be connected to a household appliance such as a dishwasher or washing machine and the like. Similarly the panel may be any substrate in which a cavity may be formed. For example, in the case of household appliances, the panel may be part of kitchen, bathroom or laundry cabinetry.

The number of close-fit apertures defined by the shaped portion of the sections may be dictated by the number of conduits which may pass through the cavity, as determined by the particular application at hand. For example, in the case of household appliances, there may be three or four conduits: for a dishwasher, often being a cold water inlet pipe (or alternatively though less commonly a hot water inlet pipe), a waste-water outlet pipe and an electrical cable; and for a washing machine often being a hot water inlet pipe, a cold water inlet pipe, a waste-water outlet pipe and an electrical cable. The number of close-fit apertures defined by the shaped portion of the sections may accordingly be three or four, being one separately formed close-fit aperture for each conduit to pass through. Alternatively, two or more conduits may pass through a single close-fit aperture and so the number of close-fit apertures may be fewer than the number of conduits. In this way, the close-fit apertures may be thought of as being conjoined. It is preferred however that the shaped portions of the sections together define one separate close-fit aperture per conduit. In the case of household appliances, noting that a washing machine waste-water outlet pipe may optionally pass through the cavity (it may instead be routed directly into a trough, for example), in preferred embodiments there are three close-fit apertures defined by the shaped portion of the sections: for a dishwasher, one for each of a water inlet pipe, a waste-water outlet pipe and an electrical cable, and for a washing machine one for each of a hot and a cold water inlet pipe, and an electrical cable.

As the apertures defined by the shaped portion of the sections are close-fit, then generally they will independently be of a size that is similar to the cross-sectional size of the conduits, not including any larger fittings that may be present. For example, one close-fit aperture for passing through a power cable may be smaller than a close-fit aperture for passing through a water pipe. Preferably, the close-fit apertures are of a size such that the shaped portions defining the close-fit apertures abut with the conduit. That said, the shape of the close-fit apertures may independently vary; they may be rectangular or round or irregular, and may correspond to the cross-section of the conduits. Accordingly, the shape of the shaped portions which together define the one or more close-fit apertures may similarly vary. As most conduits are round in cross-section, then generally speaking the shape of the close-fit apertures defined by the shaped portion of the sections will be correspondingly round, and the shaped portions may thus comprise an arch to partly define a round close-fit aperture, or a series or arches to partly define two or more round close-fit apertures. The arches (or other shape as the case may be) may be arranged in any given orientation relative to each other, though are preferably close together, and may be separated or conjoined (e.g. in the case of conjoined close-fit apertures), though are preferably separated so as to define separate close-fit apertures, one for each conduit. In a preferred embodiment, the shaped portion of each section comprises a series of three arches, each being semi-circular to define half of three round close-fit apertures, and arranged proximally such that when the sections are positioned with the mating portions in engagement, the shaped portions define three separate close-fit apertures with their centre points in a triangular pattern. This triangular pattern arrangement may serve to group the close-fit apertures in spatial relationship with the cavity such that they are all useable for passing conduits through even in the case of, for example, conduits which do not have bulky fittings such as a solenoid or safety valve and only one hole is drilled using common size hole saws to create the cavity for the conduits to pass through.

Each shaped portion and/or e.g. arch thereof may independently be formed with a depth such that the close-fit apertures defined thereby may be defined as channels. This may be achieved for example by forming the shaped portion or one or each arch or otherwise, projecting outwardly a distance from the section, say outwardly from an upper face of the section. This has the advantage that it provides a measure of directional guidance to the conduit in passing through the close-fit aperture, and it imbues strength to the shaped portion and the section. It also allows for the channels to be formed of a narrowing diameter in the direction of the projection so that the removal of an appropriate amount of material may widen it for passing through a larger conduit. Also, as at times it may be desirable to seal a conduit in a close-fit aperture, it also provides a larger surface to which a sealant may adhere. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the shaped portion of each section, or each arch (or other shape as the case may be) thereof, projects a substantially equal distance outwardly from the section so as to partly define the close-fit apertures as channels.

Of course, for the cover to substantially cover the cavity, suitably it will be dimensioned to be the same or greater size than the cavity. In preferred embodiments, the cover is dimensioned to be greater than the size of the cavity so that the cover skirts the edge of the cavity. In this way, the cover may be secured to the panel e.g. by a screw or otherwise alongside the edge of the cavity. Similarly, the cover and each of its sections may be generally planar, at least along an underside facing the cavity.

By the mating portions being in engagement is meant a mating relationship; a joining which is more than simply a side-by-side abutment between the sections. This has the advantage that the sections may be joined, which can allow for example for the sections to hold together once positioned, and that if securing the cover to the panel, only one section may need to be secured to hold the cover in position, and also that the sections may be secured to the panel simultaneously. The cover may thus be secured to the panel faster and easier than, for example, a cover with sections that do not have mating portions and each section must be secured individually, often at each end (e.g. in all four corners of the cover). To this end, preferably the cover or at least one section thereof includes a securement means which may be, or provision for, an adhesive or fixing such as a screw, for example. In preferred embodiments, the securement means is one or more holes for receiving a fixing there through and into the panel.

In preferred embodiments, the mating portion of each section includes an overlapping and/or an underlapping part for engaging with a complementary underlapping and/or overlapping part of the mating portion of another section. In this way, when brought together while positioning the sections, the mating portions may engage one atop the other. Preferably, each section has a mating portion with a pair of overlapping and/or underlapping parts positioned protruding from either side of the shaped portion. Also in preferred embodiments, one or all over- and underlapping parts of the mating portions includes a securement means, preferably a hole for receiving a fixing which, when the sections are positioned with the mating portions in engagement, align such that the sections may be secured to the panel simultaneously.

In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a cover for a cavity in a panel through which at least two conduits pass, the cover comprising at least two sections, each section having a mating portion for engaging the sections together, and a shaped portion which partly defines three or more close-fit apertures for the conduits to pass through, wherein the mating portion of each section includes a pair of overlapping and/or an underlapping parts for engaging with complementary underlapping and/or overlapping parts of the mating portion of another section, the over- and underlapping parts protruding from either side of the shaped portion and including a hole for receiving a fixing, wherein the sections are configured such that when positioned about a cavity with the mating portions in engagement, the holes align, the shaped portions are placed together to fully define the three or more close-fit apertures in a proximal arrangement with their centre points in a triangular pattern, and the cavity is substantially covered.

In preferred embodiments, the cover includes two sections. In preferred embodiments, the mating portion of one section is in the form of a frame which extends from either side of the shaped portion and defines a space bordered by the frame and the shaped portion. Most suitably, the frame extends such that the space it defines is about the same size or marginally greater than the cavity, and also generally of sufficient size to pass a bulky fitting there through, say one or all of an electrical cable plug, a solenoid or safety valve and an elbow connector. In this way, the shaped portion may be offset to one side of the section, and similarly the close-fit apertures when defined by the engaged sections may be offset to one side of the cover. When positioned, the frame itself may thus skirt or otherwise lie beyond the edge of the cavity. The frame may include an over- or underlapping part, or be a wholly over- or underlapping part, preferably underlapping. In the same preferred embodiments, the mating portion of a second section is in the form of a seat which is complementary to the frame, also extending from either side of the shaped portion, which defines a cap bordered by the seat and the shaped portion, and which is configured to overlie the space defined by the frame of the first section (bar the close-fit apertures). The seat may include an over- or underlapping part, or be a wholly over- or underlapping part, preferably overlapping. Preferably, the seat is in the form of a flange about the cap and

- 6a

comparatively thinner than the cap, such that when engaged with the frame, the seat overlaps the frame and the cap fills the space defined by the frame (bar the close-fit apertures). Also preferably, the frame and the seat each include a securement means, preferably one or two or more, preferably a pair, of aligning holes for receiving a fixing, preferably positioned at opposing points of the cover. In this way, the two sections may be secured to the panel simultaneously by fixings.

In one preferred embodiment, in the section with the mating portion in the form of a frame, the frame and seat may be continuous and thus the first section may suitably be positioned about the cavity before passing the conduits through the cavity, though in a second preferred embodiment the frame may include a split or discontinuance (i.e. in spatial relationship with the space defined by the frame) so that it can be positioned afterwards. In this embodiment, the section with the mating portion in the form of a seat may suitably be positioned after passing the conduits through the cavity, and its seat may include a split or discontinuance corresponding to the split or discontinuance in the frame. Preferably, the discontinuance in the seat is in the form of an extension of the cap, such that when engaged with the frame, the seat overlaps the frame, and the cap fills the space defined by the frame including the discontinuance in the frame (bar the close-fit apertures). Thus, in other words, essentially the discontinuance in the seat may take the form of an infill corresponding to and filling the discontinuance in the frame.

In addition to the close-fit apertures which are fully defined by the shaped portions when placed together, the cover may include one or more additional close-fit apertures that are wholly defined. The one or more wholly-defined close-fit apertures may be otherwise as hereinbefore described, in terms of purpose for passing a conduit through, size, shape and depth to be defined as channels. Each may also include an optional removable plug for closing the close-fit aperture when not in use. In one preferred embodiment, one section of the cover includes one additional wholly-defined close-fit aperture. In this embodiment, preferably the cover includes two sections as hereinbefore described where the mating portion of one section is in the form of an underlapping frame which extends from either side of the shaped portion and defines a space bordered by the frame and the shaped portion, and the mating portion of the second section is in the form of a seat which is complementary to the frame, also extending from either side of the shaped portion, which defines a cap bordered by the seat and the shaped portion, and which is configured to overlie the space defined by the frame of the first section (bar the close-fit apertures). Preferably, a wholly-defined close-fit aperture is formed in the cap of the second section. Preferably, the wholly-defined close-fit aperture is formed in close proximity to, preferably alongside, the shaped portion of the second section, such that when the sections are positioned with the mating portions in engagement, the close-fit apertures which are so-fully defined, together with the wholly defined close-fit aperture, have their centre points arranged in a diamond pattern. This embodiment finds particular utility in applications where conduits may optionally pass through a cavity. In the case of household appliances for example, a wholly-defined close-fit aperture with an optional plug may accommodate for a washing machine waste-water outlet conduit.

The cover and each of its sections may be manufactured from any suitable material though will generally be plastic, and by any suitable technique such as by injection moulding.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of covering a cavity in a panel through which at least two conduits pass, the method comprising providing a cover as herein described, and positioning the sections about the cavity with the mating portions in engagement and the shaped portions placed together to fully define the one or more close fit apertures for the conduits to pass through, to substantially cover the cavity.

The cover as herein described may be in its preferred embodiments as herein described.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the cover includes two sections, the first with a mating portion which is a continuous underlapping frame extending from either side of the shaped portion defining a space, and the second with a mating portion that is a continuous overlapping seat extending from either side of the shaped portion defining a cap, the mating portions including a pair of aligning holes for receiving a fixing, the method comprising positioning the first section about the cavity, passing the conduits there through including bulky fittings if present, positioning the second section such that the mating portions engage one atop the other with the cap filling the space, the holes being aligned, and the shaped portions fully defining the close-fit apertures containing the conduits, and securing the sections to the panel simultaneously using fixings. In another preferred embodiment of the method, the cover similarly includes two sections, the first with a mating portion which is an underlapping frame extending from either side of the shaped portion defining a space, and the second with a mating portion that is an overlapping seat extending from either side of the shaped portion defining a cap, the mating portions including a pair of aligning holes for receiving a fixing, and wherein the underlapping frame includes a discontinuance and the overlapping seat includes a corresponding discontinuance in the form of an extension of the cap to infill the discontinuance in the frame, the method comprising passing the conduits through the cavity including bulky fittings if present, positioning the first section about the cavity by slotting the conduits through the discontinuance in the frame, positioning the second section such that the mating portions engage one atop the other with the cap filling the space defined by the frame including the discontinuance in the frame, the holes being aligned, and the shaped portions fully defining the close-fit apertures containing the conduits, and securing the sections to the panel simultaneously using fixings.

The skilled addressee will understand that the dimensions of each of the preferred embodiments may be adapted to allow for unconventional shapes or surfaces.

In this specification, the term 'comprises' and its variants are not intended to exclude the presence of other integers, components or steps. Also, reference to any prior art in the specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably expected to be combined by a person skilled in the art.

The present invention will now be more fully described with reference to the accompanying Examples and Drawings. It should be understood, however, that the description following is illustrative only and should not be taken in any way as a restriction on the generality of the invention described above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 A-F depicts various views of a first section of a first embodiment of a cover of the present invention.

Figure 2 A-F depicts various views of a second section of a first embodiment of a cover of the present invention.

Figure 3 A-B is an isometric projection of a first embodiment of a cover of the present invention.

Figure 4 A-F depicts various views of a first section of a second embodiment of a cover of the present invention.

Figure 5 A-F depicts various views of a second section of a second embodiment of a cover of the present invention.

Figure 6 A-B is an isometric projection of a second embodiment of a cover of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a first section 12 of a cover. The first section includes a mating portion 14 and a shaped portion 16. The shaped portion comprises a series of semi-circular arches, 18, 20 and 22, each partly (half) defining a close-fit aperture. As is apparent from the end and side views, each arch is formed to be projecting outwardly a distance from the section - from its upper face 24 - so that the arches are formed with a depth to define the close-fit apertures as channels. The mating portion is in the form of a frame 26. The frame extends from either side of the shaped portion and defines a space 28 bordered by the frame and the shaped portion. The frame is a continuous wholly underlapping part, as is represented in the side views in the comparative thickness of the frame and the rest of the section. The frame includes a pair of aligning holes 30, positioned at opposing mid-points of the section, each for receiving a fixing.

Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a second section 32 of a cover. The second section includes a mating portion 34 and a shaped portion 36. Like the first section, the shaped portion comprises a series of semi-circular arches, 38, 40 and 42, each partly (half) defining a close-fit aperture. Similarly, as is apparent from the end and side views, each arch is formed to be projecting outwardly a distance from the section - from its upper face 44 - so that the arches are formed with a depth to define the close-fit apertures as channels. The mating portion is in the form of a seat 46. The seat extends from either side of the shaped portion and defines a cap 48 bordered by the seat and the shaped portion. The seat is a continuous wholly overlapping part, as is represented in the side views in its thickness compared to the rest of the section. In the same views it is also apparent that the seat is in the form of a flange. As such, the cap 48 is thicker than the seat, adapted to fill the space in the first section when positioned together. The seat includes a pair of aligning holes 50, positioned at opposing mid-points of the section, each for receiving a fixing. In this embodiment, the holes are shaped to receive a fixing such that the head of a fixing may be recessed.

Figure 3 shows the first and second sections of the first embodiment, 12 and 32, respectively, of a cover 10, when positioned with the mating portions in engagement. As can be seen, the mating portion of the second section, seat 46, is positioned wholly overlapping the mating portion, or frame 26, of the first section, which wholly underlaps the seat. In doing so, the semi-circular arches of the second section, 38, 40 and 42, come together with the semi-circular arches of the first section, 18, 20 and 22, respectively, to fully define three separate close-fit apertures, 52, 54 and 56, respectively, for containing the conduits. As can be seen, the close-fit apertures are arranged with their centre points in a triangular pattern. At the same time, the cap 48 fills the space 28 defined by the frame, and the aligning holes of the second section, 50, align with the aligning holes of the first section,

30. It can thus be seen that the two sections are securable to a panel simultaneously using only one or two fixings. They are also securable about their mid-points without substantial see-sawing by virtue of the over- and underlapping parts. The cover of this particular embodiment is particularly suited to covering cavities through which conduits attached to household appliances pass, and in particular to a dishwasher, in that its close-fit apertures 52, 54 and 56 are sized to accommodate a water inlet pipe, a power cable, and a waste water outlet pipe, respectively. In this embodiment, the cover may be installed by positioning the first section 12 about the cavity and passing the conduits there through including bulky fittings if present, then positioning the second section 32 such that the mating portions engage one atop the other with the cap filling the space, the holes being aligned, and the shaped portions fully defining the close-fit apertures containing the conduits, and securing the sections to the panel simultaneously using fixings.

Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a first section 58 of a cover. This first section including a shaped portion 16 and mating portion 14 in the form of a frame 26 which defines a space 28 is essentially as described in respect of the first embodiment of Figure 1, except that the frame 26 includes a discontinuance 60. As seen, the discontinuance is situated opposite the shaped portion and is similarly dimensioned, in order to slot conduits which have already been passed through the cavity through the discontinuance. Again, the frame includes a pair of aligning holes 30, though this time positioned at opposing end-points of the section, each for receiving a fixing. Another pair of holes 62 may also be provided for receiving fixings.

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a second section 59 of a cover. This second section including a shaped portion 36 and mating portion 34 in the form of a seat 46 which defines a cap 48 is essentially as described in respect of the first embodiment of Figure 2, except that the seat 46 includes a discontinuance 64 corresponding to the discontinuance 60 in the frame of the first section. The discontinuance 64 is formed by an extension of the cap 48 essentially as an infill to fill the discontinuance in the frame. Again, the seat includes a pair of aligning holes 50, though this time positioned at opposing end-points of the section, each for receiving a fixing shaped such that the head of a fixing may be recessed. In this second embodiment, the second section 32 also includes a wholly-defined close-fit aperture 68. As seen the wholly-defined close-fit aperture is formed in the cap 48 alongside the shaped portion 36.

Figure 6 shows the first and second sections, 58 and 59, respectively, of a cover 11, when positioned with the mating portions in engagement. As can be seen, the mating portion of the second section, its seat 46, is positioned overlapping the mating portion, or frame 26, of the first section, which underlaps the seat. In doing so, the shaped portions, 16 and 36, come together to fully define three separate close-fit apertures, for containing the conduits. At the same time, the cap 48 including its infill extension of the cap defined by the discontinuance 64 in the seat 46, fills the space 28 defined by the frame including the discontinuance in the frame (bar the close-fit apertures including the wholly-defined close-fit aperture 68), and the aligning holes 30 and 50 allow the two sections to be secured to a panel simultaneously. As can be seen, the close-fit apertures of the shaped portions together with the wholly defined close-fit aperture are arranged with their centre points in a diamond pattern. An optional removable plug may be used to close the wholly-defined close-fit aperture when not in use. The cover of this particular embodiment with the wholly defined close-fit aperture is particularly suited to covering cavities through which a conduit may optionally pass, in particular a waste-water outlet conduit of a washing machine. Otherwise, its close-fit apertures of the shaped portions are sized to accommodate a hot water inlet pipe, a cold water inlet pipe and a power cable, and the wholly-defined close-fit aperture is sized to accommodate a waste-water outlet pipe. In this embodiment, the cover may be installed by passing the conduits through the cavity including bulky fittings if present, positioning the first section 58 about the cavity by slotting the conduits through the discontinuance in the frame, positioning the second section 59 such that the mating portions engage one atop the other with the cap filling the space, the holes being aligned, and the shaped portions fully defining the close-fit apertures containing the conduits, and securing the sections to the panel simultaneously using fixings.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as outlined herein.

Claims

- 1:3 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A cover for a cavity in a panel through which at least two conduits pass, the cover comprising at least two sections, each section having a mating portion for engaging the sections together, and a shaped portion which partly defines three or more close-fit apertures for the conduits to pass through, wherein the mating portion of each section includes a pair of overlapping and/or an underlapping parts for engaging with complementary underlapping and/or overlapping parts of the mating portion of another section, the over- and underlapping parts protruding from either side of the shaped portion and including a hole for receiving a fixing wherein the sections are configured such that when positioned about a cavity with the mating portions in engagement, the holes align, the shaped portions are placed together to fully define the three or more close-fit apertures in a proximal arrangement with their centre points in a triangular pattern, and the cavity is substantially covered.

2. A cover according to claim 1, the cover comprising two sections, wherein the shaped portion of each section comprises a series of three arches, each being semi circular to define half of three round close-fit apertures.

3. A cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one section further includes a wholly-defined close-fit aperture, wherein the wholly-defined close-fit aperture is formed alongside the shaped portion of that section such that, when the sections are positioned with the mating portions in engagement, the three separate close-fit apertures together with the wholly defined close-fit aperture are arranged with their centre points in a diamond pattern.

4. A cover according to claim 3, wherein the shaped portion of each section, and the wholly-defined close-fit aperture, project outwardly from the section so as to partly define the close-fit apertures and the wholly-defined close-fit aperture as channels.

5. A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conduits are connected to a household appliance and include two or more of a hot water inlet pipe, a cold water inlet pipe, a waste-water outlet pipe and an electrical cable.

6. A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cover includes two sections, wherein: the mating portion of a first section is in the form of a frame which extends from either side of the shaped portion and defines a space, and the mating portion of the second section is in the form of a seat which is complementary to the frame, also extends from either side of the shaped portion, and which defines a cap bordered by the seat and the shaped portion, the cap being configured to, when the sections are positioned with the mating portions in engagement, overlie the space defined by the frame of the first section.

7. A cover according to claim 6, further including a wholly-defined close-fit aperture formed in the cap of the second section alongside the shaped portion of the second section.

8. A cover according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the frame is a continuous wholly underlapping part and the seat is a continuous wholly overlapping part, and the seat is in the form of a flange such that when the sections are positioned with the mating portions in engagement, the seat overlaps the frame and the cap fills the space defined by the frame.

9. A cover according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the frame is a wholly underlapping part and the seat is a wholly overlapping part, wherein the frame includes a discontinuance and the seat includes a corresponding discontinuance, and the seat is in the form of a flange such that when the sections are positioned with the mating portions in engagement, the seat overlaps the frame and the cap fills the space defined by the frame including the discontinuance.

10. A method of covering a cavity in a panel through which at least two conduits pass, the method comprising providing a cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and positioning the sections about the cavity with the mating portions in engagement, the holes aligned, and the shaped portions placed together to fully define the three or more close-fit apertures in a proximal arrangement with their centre points in a triangular pattern, to substantially cover the cavity.

11. A method according to claim 10, the method further comprising using a fixing in the holes to secure at least two sections of the cover to the panel simultaneously.

12. A method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the cover includes two sections, the first with a mating portion which is a continuous underlapping frame extending from either side of the shaped portion defining a space, and the second with a mating portion that is a continuous overlapping seat extending from either side of the shaped portion defining a cap, the method further comprising positioning the first section about the cavity, passing the conduits there through including bulky fittings if present, positioning the second section such that the mating portions engage one atop the other with the cap filling the space, the holes being aligned, and the shaped portions fully defining the close-fit apertures containing the conduits, and securing the sections to the panel simultaneously using a fixing in the holes.

13. A method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the cover includes two sections, the first with a mating portion which is an underlapping frame extending from either side of the shaped portion defining a space, and the second with a mating portion that is an overlapping seat extending from either side of the shaped portion defining a cap, wherein the frame includes a discontinuance and the seat includes a correspondingdiscontinuance, the method further comprising passing the conduits through the cavity including bulky fittings if present, positioning the first section about the cavity by slotting the conduits through the discontinuance in the frame, positioning the second section such that the mating portions engage one atop the other with the cap filling the space defined by the frame including the discontinuance in the frame, the holes being aligned, and the shaped portions fully defining the close-fit apertures containing the conduits, and securing the sections to the panel simultaneously using a fixing in the holes.