Road structure – process – or apparatus – Pavement – Modules or blocks
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-02
2001-07-31
Shackelford, H. (Department: 3673)
Road structure, process, or apparatus
Pavement
Modules or blocks
C404S045000, C404S072000, C249S004000, C264S257000, C405S016000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06267531
ABSTRACT:
INTRODUCTION
The invention relates to a paving assembly of the type comprising a plurality of paving elements interconnected by a joining mesh. The invention also relates to a method and an apparatus for forming such an assembly.
The term paving as used in this specification refers not only to areas which are covered to encourage access but also to ground covering in general including deterrent paving which may include features to discourage access.
GB 2169327 A describes a paving assembly incorporating slab-like elements connected together by flexible elongate connection means.
Paving assemblies comprising a plurality of paving elements interconnected by a joining mesh are described in WO-A-9307339.
There is a need for an improved paving assembly which is quick and inexpensive to manufacture. This invention is directed towards providing such a paving assembly.
STATEMENTS OF INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a method of forming a paving assembly of the type comprising a plurality of paving elements interconnected by a joining mesh, the method comprising the steps of:
filling a mould having a plurality of separate paving element-forming recesses with a settable material;
applying a joining mesh over the recesses;
inserting at least portion of the mesh into the recesses;
setting the material to form a paving assembly comprising a plurality of paving elements interconnected by the joining mesh; and
removing the paving assembly from the mould.
The insertion of the joining mesh into the plurality of separate recess ensures that the mesh is positively located and held in position, on setting. This provides the strength required for handling while providing sufficient flexibility at the joints between individual paving elements on installation to effectively and efficiently cover a desired area.
In one embodiment of the invention the paving element-forming recesses are defined between a number of spaced-apart supports and the mesh is laid on the supports and across the recesses prior to insertion of portion of the mesh into the recesses.
Preferably a plane through the top of the support defines the base of the paving elements.
In one embodiment of the invention portion of the mesh is inserted into the settable material by engaging the mesh with an insert tool, driving the tool into the settable material, and removing the tool. This is an especially advantageous feature as the insertion of the mesh is greatly simplified.
Preferably the insert tool includes at least one mesh engaging projection corresponding to each paving element-forming recess, the projection being inserted to drive the mesh into the settable material.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the recesses are at least partially filled with settable material before insertion of the mesh. This feature is important in enhancing the handling strength without adversely affecting the required flexibility.
Most preferably the recesses are substantially filled with settable material before insertion of the mesh. This simplifies the production process as only one filling step is required.
In a preferred embodiment the mesh is of a plastics material. Such a mesh assists in providing the required flexibility while retaining the elements together.
The mesh may be of a biodegradable material.
In a preferred embodiment the settable material is a cementitious material. This is preferred as such materials are relatively cheap, readily available and easily processed.
The invention also provides an apparatus for forming a paving assembly of the type comprising a plurality of paving elements interconnected by a joining mesh, the apparatus comprising a mould having a plurality of paving element-forming recesses, and means for inserting portion of a joining mesh into the recesses.
The apparatus is of very simple construction, inexpensive and easy to operate.
Preferably the mesh inserting means comprises an insert tool which is engaged with the mesh and driven into a settable material in the recesses.
The insertion means provides a relatively simple and effective way of inserting the mesh onto the settable material. The tool may be inserted manually or by any suitable mechanical means.
Preferably to assist insertion of the mesh, the insert tool has a number of mesh-engaging projections. Ideally, for uniform insertion of the mesh over an area, there is at least one mesh engaging projection associated with each element-forming recess.
For efficient insertion, especially over a large area, the projection may be of varying lengths. For example, the projections towards the middle of an area may be longer than those at the outer periphery.
The projections may include mesh locating means such as mesh-receiving recesses or the like.
The invention also provides a paving assembly comprising a plurality of separate paving elements interconnected by a joining mesh, the joining mesh having a plurality of connecting portions which extend between the paving elements and a number of retaining portions which extend into the paving elements from the connecting portions.
In a preferred embodiment the connecting portions of the mesh extend between the bases of the separate paving elements.
Preferably the connecting portions of the mesh are generally flat portions.
Typically, the reinforcing portions are generally of triangular form.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4226060 (1980-10-01), Sato
patent: 5053264 (1991-10-01), Beretta
patent: 5268137 (1993-12-01), Scott et al.
patent: 5486066 (1996-01-01), Hagenah
patent: 5588775 (1996-12-01), Hagenah
patent: 5775838 (1998-07-01), Pettee, Sr.
patent: 5807024 (1998-09-01), Benedict
patent: 0 110 780 (1984-06-01), None
patent: 0 288 247 (1988-10-01), None
patent: 0 655 530 (1995-05-01), None
patent: 2 072 156 (1981-09-01), None
patent: 2169327 (1986-07-01), None
patent: 93/07339 (1993-04-01), None
patent: WO93/07339 (1993-04-01), None
patent: 93/10310 (1993-05-01), None
Hartmann Gary S.
Jacobson Price Holman & Stern PLLC
Shackelford H.
Shapes & Solutions Limited
LandOfFree
Paving assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Paving assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Paving assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2561531