AU2005242208A1 - A modular covered walkway - Google Patents

Description

i 1 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

(ORIGINAL)

Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for Service: Invention Title: Modular Canopies Pty Ltd John Vasila DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, 1 Nicholson Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000.

"A modular covered walkway" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: Q:\OPER\RS uty 05 -Dec 05\12632020cap-339.doc 12/12/05 P:AOPERMRSH\ 2632020-provdoC-9/12US S-1- A MODULAR COVERED WALKWAY The present invention relates to a covered walkway in modular form and more particularly 00 to modules which are able to be erected on site to form a temporary structure which can subsequently be disassembled for transportation for storage or to a new site for installation there.

CI It is common practice to provide a temporary covered walkway between portable buildings for providing temporary accommodation. The principal intention of the walkway is to provide protection from rain and other precipitation for people moving from one building to another or perhaps just moving outside of the building while passing from one room to another. While a walkway of this type is principally provided for the comfort and convenience of the users, nevertheless in some situations it is obligatory in accordance with regulations or workplace agreements. Traditionally, whenever a temporary walkway has been required it has been purpose-built to suit the particular site of use and when no longer required, for example after several months, it is dismantled and many of the components are discarded.

The present invention provides a modular walkway system whereby a walkway of required design can be constructed from modules which can be set up and adjusted to suit a particular site and when no longer required can easily be dismantled for subsequent reuse.

According to the present invention there is provided a module for coupling to a like module to form a covered walkway, the module including a roof frame carrying roofing sheet and at least one pair of legs releasably attached to an end portion of the frame by connectors which permit the spacing between the legs of the pair to be varied in the width direction of the module.

Advantageously, the legs are of telescopic construction to provide length adjustment so as to set the roof frame at the required height and required pitch, or alternatively the legs are of different lengths. The legs are separate from the roof frame so as to be able to be P: OPER .SH\ 263 202provdoc-O9/ 1 2S -2disconnected from the roof frame for transportation and storage purposes.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the roof frame is of generally rectangular form and 0 substantially planar so that the roof structures of several modules can be arranged in stacked relation for transportation and storage purposes when the legs have been removed.

In one form, the connectors are mounted to transverse members of the roof frame for N, movement along the frame member into a selected one of a plurality of predetermined positions to thereby vary the spacing between the legs. In another form the connector are mounted to transverse members of the roof frame in a selected one of a plurality of different configurations to thereby vary the spacing between the legs.

Preferably each connector is able to be connected to the roof frame in such a manner that the connector and the leg engaged with the connector is able to swing relative to the roof frame to facilitate erection of the module, the connectors being firmly secured to the roof frame against such swinging movement in the erected state of the module.

Further according to the invention, there is provided a demountable covered walkway formed by a series of connected modules as defined above, the roof frame of each module being inclined to provide run-off of rainwater.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, each module is supported at each end portion by a pair of legs, the legs at one end portion being longer than the legs at the other end portion whereby the roof frame inclines from one end of the module to the other. In one form, the modules in the walkway are connected in end to end relation such that adjacent ends of adjacent modules within the walkway alternately form a ridge and a valley. In another form, the modules in the walkway are connected in side by side relation whereby the roof frame inclines from one side of the walkway to the other.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: p:\OPER\RSH~I12632020-prov.doc-09/2105 -3- Figure 1 is a perspective view showing in assembled form a covered walkway CI module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the module of Figure 1 and showing an additional oO pair of legs and associated connectors for selective use at an end of the module which C 5 would otherwise be unsupported; c-i Figure 2A shows in detail a preferred form of leg connector; t Figure 3 is an end view of the module showing the legs adjusted to a minimum Swidth configuration; c-i Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing the legs adjusted to a maximum width configuration; Figure 5 illustrates schematically how the roof frames of two modules can be connected in end-to-end configuration; Figure 6 shows in greater detail the telescopic form of the leg and its association with a connector slidably mounted to a frame member at the end of the roof frame; Figure 7 illustrates how two roof frames may be coupled in side-to-side relation to provide a walkway of increased width with a single pitched roof; Figure 8 illustrates how two roof frames may be coupled in side-to-side relation to provide a walkway of increased width with a roof of gabled form; Figure 9 is an end view showing the walkway of increased width with a tie structure coupling the two legs and providing support for the roof span in an intermediate part; Figure 10 is an end view showing how the module may be adapted for use as a verandah; Figure 11 is an exploded view of a walkway module in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figures 12 and 13 show the functioning of leg connectors of the module; and Figure 14 is a side view showing a walkway assembled from a group of interconnected modules and illustrating schematically a number of alternative methods for anchoring the legs of the module to the ground.

Figures 1 and 2 show a basic walkway module including a rectangular roof frame 2 P:\OPER\RSHK1263202-prov.d~-0912/05 -4- Scarrying a sheet of lightweight roofing material 4 such as polycarbonate sheeting or metal N_ sheeting of corrugated form. The roofing sheet 4 is permanently attached to the frame 2 by conventional roofing screws to provide a roof structure which is lightweight and of 00oO relatively shallow depth to facilitate transportation and storage. One end of the roof frame N, 5 2 carries a pair of removable legs 6 each of which is of telescopic construction so as to be length-adjustable. The legs 6 are each mounted to the frame member 2a at that end of the t frame 2 by a connector 8 which is removably and adjustably mounted on the frame member to permit the module to be set up to a desired width between the two legs 6.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a typical range of adjustment. In the particular form shown, the connectors 8 have downwardly projecting spigots 8a (see Figure 2) over which the upper ends of the legs, which are of tubular construction, engage. For the first module to be erected in the walkway, a further set of adjustable legs 10 see Figure 2) will be applied to the corresponding frame member 2b at the other end of the frame via further connectors 8.

When adjusted to the required width the connectors 8 are secured in their selected position by bolts passing through the associated frame member. A typical walkway will be constructed from two or more of the modules arranged end to end with the frame members 2a, 2b of the adjacent roof frames being in adjacent relationship and being bolted together, with the two roof frames at their junction being supported by a single set of legs 6. The roof sheeting 4 of each module extends a short distance beyond the edges of the frame 2 and when two modules are coupled, the adjacent parts of the roof sheeting of the two modules will overlap one relative to the other to provide a weatherproofjoint.

The detailed design of each connector 8 is shown in Figure 2A from which it will be seen that it comprises a channel portion 8b for engagement with the frame member 2a or 2b.

The spigot 8a is laterally displaced relative to the channel portion 8b to provide a support surface for receiving and supporting the end frame member of the next adjacent module, location of that frame member on the exposed end of the spigot 8a during erection being facilitated by the presence of a projecting flange 8c. In effect therefore the flange 8c and the adjacent wall of the channel portion 8b define with the top of the spigot a further channel 8d.

P :OPER'SH\I 1263220-pv dOC0(/12A)5 The walkway is erected by erecting the first module with the four legs 6, 10 so that it is free standing. The roof frame of the next module is engaged into the channels 2d into the channels 8d of the connectors 8 at the adjacent end of the first frame and is then swung 00 into position to enable the legs to be mounted to the connectors 8 at the other end of that C 5 frame and the two adjacent end members of the two roof frames are bolted together. Any required number of modules can be connected in this way to provide a walkway of desired Slength.

Although as described, each connector 8 is removably attached to the roof frame, in an alternative, the roof frame can be permanently fitted with one set of connectors slidably mounted to the frame member at one end with a further set of connectors being selectively mountable to the frame member at the other end for use in a situation where the module is required to be fitted with four legs, as is the case with the first module within the walkway.

Advantageously, each roof frame 2 is provided with means for effecting positive alignment with the frame of the adjacent module prior to the adjacent frame end members 2a, 2b of the two frames being bolted together. In one form as shown in Figure 5, this can be simply achieved by one or more pegs 14 projecting from the end member of one of the roof frames (as shown, the member 2b) engaging in a corresponding socket in the adjacent end member (as shown, the member 2a) of the adjacent frame. Figure 5 shows a configuration in which the roof frame has a single locating peg projecting from one of its end members at an outer end thereof to engage in a corresponding socket formed in the same position at the end of the adjacent frame member of the adjacent frame. It will of course be understood that each of the roof frames is identical and thus will be formed with the peg at one end and the corresponding socket at the other end.

From what has been described above, it will be understood that the principal components of each module are the roof frame 2 with attached roof sheeting 4, and the telescopic legs 6 which are separate from the roof frame and which during erection of the walkway are attached to the roof frame by means of the connectors 8 which in the embodiment shown are permanently mounted on the end frame member 2a for slidable movement along that r P:\OPERRSH\IA 2632)20ov.doc-O9/12O5 -6member during erection; it is however, to be understood that in other embodiments, one or more of the connectors 8 can be designed so as to be removably mounted to the frame member, possible in the manner of the connectors 14. The various components required 0 for erecting a required length of walkway and consisting principally of one or more roof frames which attached roofing material and the required number of legs are transported to the site in dismantled form. When on site, the walkway is erected with the legs at the required width and the roof frames at the required height and required inclination from one side to the other to provide a pitched roof for run-off of rain water. The height and inclination is determined by appropriately setting the length of each leg which, as previously mentioned, is telescopically adjustable. In most practical versions of the system, the roof frame is intended to be set at a predetermined inclination and in that case, the connectors 8 and 10 are so designed that their parts which are coupled with the legs extend substantially vertically when the roof frame is at the required inclination. However, other versions may include connectors which permit some variation in roof inclination.

The telescopic construction of the leg can consist quite simply of an inner leg component 6a (see Figure 6) slidably mounted within the lower end portion of an outer leg component 6b with the two components being secured together at a selected extension by a pin or bolt 18 passing through aligned holes in the two components. The adjustability of the leg length can also, to advantage, be used when setting up the walkway on sloping ground.

The inner telescopic member 6a of each leg may carry at its lower end a foot plate 20 by which the leg can be bolted to a suitable footing set into the ground or may otherwise be adapted for releasable securement to the footing in accordance with relevant building regulations. Alternatively, if building regulations permit, the foot plate 20 can be held against the ground by concrete blocks of suitable weight or water-filled containers of suitable weight.

In addition to the facility to connect two or more modules in end-to-end relation to produce a walkway of required length a walkway of increased width can be obtained by coupling the roof frames of two modules in side-by-side relation, and the pairs of roof frames thus coupled can be connected in end-to-end relation with two or more further pairs of similarly P:kOPERISH\I 263202(Hr. -7coupled roof frames to provide a required length of the wider walkway. The roof frames can, at the choice of the user either by coupled in planar relationship to provide a single pitched roof structure or can be coupled in angled relation to provide a gabled roof oO structure as will be described below.

c"-i C~ To facilitate coupling in planar relation, each roof frame has, projecting from each end of one of its longer sides, a peg 22 for engagement in a socket formed in a corresponding N, position in the adjacent longer side of the other roof frame (see Figure Accordingly, each roof frame will be provided at one of its longer sides with the pair of pegs and at the other of its longer sides with the pair of sockets. When coupled in side-by-side relation in this way, the longitudinal edge of the roof sheeting of the roof frame at the higher level will overlap that at the lower level. Although this should provide an adequate weatherproof connection between the two sheets, for improved water sealing the outer end edge portion of the sheeting at the lower level may include seal pads which rest against the underside of the upper sheeting.

In order to secure the two roof frames together in angled relation to provide a gabled roof, the two frames are orientated so that the socketed sides of the two frames are adjacent (see Figure 8) and an angled connector 24 is inserted into each pair of adjacent sockets. An angled capping strip (not shown) is applied over the adjacent edges of the two roofing sheets in order to provide weatherproofing in this configuration.

In the structure of increased width provided by coupling the two roof frames in side-byside relation to provide either the single pitch roof or the gabled roof, for the increased roof span thus formed only a single pair of legs 6 will be provided, one at each side of the two connected roof frames (see Figure These are mounted to a corresponding connector 8 on the roof frame in the same manner as that described previously and the connectors 8 are still adjustable in position along the length of the end frame member to permit the width adjustment between the two legs. To ensure the necessary structural integrity for the increased span and to provide support for the roof structure, a tie 30 is coupled between the upper ends of the two legs 6 by being bolted to the upper ends of the two legs. Although

I

P:OPERRSHI 2632020-pOwo doc-/I -8the tie itself is of a fixed length commensurate with the maximum possible spacing of the two legs, the adjustable spacing between the two legs is accommodated by a series of bolt holes spaced lengthwise along the tie. The tie 30 also carries two upright tubular supports oO 32 adapted to engage over the two leg connectors 8 already provided on the two roof frames but which, in this configuration are not needed for coupling to a leg. The tubular supports 32 are secured to the leg connectors, for example by the passage of bolts and thereby provide underlying support for the roof structure at two positions along a central N, part of its span. Figure 9 shows the gabled roof configuration with the tie 30 in place. For the singled pitched roof configuration shown in broken lines in that Figure, the tie 30 will be inclined so as to extend parallel to the pitch of the roof but otherwise it will cooperate with the two legs and the roof frames in the manner specifically illustrated.

Although for most applications the walkway will be constructed from one or more modules as a free-standing structure, in a variation it can be supported at one side from the wall of the building so as to project from the building to form a verandah. This is illustrated in Figure 10 in which the outer part of the roof frame 2 is supported by the adjustable legs 6 in the manner previously described, and the roof frame is supported at its inner side by suitable brackets (not shown) attached to the wall of the building 40. In this form, a modular floor system 42 can be laid on the ground at the side of the building to extend as far as the legs.

In practice, it is envisaged that the walkway system of this embodiment will be supplied by hire companies which will stock quantities of roof frames, legs, and associated connectors and ancillary components as may be required. Due to the versatility of the system it is likely that only a single size of roof frame and leg will be needed to suit most of the envisaged applications for this product although it is within the scope of the invention for the system to be supplied in a range of different roof frame sizes as regards length and/or width and also different leg lengths to suit some situations where the roof level needs to be higher than would normally be necessary.

The embodiment just described is especially suitable for applications in which the module P %OPERIRSH 32020-prov.doc9/I12A)5 S-9needs to be transported by a trailer or a vehicle of similar width and for this purpose a typical size of roof frame is 3 metres in length and 2 metres in width which provides the possibility of forming each module in a 4 metre width by coupling two frames in side-by- 00 side relation as described, in order to provide a module of 4 metre width. For some 0 N 5 applications where modules of increased width will routinely be required it may be more convenient to produce the modules in increased size to avoid the need to couple modules in side-by-side relation. An embodiment of the invention utilising a module of increased size C, will now be described with reference to Figures 11 to 14. In this embodiment, the roof frame is of a size which is able conveniently to be transported on the tray of a truck and, by way of example only, a frame size of approximately 4.5 metres long and 3 metres wide will be suitable for that purpose. Although, for convenience, the embodiment will be described in relation to a roof frame size of that order, it is to be understood that this embodiment is not confined to that particular size.

In this embodiment, due to the increased size of the module it is convenient for the module to be free standing whereby two pairs of legs will be provided for the module. in this case however the pairs of legs 6 are attached to transverse members 2c or 2d of the roof frame lying inwardly of the end members 2a, 2b. Each pair of legs 6 is attached to the transverse frame member 2c or 2d in a manner which permits the width spacing between the legs to be adjusted to provide different widths of walkway. While this can be achieved in the manner described with reference to the previous embodiment, it is preferred to use a connector 50 which will now be described and which is more suited to the erection of these larger sized modules. As shown, each connector 50 is of angled form consisting of a channel portion 50a which bolts to the transverse member 2c or 2d at spaced positions 50y along its length, and a downwardly-projecting spigot 50b at one end of the connector to fit into the end of the leg 6. With this system, adjustability in the width spacing between the two legs of each pair can be achieved by orientating the connectors 50 in such a manner that the leg spigots 50b are located at the inner ends of the channels as considered in relation to the adjacent longitudinal side of the frame, or at the outer ends of the channels. With just one set of holes for each connector in the transverse member 2c or 2d, the connectors can thereby be set to provide a selected one of two different leg width P:AOPERRSH\I 2632020-pov doc-9/I 2)05 Sspacings depending on whether the connectors are orientated with their connector spigots at their inner ends or outer ends. A third width adjustment can be obtained with one connector orientated with its spigot at its outer end and the other connector with its spigot 00oO at its inner end. Of course, by providing further holes in the transverse members of the c 5 roof frame a greater range of spacings can be provided if required.

SAs previously mentioned this design of connector also facilitates erection of the module.

By initially bolting each connector to the transverse member of the roof frame with a single bolt placed at position 50x at the end of the channel 50a remote from the spigot the connector can be swung away from the roof frame so that the spigot 50b is oblique to the plane of the frame; this is shown in broken lines in Figure 12. With the connectors so mounted for swinging movement, the frame is tilted on one of its longitudinal edges, and supported in tilted position on stands. The legs can then be attached to the connectors closer to the upper edge of the frame. The roof frame is then tilted closer to the vertical to enable each of the two connectors with the legs attached to be swung about the single bolt until the connector is firmly in position against the transverse member with the leg at right angles to the plane of the roof frame at which point the second fastening bolt is applied to the connector at position 50y. The roof frame is thus supported at this stage in an inclined fashion along its lower edge which rests on the ground and by the first pair of legs which act as props. The lower edge of the frame is then raised off the ground to a convenient height and supported on stands. The legs can then be attached to the connectors adjacent that edge of the roof frame. By using the two legs as props, the lower edge of the roof frame can be raised to its working height with the two legs progressively swinging with their connectors into their operative position in which they extend vertically. In this position the second bolt of each connector is applied to firmly lock the connector to the transverse member (see Figure 13).

A series of erected modules can be coupled in end-to-end relation to form a walkway of required length, with the legs at the width spacing which best suits the requirements of the particular site. The connection between adjacent modules occurs by coupling the adjacent end frame members 2a, 2b of adjacent modules by bolted connections to provide a rigid P:\OPERRSHI 2632O20-pw.doc)9/2, S -11coupling. To ensure appropriate structural integrity of the overall structure, appropriate cross bracing may be applied between the front and rear legs at both sides of some of the modules.

00oO N 5 The legs are of adjustable height principally to set the roof frame at the required pitch and also to accommodate uneven ground. Although, in principle, the legs can be set to incline t the roof frame from one side to the other or from one end to the other, in practice it is Spreferred to incline the roof frame from one end to the other in this mode of use and for this purpose the corrugations of the roofing material 4 will run lengthwise. This means that in this mode adjacent modules are set within the structure so that their adjacent ends are either at a high point forming a ridge at their zone of connection or a low point forming a valley at their zone of connection. This is shown in Figure 14. The connectors for coupling adjacent modules are designed specifically to accommodate either ridge capping (at the high point) or guttering 62 (at the low point). The ridge capping and guttering can form an integral part of the module connector. Figure 14 also shows bracing struts 64 applied between the upper ends of the legs 6 and the roof frame for added structural rigidity and cross bracing 66 as previously discussed.

With a roof frame size of approximately 4.5 metres by 3 metres when coupled in end-toend relation as just described, the following walkway widths (as determined by the leg width spacing) can be achieved by way of example 1.6 metres, 1.8 metres and 2.1 metres.

The inventor has also determined that there is a need sometimes for an extra wide walkway width (approximately 3 metres) with substantial roof overhang on either side. This can be achieved by coupling the adjacent modules in side-by-side relation so that their longest dimension extends transversely of the walkway rather than longitudinally of the walkway.

When coupled in this mode, the corrugations of the roof sheeting will extend transversely of the walkway and as a result of this the legs will be set to provide a roof pitch which inclines from one side of the walkway to the other. For a roof frame size of 4.5 metres by 3 metres, a walkway width of approximately 3 metres between the legs, an overhang of approximately 0.75 metres will be provided at each side, usually associated with rows of site sheds above which the roof frames will overhang.

P:.OPERRSHI 2632020-pwv.doc-0912MS -12- In a modification to facilitate transportation on narrower vehicles, the roof structure consisting of frame and sheeting is split longitudinally and is assembled on site by the oO inclusion of transverse beams which rigidly connect the two frames. The beams are bolted CI 5 to and extend laterally across the two frames and the leg connectors are mounted to these c-i beams.

c-i SThe construction of the legs and the manner in which the legs are anchored to the ground may be as described in connection with the first embodiment. The legs may also be anchored by co-operation with a re-useable steel or paved walkway or by being bolted to a concrete slab defining a walkway. Figure 14 shows schematically anchoring of the legs to the ground by concrete blocks 68, by a re-useable steel walkway 70, by bolting to concrete pads 72, or by bolting to a concrete slab 74. Although each of these different techniques is shown, it is to be understood that in practice only one technique will be used for each of the interconnected modules. Although the length adjustability of the legs is such as to accommodate setting of the roof frame to the required pitch and also to adjust for uneven ground, in an alternative each module may be provided with two longer legs and two shorter legs to provide the required pitch with each leg being capable of limited length adjustment to compensate for uneven ground.

The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. A module for coupling to a like module to form a covered walkway, the module oO including a roof frame carrying roofing sheet and at least one pair of legs releasably CI 5 attached to an end portion of the frame by connectors which permit the spacing between the legs of the pair to be varied in the width direction of the module. ¢In

2. A module according to claim 1, wherein the module has two such pairs of legs each releasably attached to a respective end portion of the frame.

3. A module according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the roof frame is inclined to provide run-off of rain water from the roofing sheet.

4. A module according to claim 3, wherein the inclination of the roof frame is provided by the use of legs which are adjustable in length or are of different lengths.

A module according to claim 1, wherein the legs are such that the roof frame inclines from one side to the other.

6. A module according to claim 2, wherein the respective pairs of legs are such that the roof frame inclines from one end to the other.

7. A module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connectors are mounted to transverse members of the roof frame for movement along the frame member into a selected one of a plurality of predetermined positions to thereby vary the spacing between the legs.

8. A module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connectors are mounted to transverse members of the roof frame in a selected one of a plurality of different configurations to thereby vary the spacing between the legs. P:\OPERXRSH\I 263 220-pov.dc-09/I -14-

9. A module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each leg is of C tubular form and engages at its upper end over a tubular spigot which forms part of the associated connector. 00oO CI 5

10. A module according to claim 9, wherein each connector is able to be connected to the roof frame in such a manner that the connector and the leg engaged with the connector Sis able to swing relative to the roof frame to facilitate erection of the module, the Sconnectors being firmly secured to the roof frame against such swinging movement in the erected state of the module.

11. A walkway module according to claim 1 having a pair of legs only at one end portion whereby when the module is coupled to the end of an adjacent erected module, the end of the roof frame of the first-mentioned module will be supported by the legs at the adjacent end of the roof frame of the adjacent module.

12. A demountable covered walkway formed by a series of connected modules according to claim 1 and/or.claim 2, wherein the roof frame of each module is inclined to permit run-off of rainwater from the roofing sheet.

13. A walkway according to claim 12, wherein each module is supported at each end portion by a pair of legs, the legs at one end portion being longer than the legs at the other end portion whereby the roof frame inclines from one end of the module to the other.

14. A walkway according to claim 13, wherein the modules in the walkway are connected in end to end relation such that adjacent ends of adjacent modules within the walkway alternately form a ridge and a valley.

A walkway according to claim 14, wherein ridge capping is installed at the or each ridge and guttering is installed at the or each valley.

16. A walkway according to claim 13, wherein the modules in the walkway are P:\OPERRSHI 2632020rov.doc- 12/I O connected in side by side relation whereby the roof frame inclines from one side of the C walkway to the other. 00

17. A demountable walkway module substantially as hereinbefore described with 0 CN 5 reference to the accompanying drawings. CN

18. A demountable covered walkway substantially as hereinbefore described with O reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 12 th day of December 2005 Modular Canopies Pty Ltd by their Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE