AU2012101085A4 - Ground-stabilising Traction Panel System - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 1) A ground-stabilising traction panel system comprising traction panels (1) and a connecting mechanism for connecting the panels (1) together. Each panel (1) comprises: an upper surface (2) and a lower surface (3); a plurality of cells (4) extending between the upper and lower surfaces (2, 3); a grip (7, 8) extending along each surface (2, 3), for providing traction with a ground surface beneath the panel (1) and traffic in contact with the upper surface (2); and a part of the connecting mechanism. In use, the cells (4) are load bearing and provide drainage and, when filled with particulate matter, further increase the load bearing capacity of the panel (1) and integrate the panel (1) with the ground surface. 0 D @ sL \Sn > C9

Description

I GROUND-STABILISING TRACTION PANEL SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a ground-stabilising traction panel system for use on a ground surface comprising, for example, sand, loose soil or mud. In particular, the invention concerns, 5 inter alia, a ground-stabilising traction panel system comprising traction panels and a connecting mechanism for connecting the panels together, wherein the panels have cells that provide drainage and, when filled with particulate matter, are load bearing and integrate the panel with the ground surface. BACKGROUND ART 0 A problem with ground surfaces, such as those comprising sand, loose soil or mud, is that they tend to readily erode when subjected to the elements (i.e., wind and water) and traffic (i.e., vehicular or pedestrian). Another problem with some types of ground surfaces is that they are unable to be readily traversed by vehicle or on foot. In delicate terrains, such as in national parks, it may be desirable to both stabilise a ground surface as well as to provide a roadway ,5 over the ground surface on which traffic may travel. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a ground-stabilising traction panel system that minimises or ameliorates one or more of the problems referred to above. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ground 20 stabilising traction panel system comprising at least two traction panels and a connecting mechanism for connecting the panels together, wherein each said panel comprises: an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of cells extending from one said surface to the other surface; a grip extending along each said surface, for providing traction with a ground surface 25 beneath the panel and traffic in contact with the upper surface; and a part of the connecting mechanism, wherein, in use, the cells are load bearing and provide drainage and, when filled with particulate matter, further increase the load bearing capacity of the panel and integrate the panel with the ground surface.

2 According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a roadway for traffic, said method comprising a step of placing a plurality of traction panels adjacent to one another on a ground surface and connecting the panels together using a connecting mechanism, wherein each said panel comprises: 5 an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of cells extending from one said surface to the other surface; a grip extending along each said surface, for providing traction with a ground surface beneath the panel and traffic in contact with the upper surface; and part of the connecting mechanism, 0 wherein, in use, the cells of the panel are load bearing and provide drainage and, when filled with particulate matter, further increase the load bearing capacity of the panel and integrate the panel with the ground surface. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a traction panel comprising: .5 an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of cells extending from one said surface to the other surface; a grip extending along each said surface, for providing traction with a ground surface beneath the panel and traffic in contact with the upper surface; and part of a connecting mechanism for connecting the panel to at least one other traction 20 panel, wherein, in use, the cells are load bearing and provide drainage and, when filled with particulate matter, further increase the load bearing capacity of the panel and integrate the panel with the ground surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 25 The panel may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The panel may be, for instance, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal, round, circular, curved, arcuate or tapered. In one embodiment, the panel has four side walls extending between the upper and lower surfaces. The cells may be of any suitable size and shape. Preferably, each cell is cylindrical and 30 most of the cells are the same size as each other. The cells may be spaced over almost the entire upper surface, at regularly spaced intervals, much like a grid. The cells may be arranged in rows and adjacent rows may be offset relative to one another, much like a honeycomb structure.

3 Such spacing provides rigidity across a width of the panel and provides a very strong load bearing structure. When filled with particulate matter, such as soil or sand, the cells further help bear the weight of the vehicular or pedestrian traffic on the panel and integrate the panel with the ground surface. The cells also serve to drain water, as well as any particulate matter 5 entrained therein, from the upper surface to the ground surface. The cells may allow the growth of vegetation therethrough, thus further restraining the panel on the ground surface and further retarding ground erosion. In this way, the panel may both provide a roadway for traffic and stabilise the ground surface below. The grip may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The grip may be, for 0 instance, a projection, a rib, a ridge or a lip on the upper and lower surfaces. The grip may extend uniformly across the upper and lower surfaces. The grip may extend in such a manner as to provide the panel with rigidity and to help bear the weight of the traffic. The grip may extend in such a manner that water flowing over the upper surface may be directed to the cells as well as off an edge of the panel. The grip may extend in a manner such that a fine film of 5 particulate matter (e.g., sand or soil) may be retained on the upper surface such so as to increase the coefficient of friction between the upper surface and the traffic. To this end, preferably, the grip extends in a substantially regular pattern along the surface. In one embodiment, the grip extends part way around each cell, uni-directionally between the cells, and part way along a periphery of the surface. 20 The panel may have stacking lugs as well as pockets for receiving those lugs so that like panels may be stacked on top of one another. The stacking lugs and pockets may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The connecting mechanism may allow for some misalignment between adjacent panels, regardless of whether the panels are situated side by side or end to end. For instance, adjacent 25 panels may be misaligned in substantially the same plane, such that rectangular panels may form a curved roadway. For instance, one of the panels may be elevated relative to the adjacent panel (say, up to about 10 mm), such that uneven ground surfaces may be catered for. For instance, one of the panels may be inclined relative to the other (say, up to about 10 degrees), so that the panels may follow a change of grade. 30 Any suitable type of connecting mechanism may be used. Male and female connectors, keys and key ways and/or locking pins and apertures, are all examples of suitable locking mechanisms.

4 In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism may comprise connector plates, sockets in adjacent panels for receiving ends of those plates, apertures extending through the panels, and locking pins for locking the connector plates within the sockets by way of the apertures. Each of the side walls of the panel may have one or more sockets and each of the sockets may 5 receive the ends of one or more connector plates. Preferably, a corner socket is located in each side wall at each corner of the panel. The corner socket may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. Each corner socket may be a slit in two adjacent side walls at each corner of the panel. Each slit may be wider and longer than the end of the connector plate so that the end of the connector plate may be extended as 0 desired from the slit. The greater length and width may also assist with ready installation or removal of the connector plate from the socket. The connector plate may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The connector plate may be substantially rectangular in shape and may have a pair or two pairs of slits extending parallel with one another. Preferably, the connector plate is substantially square and 5 has two pairs of slits extending parallel with one another. The locking pin may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. Preferably, the locking pin has a shaft, a flattened head at one end of the shaft and a pair of diverging locking legs at the other end of the shaft. Preferably, the shaft of the locking pin is extendable through an aperture extending through the panel each side of the socket as well as through a said slit in !0 an end of the connector plate, so as to retain the end of the connector plate within the socket. Preferably, each corner socket can receive two such locking pins. An auxiliary socket may be located mid-way along one of the side walls of the panel as well as mid-way along the opposing side wall. Such an auxiliary socket may be essentially as described above and may receive at least one oblong connector plate having one pair of slits. A 25 locking pin and corresponding aperture, essentially as described above, may be used to retain the connector plate within the slit. Preferably, each auxiliary socket can receive a pair of oblong connector plates as well as two locking pins. A recess may be located each side of an auxiliary socket and each recess may extend towards the opposing side wall. The recesses may assist in the ready installation or removal of 30 the connector plates from the socket.

5 In another embodiment, the connecting mechanism may comprise connector pins and sockets in the panels for receiving ends of those pins. Each of the side walls of the panel may have one or more sockets and each of the sockets may receive the end of a connector pin. The cells of panels may serve as sockets such that panels may be stacked on top of one another and 5 connected together using the connector pins. Preferably, a socket is located in each side wall at each corner of the panel and a socket is located intermediate each corner. The sockets may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, but are preferably shaped to receive a cylindrical connector pin. The connector pin may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The connector 0 pin may be cylindrical and may be flexible. The connector pin may be a plastic rod or pipe. The connecting mechanism may further comprise a retainer for retaining the connector pin within the retainer is a flexible cable tie that is insertable through a coinciding opening in the panel and connecting pin. The panel may have a hinge extending along a width or length of the panel. Such a 5 hinge may extend along a longitudinal axis of the panel such that longitudinal halves of the panel may be movable relative to one another. The hinge may be desirable if the ground surface has a large change of grade. The ground-stabilising traction panel system may further comprise ground anchoring pegs or stakes that are extendible through select cells or other apertures in the plates. 20 Preferably, apertures for receiving such pegs or stakes are located at opposed longitudinal ends of the panel. The panel may be of solid consistency or the panel may be substantially hollow. Preferably, the panel is hollow. Preferably, the panel has some flexibility and may conform to the contour of the ground surface when under load. Preferably, the panel is made of plastic 25 materials, such as polyethylene, and is made by a roto-moulding process. The panel may be coloured or may have markings. Preferably, the upper and lower surfaces each have two axes of symmetry, and the upper and lower surfaces are substantially identical to one another. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with 30 reference to the accompanying drawings.

6 Definitions of the specific embodiments of the invention as claimed herein follow. According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a traction panel comprising: an upper surface and a lower surface substantially identical to one another, each surface 5 having two axes of symmetry; a plurality of cells extending from one said surface to the other surface; a grip extending along each said surface, for providing traction with a ground surface beneath the panel and traffic in contact with the upper surface; and part of a connecting mechanism for connecting the panel to at least one other traction 0 panel, wherein, in use, the cells are load bearing and provide drainage and, when filled with particulate matter, further increase the load bearing capacity of the panel and integrate the panel with the ground surface According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a ground .5 stabilising traction panel system comprising at least two traction panels and a connecting mechanism for connecting the panels together, wherein each said panel comprises: an upper surface and a lower surface substantially identical to one another, each surface having two axes of symmetry; a plurality of cells extending from one said surface to the other surface; 20 a grip extending along each said surface, for providing traction with a ground surface beneath the panel and traffic in contact with the upper surface; and a part of the connecting mechanism, wherein, in use, the cells are load bearing and provide drainage and, when filled with particulate matter, further increase the load bearing capacity of the panel and integrate the panel 25 with the ground surface. According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for forming a roadway for traffic, said method comprising a step of placing a plurality of traction panels adjacent to one another on a ground surface and connecting the panels together using a connecting mechanism, wherein each said panel comprises: 30 an upper surface and a lower surface substantially identical to one another, each surface having two axes of symmetry; a plurality of cells extending from one said surface to the other surface; 7 a grip extending along each said surface, for providing traction with a ground surface beneath the panel and traffic in contact with the upper surface; and part of the connecting mechanism, wherein, in use, the cells of the panel are load bearing and provide drainage and, when 5 filled with particulate matter, further increase the load bearing capacity of the panel and integrate the panel with the ground surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded top perspective view of two panels and a connecting mechanism of a ground-stabilising traction panel system, according to an embodiment of the present 0 invention; Figure 2 is a detailed view of part of the system shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of a panel of the system shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a detailed view of part of a panel shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective longitudinal sectional view of part of the panel shown in Figure .5 1; Figure 6 is a detailed view of part of the panel shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a top plan view of a panel shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the panel shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is an end elevation view of the panel shown in Figure 7; 20 Figure 10 is an end elevation view showing the two panels of Figure 1 connected together by way of a connecting mechanism; Figure 1 is a detailed view of Figure 10; Figure 12 depicts a roadway (and sections thereof shown in detail) constructed using a ground-stabilising traction panel system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 25 Figure 13 is the same as Figure 12 but details different sections of the roadway; Figure 14 depicts a roadway constructed using a ground-stabilising traction panel system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 8 Figure 15 depicts a roadway constructed using a ground-stabilising traction panel system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 depicts various roadways constructed using a ground-stabilising traction panel system, according to embodiments of the present invention; 5 Figure 17 shows in perspective a roadway of indeterminate length constructed using a ground-stabilising traction panel system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 depicts how the panels shown in Figure 10 may be misaligned relative to one another. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0 In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like features. Figures 1 to 10 show components of a ground-stabilising (geo-stabilising) traction panel system, for creating a roadway for traffic over sand and other ground surfaces. The panel system comprises traction panels I and a connecting mechanism for connecting the panels I together, as seen in Figures 1, 10 and 11. 15 Each panel 1 is substantially rectangular and includes: an upper surface 2; a lower surface 3; a group of cells 4 (only some of which have been labelled) extending between the surfaces 2, 3; four side walls 5, 6 extending between the surfaces 2, 3; a grip 7, 8, 9 (only partly labelled) extending along each surface 2, 3; and, a part of the connecting mechanism. Each surface 2, 3 has two axes of symmetry, and the upper 2 and lower 3 surfaces are substantially 20 identical to one another. The panel 1 is hollow. The panel is made of plastic materials, such as polyethylene, and is made by a roto-moulding process. The panel I has some flexibility and may conform to the contour of the ground surface when under load. The plastics material may be coloured so as to blend with the surrounding landscape. The panel I may have markings so as to help direct 25 vehicular traffic. Figures 12 to 17 illustrate that the ground-stabilising traction panel system may have panels that are of differing size and that are other than rectangular (e.g., curved and trapezoidal).

9 The cells 4 are cylindrical and are the same size as each other. The cells 4 are in rows and adjacent rows of cells 4 are offset relative to one another, much like a honeycomb pattern. Such spacing of cells 4 provides rigidity across a width of the panel 1. The cells 4 serve a number of functions: 5 1. they create a very strong load bearing structure; 2. they provide drainage for water and particulate matter (e.g., sand) entrained therein that is located on the upper surface 2; 3. they are fillable with particulate material, such as ground surface material (e.g., sand), so as to further increase the load bearing capacity of the plate; 0 4. they increase ground shear when filled with particulate material; 5. they lock the lower surface and the ground surface together and retard ground erosion; and 6. they allow the growth of vegetation therethrough, thus further restraining the panel on the ground surface 2 and further retarding ground erosion. 15 In particular, when filled with particulate matter, such as soil or sand, the cells 4 help bear the weight of the traffic on the panel I and integrate the panel I with the ground surface. The cells 4 also serve to drain water and sand from the upper surface 2. The grip 7, 8, 9 generally extends in a substantially regular pattern along each surface 2, 3. The grip 7, 8, 9 includes ridges 7 that extend part way around each cell 4, ridges 8 that 20 extend uni-directionally between the cells 8, and ridges 9 that extend part way along a periphery of each surface 2, 3. The grip 7, 8, 9 extends in such a manner that running water together with any entrained particulate matter on the upper surface 2 is directed to the cells 4 as well as off an edge of the panel 1. The grip 7, 8, 9 also extends in a manner such that a fine film of particulate matter 25 (e.g., sand or soil) is retained on the upper surface 2 such so as to increase the coefficient of friction between the upper surface 2 and the traffic. The fine film also serves as an insulator and helps protect the panel I from destructive UV radiation. The grip 7, 8, 9 also extends in such a manner as to provide the panel I with rigidity to help bear the weight of the traffic.

10 The panel I further comprises circular projections 12 on the upper surface 2 (see Figure 1) as well as circular pockets 13 on the lower surface 3 for receiving those projections 12 (see Figure 3), so that like panels 1 may be stacked on top of one another (for transport or storage). As shown in Figures 1, 2, 10 and 11, the connecting mechanism comprises: various 5 connector plates 20, 21; various sockets 22, 23 for receiving ends of those plates 20, 21; apertures 24, 25 extending through the panel 1; and, locking pins 30 for retaining the connector plates 20, 21 within the sockets 22, 23 by way of the apertures 24, 25. The panel 1 has four corner sockets 22 and two auxiliary sockets 23. The corner sockets 22 are adapted to receive the ends of connector plates 20. The auxiliary sockets 23 are adapted 0 to receive the ends of connector plates 21, as shown in Figure 1. Each corner socket 22 is a slit in two adjacent side walls 5, 6 at each corner of the panel 1. Each socket 22 is wider and longer than the end of the connector plate 20 so that the end of the connector plate 20 may be extended as desired from the socket 22. The greater socket 22 length and width also assists in the ready installation or removal of the connector plate 20 from 15 the socket 22. That is, the length of the corner socket 22 allows retraction of the connector plate 20 so that the panel I can be readily removed from a roadway or inserted into a roadway. The connector plate 20 is substantially square and has two pairs of slits 35 extending parallel with one another, as seen in Figures 1 and 2. As seen in Figures 1, 10 and 11, the locking pin 30 has a shaft 38, a flattened head 39 at 20 one end of the shaft 38 and a pair of diverging locking legs 40 at the other end of the shaft 38. The shaft 38 of the locking pin 30 is extendable through aperture 24 as well as through a slit 35 in the connector plate 20, so as to retain the end of the connector plate 20 within the socket 22. Each locking pin 30 is accessible by a pin removal tool. Each auxiliary socket 23 is located mid-way along a side wall 5. Each auxiliary socket 25 23 has a slit and may receive a pair of connector plates 21. The connector plate 21 is substantially oblong and has one pair slits 45 extending parallel with one another, as seen in Figure 1. Each socket 23 is wider and longer than the end of the connector plate 21 so that the end of the connector plate 21 may be extended as desired from the socket 23.

I1 A recess 47 each side of the auxiliary socket 23 assists with the installation or removal of the connector plates 21 from the socket 23 (see Figure 3). Locking pins 30 are used to retain the connector plates 21 within the sockets 23. As already mentioned, the connecting mechanism allows for some misalignment 5 between adjacent panels 1, regardless of whether the panels I are situated side by side or end to end. Adjacent panels I may be misaligned in substantially the same plane, such that rectangular panels may form a curved roadway (labelled "sweeping curved section" in Figure 12). One of the panels I may be elevated relative to the adjacent panel (say, up to about 10 mm) such that uneven ground surfaces may be catered for. This is illustrated in Figure 18. One of .0 the panels 1 may be inclined relative to the other (say, up to about 10 degrees), so that the panels I can follow a large change of grade. This is also illustrated in Figure 18. The ground-stabilising traction panel system may further comprise ground anchoring pegs (not shown) that are extendible through other cells 55 of the panel 1. Such cells 55 are shown in Figure 1. 15 Select panels may have a hinge extending along its width or length (not shown). Use of a hinged panel 60 is illustrated in the roadways of Figures 15 and 17. The hinged panel 60 may be particularly beneficial if the ground surface is very uneven or entry and exit points of the roadway are to be placed underground. In use, panels such as those shown in Figures 1 to 11 are laid upon a ground surface, 20 such as sand or mud, and connected together to form a roadway. The panels are lightweight and can be connected in such a way that allows the system to track left and right to follow curves, as well as to alter grade up and down to follow slopes. Such roadways are illustrated in Figures 12 to 17. The connector plates 20, 21 are placed within the sockets 22, 23 and the locking pins 30 are tapped into place with a mallet or hammer. Ground pegs are driven through 25 apertures 55. Worn panels 1 (even those within the middle of a matrix of panels 1) may be readily removed from the roadway, flipped over, and re-connected to the roadway. Damages panels may be repaired by plastic welding. Wear liners may be used for those panels that are particularly subject to high impact (e.g., those panels at the top of a rise and at entry and exit points). Roadway entry and exit points may extend underground, as shown in Figure 17, so as 30 to minimise damage to those panels. Adjacent rectangular panels 1 may be misaligned so as to 12 provide a sweeping curve (as shown in Figure 12) or to accommodate changes of gradient (as shown in Figure 15). Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention, many modifications and variations may be made thereto by persons skilled in the art without 5 departing from the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth. Throughout this specification, unless in the context of usage an alternative interpretation is required, the term "comprise" (and variants thereof such as "comprising" and "comprised") denotes the inclusion of a stated integer or integers but does not exclude the presence of another integer or other integers. 0 Any reference to publications cited in this specification is not an admission that the disclosures constitute common general knowledge in Australia or in other countries.

Claims (5)

1. A traction panel comprising: an upper surface and a lower surface substantially identical to one another, each surface having two axes of symmetry; a plurality of cells extending from one said surface to the other surface; a grip extending along each said surface, for providing traction with a ground surface beneath the panel and traffic in contact with the upper surface; and part of a connecting mechanism for connecting the panel to at least one other traction panel, wherein, in use, the cells are load bearing and provide drainage and, when filled with particulate matter, further increase the load bearing capacity of the panel and integrate the panel with the ground surface.

2. A ground-stabilising traction panel system comprising at least two traction panels and a connecting mechanism for connecting the panels together, wherein each said panel comprises: an upper surface and a lower surface substantially identical to one another, each surface having two axes of symmetry; a plurality of cells extending from one said surface to the other surface; a grip extending along each said surface, for providing traction with a ground surface beneath the panel and traffic in contact with the upper surface; and a part of the connecting mechanism, wherein, in use, the cells are load bearing and provide drainage and, when filled with particulate matter, further increase the load bearing capacity of the panel and integrate the panel with the ground surface.

3. A method for forming a roadway for traffic, said method comprising a step of placing a plurality of traction panels adjacent to one another on a ground surface and connecting the panels together using a connecting mechanism, wherein each said panel comprises: an upper surface and a lower surface substantially identical to one another, each surface having two axes of symmetry; a plurality of cells extending from one said surface to the other surface; a grip extending along each said surface, for providing traction with a ground surface beneath the panel and traffic in contact with the upper surface; and part of the connecting mechanism, 14 wherein, in use, the cells of the panel are load bearing and provide drainage and, when filled with particulate matter, further increase the load bearing capacity of the panel and integrate the panel with the ground surface.

4. The traction panel of claim 1, the ground-stabilising traction panel system of claim 2, or the method of claim 3, wherein: the cells are spaced at regular intervals over almost the entire upper surface; the grip extends in such a manner to provide the panel with rigidity and to help bear the weight of the traffic; and/or the grip extends in such a manner that water flowing over the upper surface is directed to the cells as well as off an edge of the panel.

5. The traction panel of claim 1, the ground-stabilising traction panel system of claim 2, or the method of claim 3, wherein the connecting mechanism allows for some misalignment between adjacent said panels. Date: 23 July 2012