AU614528B2 - Paving system - Google Patents

Description

A1.-A-196io/ 8 a PCT' "oUDIT~L~'TALroltr'OGAlA1 6 INTERNATIO0A APLC~O U 5r.11 U~PE l&.NT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (51) International Patent Classification (11) International Publication Number,- WO 88/ 10340 EO IC 13/00 Al (43) International Publication Doa:lec,,e 18 (21) International Application Number: PCT/AU88/00205 (22) International Filing Date; (31) Priority Application Number: (32) Priority Date: (33) Priority Country-, 24 June 1988 (24.06.88) P1 2726 26 June 1987 (26 06,87) (74)Agen., OWIE THOSON& CARTER; 71 Queens (74) Melb2ourne VC304 (AU).

(8 1) Designated States:. AT, AT (European pat), AU, BBI BE (Euro pcan patent), 130, DI' (QAP1l patent), Bit, CF- (QAPI patent), CG (OAPI patent), CHi, CHi (European patent), CM (OAPI patent), DE, DE (Euro.

penn patent), DK, Fl, FR (European patent), GA (OAPI patent), G1B, GBl (European patenti, HIU, IT, (European patent), JP, KP, KRt, LK, LU, LU (Europealn patent), MC, MG, ML (OAPI patent), MR (C)A- P1 patent), MW, NL, NL (European patent), NO, RO, SD, SE, SE (European patent), SN (OAPI patent), SU, TD (OA PI patent), TO (OA P] patent), US, Published ith, international search report, (71) Applicant (for all designated States except US): ROLA.

PAK AUSTRALIA PTY, LTD, IAU/AU];, 40 Industrial Avenue, Hloppers Crossing, VIC 3W.O (AU).

(72) Inventors; and inventors/Applicants (for US only;. :WESTON, Gregory, Ma~iwall [AU/AU]: 5 McCormiack Crescent, Hoppers Crossing, VIC 3030 WROI3EL, Peter, Joseph [AU/AU]; I Aliandale Court, Werribee, VIC 3030

(AU),

(54)TItle: PAVING SYSTEM (57) Abstract 17> A paving unit (12) comprises a frame (14) con.

sisting of a number of integral frame members At the intersections of some frame members pad members formed of timber sections, are fastened by staples Interconnecting projections (24, 29) and holes (23, 31) provid-d on the frame (14) enable adjacent frames (14) to be interconnected to form a pathway. 32 JP 16 MAR 1989 .2

AUSTRALIAN

31 19 JAN 1989 PATENT OFFICE SWO 88/10340 PCT/AU88/00205 -1- PAVING SYSTEM Field of the Invention This invention relates to a paving system and relates particularly to improvements in paving or stepping blocks or other ground cover for paths, driveways, and the like.

Background of the Invention Paving generally takes the form of relative solid material laid in situ, such as concrete or the like, or laid as separate units, such as flagstones, slate, tiles, bricks and the like. Alternatively, paving may be formed using gravel, for pathways and driveways, spaced stepping stones, lawn, etc.

It is known to form paving, or stepping stones utilizing relatively large timber sections which are placed on the ground in the desired location. Such timber sections may be slices of 2 to 5 cm. thick taken from a tree having a diameter of from 30 to 60 cm. Such "stepping stones" are, however, relatively difficult to place in position, particularly if a continuous pathway is to be formed. Further, the cost of such "stepning stones" formed of timber 'sections is relatively high and the timber has a relatively short life span in the ground.

Other forms of aesthetically pleasing paving which can be used for pathways or driveways include a concrete paving system formed of rigid members which have a plurality of interconnected, spaced, upstanding concrete pads to provide a firm, rigid driveway or path. The space between the upstanding pads has an infill of sand, gravel, or soil to allow grass to grow, and thus provide an attractive appearance as well as a functional driveway.

While such a paving system is relatively aesthetically pleasing, it is also relatively expensive.

Background Art United States Patent No. 3,775,918, dated December l 4, 19873 to A.J. Johnson discloses an outdoor ground tile which is a relatively rigid, hollow member with a load bearing top and depending walls. Anchor pins extend -2downwardly from thie underside to anchor thle tile in the ground. Such tiles arc relatively complex Inl construction, being formed of two separate parts subsequently assembled. They tire, therefore, relatively costly and difficult to lay.

U.S. Patent No. 3,557,669 dated January 26, 1971 discloses paving blocks which comprise a plurality of upstanding members interconnected by cleat members to form anl integral unit of at number of buttress surfaces. As indicated above, thle paving blocks aire rigid, being formied of concrete, and are relatively expensive to produce, It is, therefore, also desirable to provide ain improved paving system or "1stepping stone" system which does not utilize concrete and which is relatively cheap and economical to produce and istall.

It is also desirable to produce at paving or "stepping stone" system which may be mass produced, may be economically packed and easily transported to site.

It is also desirable to provide at paving system or ground cover utilizing 15 relatively small timber sections which are easily produccd and handled.

Summnary of the Inivent ion In accordance with at first aspect of the present invention there is provided a unit for use in a paving system or ats a stepping stone or ground cover comprising a paving unit for a paving system wherein at plurality of units are assemnbled together to form a unitary paving area, said unit comprising a plurality of pad members having Lupper and lower surfaces, the upper surfaces constituting paving surfaces, and a networkc of interconnected framne members forming an open framework Structure of predetermined shape, wherein the pad members are arranged in a predetermined, spaced array on the framework structure and the framework structure is secured to the 25 lower surfaces of the spaced pad members by fastening means to locate and secure the 0 pad members in said predetermined spaced array.

0:4. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a paving system comprising a plurality of units in accordance with the first aspect of the invention assembled with frameworks thereof adjacent and interconnected to each other.

The pad means preferably comprise substantially circular, timber sections having a diameter of between about 7 and 20 cm more preferably between 8 and ~13 cm.

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WO 88/10340 PCT/AU88/00205 -3- The timber section may have a thickness of greater than 1 cm, preferably between 2 and 6 cm. Such timber sections may be of treated pine or like timber, but may be formed of any suitable timber. In another embodiment of the invention, the pad means may comprise moldings formed of synthetic plastic material of any desired shape and thickness.

In one form of the invention, the paving unit has a frame formed of synthetic plastic material. Such a frame may be formed by stamping or molding and is defined by a plurality of interconnected frame members defining open spaces therebetween. The pad means are preferably fastened to the frame at intersections of the frame members. The fastening may consist of staples, adhesive or any other suitable means to secure the pads to the frame.

Preferably, the frame has interlocking means whereby one frame can be interlocked with an adjacent frame. In this way, a plurality of units can be assembled to form a path or the like. Such interlocking means may comprise holes on one frame member and corresponding projections on an adjacent frame member, the projections adapted to engage within the holes to lock the frames together. Other interlocking means may, however, be devised as required.

Features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an underneath view of a unit formed in accordance with the present invention, Figure 2 shows one form of interlocking whereby adjacent units may be connected together, Figvre 3 is an underneath view of a second embodiment of the invention, Figure 4 is a top plan view showing four interconnected units, 3 I~ "0 aw WO 88/10340 PCT/AU88/00205 -4- Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate three uses of the invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments The following description of the preferred embodiments will refer to the invention in terms of a paving system, each unit being referred to as a "paving unit".

It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to a paving system and the units may be used as discrete "stepping stones", as driveways, decorative ground cover or for any other similar purpose.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a paving unit 12 in accordance with the invention. The unit 12 comprises a substantially rectangular frame 14 formed of integral frame members 16, the frame members intersecting at nine locations. The frame members 16 are of synthetic plastic material and are either molded or stamped. The frame members 16 have a thickness preferably between 1 and 10 mm. The thickness, however, will be dependent on the use to which the paving unit is to be put.

At each intersection of the frame members 16, a pad member 17 is secured to the frame 14. Each pad member 17 in the embodiment illustrated is a substantially circular timber section, preferably formed of treated pine, although any timber material may be used. It should be noted that as the units a'e to be embedded in the ground, a timber which is rot-resistant is to be preferred.

The pad members 17 are of a thickness sufficient to withstand the anticipated loading to be applied to the units. Thus, units made for pathways may have a thickness less than units made for driveways. Preferably, the pad members will have a thickness of between 2 and 6 cm.

The pad members 17 are secured to the frame 14 by any suitable fastening means, such as staples 18, or by adhesive which may either be a separate adhesive or may be adhesion formed by melting the m aterial of the frame 14.

In order to provide an even support for the pad J

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WO 88/10340 PCT/AU88/0205 members 17, the frame 14 includes extensions 19 at each corner. The extensions 19 act to support the outer edge of the cornermost pad members 17 when the paving unit is laid on the ground. Without such extensions 19, the corner pad member 17 would tend to tilt thus giving an uneven surface.

Intermediate the corners, the frame 14 is provided with interconnecting pieces 21 which extend beyond the respective pad members 17 and are provided with means for enabling adjacent frames 14 to be connected to each other. The connecting pieces 21 have end portions 22 formed of reduced thickness, the end portions 22 having either a hole 23 or an upstanding projection 24, as more particularly shown in Figure 2. In use, when two frames 14 are located adjacent each other to form a path or a relatively large paving unit, the adjacent end portions 22 are interconnected to provide the appropriate spacing between the frames 14 and to prevent the paving units 12 moving away from each other in use.

It will be appreciated that other means for interconnecting the frames 14 may be utilized, including a "jig-saw" type connector wherein one of the end portions is formed with an undercut shape and the other end portion is formed with a keyhole shaped aperture to receive the undercut shape.

The paving unit 12 may be used by laying the unit directly on the ground. In this case the frame 14 'is lowermost and the spaces between the pad members 17 are filled with an appropriate grout, soil, sand, cement, gravel, lawn or any other suitable material so that the upper surfaces of the pad members 12 are at ground level and form a solid paving surface. The pad members 17 are held in place by the frame 14 and provide a neat, effective and aesthetically pleasing paving system.

Referring to Figures 3 to 7, there is illustrated a modified form of a paving unit, and paving formed therefrom, in accordance with the present invention.

The paving unit 26 of this embodiment has a frame 27 of Ir WO 88/10340 PCT/AU88/00205 -6generally heptagon shape and substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal centreline except for a handle portion The frame 27 is formed of a plurality of integral frame members 28 and, as with the previous embodiment, a plurality of pad members 17, which are similar to those of the previous embodiment, are fastened to the frame 27 generally at the intersections of the frame members 28.

In the preferred form, staples 18 are used to secure the pad members 17 to the frame 27. However, other suitable fastening means may be used instead of staples or, if desired, two different forms of fastening means may be used.

The handle portion 30 is provided to facilitate easy handling of the units 26 when the pad members 28 are affixed to the frame 27 and to facilitate display of the units 26 in retail stores and the like.

It will be seen from the drawings that the centre row of pad members 17 is advanced relative to the side rows. This enables a wide range of shapes to be formed utilizing the paving units 26.

A plurality of paving units 26 may be interconnected either end-to-end or side-to-side by means of connecting projections 29 and receptor holes 31. As shown in Figure 4, the angled front end of one paving unit 26 has a projection 29 which engages with a receptor hole 31 on the rear end of an adjacent paving unit 2'6.

In addition, the side rails 32 of the frame 27 interconnect with adjacent side rails to enable paving units 26 to be assembled side-by-side. As shown in Figure 4, adjacent, side-by-side assembled units have the tapered front ends extending in opposite directions.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate the manner in which the paving units 26 of this embodiment may be used to i form stepping stones, as shown in Figure 5, a single width, curved path as shown in Figure 6, and a multiple width path as shown in Figure 7. It will be appreciated that P the paving units of the invention may be formed of any 4 8 WO 88/10340 PCT/AU88/0Q205 -7desired shape to produce paved areas of any desired shape.

While the embodiments of the invention described above utilize a frame, preferably formed of synthetic plastic material, it will be appreciated that such a frame may be formed of metal or any other suitable material.

A metal frame may have "gang nail" type projections to which the pad members are secured. In another form of the invention, the frame may be replaced by mesh such as nylon or other synthetic plastic mesh, or wire mesh, which is fastened to the pad members by any suitable means, including melting of the mesh material, adhesive, staples or the like.

In another embodiment of the invention (not illustrated), the frame members are formed with upstanding headed projections adapted to snap-fit into holes formed in the pad members to locate the pad members onto the frame. Such an arrangement is particularly suitable for pad members molded of synthetic plastic material, but may also be used with timber pad members in which blind holes have been bored or otherwise formed.

It will also be appreciated that while the invention has been described utilizing circular, or substantially circular, timber sections, the pad members .may be of any suitable shape for any particular purpose and appearance.

Claims (12)

1. A paving unit for a paving system wherein a plurality of units are assembled together to form a unitary paving area, said unit comprising a plurality of pad members having upper and lower surfaces, the upper surfaces constituting paving surfaces, and a network of interconnected frame members forming an open framework structure of predetermined shape, wherein the pad members are arranged in a predetermined, spaced array on the framework structure and the framework structure is secured to the lower surfaces of the spaced pad members by fastening means to locate and secure the pad members in said predetermined spaced array,

2. A unit according to claim 1 wherein said network of frame members is moulded of synthetic plastic material with longitudinal side frame members, a central frame member and lateral frame members interconnecting the central and side members to form said open framework structure.

3. A unit according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the framework has interlocking 15 means adjacent edges thereof to interlock one framework with an adjacent frame.

4. A unit according to claim 3 wherein the interlocking means comprises upstanding projections on selected frame members and holes in frame members to receive the projections of adjacent frameworks.

A unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the pad members are timber sections and the fastening means comprises staples passed through the network means into the pad members,

6. A unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the pad members are fastened to the framework at intersections of the frame members.

7. A unit according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the framework is substantially rectangular.

8. A unit according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the framework is substantially heptagon shape.

9. A unit according to claim 8 wherein three rows of pad members extend along the framework with the centre row in advance of the side rows.

10. A unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the framework includes an integral handle member on one side thereof.

11. A paving unit substantially as described herein with reference to the 'V "V accompanying drawings. A. V 13 .9-

12. A paving system corrising a plurality of units according to ainy one of claims I to I1I assembled with frameworks thereof adjacent and interconnected to each other. DATED this 18th day of June, 1991, ROLAPAK AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. e.g. S C S C C 0**g S. C C *5*g 0 C S C C S. C