GB2591830A

GB2591830A - Modular kerb

Info

Publication number: GB2591830A
Application number: GB2007902.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sutton Philip
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-02-05
Filing date: 2020-05-27
Publication date: 2021-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-27
Also published as: WO2021156621A3; WO2021156621A2; GB2591830B; GB202001517D0; GB202007902D0; EP4100278A2; GB2592186A

Abstract

The modular kerb 10, particularly for charging electric vehicles and telecommunication infrastructure, comprises a base unit 12 adapted to receive an electricity supply and connect the supply to an interchangeable head 14 which is operable to connect to an electric vehicle or other electrical load. The interchangeable head is preferably received inside or proximate the base unit, preferably within a slot or opening 28 formed in a generally uppermost and/or sloping wall of the base unit. The interchangeable head may comprise an induction coil 30, either retained entirely within the head or deployable as a retractable planar roll or sheet, configured to create an electromagnetic field to supply energy to an electric vehicle. The head may comprise a lockable access cover containing a plug-in charging cable. The head may include other articles including sensors, lighting, telecommunications apparatus, batteries 40 and gas filters. Also claimed are a method of manufacture a modular kerb, a method of laying a linear kerb line and a modular construction element.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII2007902.6 RTM Date:12 October 2020 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Wi-Fi IEEE Bluetooth National Grid Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

MODULAR KERB

TVICAL F11-1,D0 I- INITN7YON This invention relates to a modular kerb and its method of use. In particular, the present invention relates to a modular kerb suitable for kerbside charging of electric vehicles and the like. The kerbside charging of electric vehicles being achieved using wired or wireless electromagnetic induction technologies radiating from an interchangeable kerb io head or cartridge which is disposed in, or is proximate to, the base of the modular kerb.

In use, the present invention enabling electric vehicles to be conveniently and reliably recharged at the kerbside, which is particularly advantageous in those areas lacking off-street parking. The present invention can also be utilised with a modular or separate external battery unit to reduce peak demands on the electricity network for the future challenges of increasing electric vehicle uptake and/or to transfer the stored battery energy to nearby residential and commercial properties.

BACKGROUND

The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating, mainly due to improvements in battery technologies and the reduction in purchasing and operating costs. Whilst ownership of EVs is increasing, there is a significant problem for potential owners who would otherwise wish to utilise an EV but they do not have off-street parking on their property or dwelling in which to park the vehicle to recharge it. This problem will only be exasperated since, in common with a number of developed countries, the UK government has set a target to cease sales of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 in favour of electric or hybrid vehicles. The UK government are even planning to bring this deadline forward to 2035, or even sooner, so that the UK can achieve its target of emitting zero carbon by 2050. To meet this ambitious target there is huge requirement for upgrades to the highways infrastructure to accommodate this growth, and to local electricity distribution networks.

Most EV options and models have hitherto needed a significant financial outlay by the owner, for example, the Tesle range of EVs, where in all likelihood, the owner has off-street parking on his/her property. However this will almost certainly change over the next decade, with more of the procuring public living in homes with on-street parking or apartments which will require other charging solutions. Local authorities are reluctant to have more post-mounted charging technologies installed, and trailing cables across pavements and pathways is not feasible to mitigate against tripping and fall hazards.

There is another, equally important, problem that the rise of EV ownership will pose, and that is in terms of combating the increased load place upon an electricity network by multiple EV owners recharging their vehicles simultaneously. Anecdotal evidence ID suggests that most owners of EVs plug them in to charge once they return home in the evening. Since this is already the peak of the daily demand curve, there is a risk that the electricity network supplying power to local homes will become overloaded without very costly and disruptive infrastructure upgrades to increase the load capacity.

There is therefore a need for a roadside kerb, either of a polymeric, concrete or stone construction, which contains hardwired or wireless charging technologies, and thus making close proximity kerbside charging feasible. The roadside kerb can also include, or be connected to, a local battery unit which can be charged when there is a low demand on the network. During peak demand hours, such battery unit intelligently enables users to conveniently recharge their EVs and reduce the load requirements on the network.

This effectively increases the network's capacity and improves resilience.

It will be appreciated that within this application, the term "electric vehicle" and its abbreviation "EV" and their plurals can mean any one of a number of vehicles in which electricity is used as their energy source, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (BEVs). The above list is in no way intended to be limiting and exhaustive.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular kerb and its method of use which overcomes or reduces the drawbacks associated with the above problems. The present invention providing a modular kerb that can be installed in an entirely conventional manner at the interface of the road and pavement, and which enables on-street, mobile or roadside charging of EVs. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a modular, flexible roadside kerb assembly which contains hardwired or wireless charging technologies. The modular kerb of the present invention can also be connected to an integrated or separate battery unit and which reduces peak demand requirements on the electricity network. Use of the present invention enabling an EV to be conveniently and reliably charged at the roadside without the need to use a separate post-mounted charger or the like, and which does not obstruct the road, highway or footpath. In addition to EV charging, the use of the present invention also providing a dynamic power storage and transmission system which can transfer the stored battery energy to nearby residential and commercial properties by wireless induction or a hardwired connection, or by waypoint-positioned induction receivers enabling electromagnetic induction and battery storage to supply EVs, residential and/or commercial properties at a greater range.

SEVALLIR IT OF i MUTATION The present invention is described herein and in the claims According to the present invention there is provided a modular kerb comprising: a base unit being adapted to receive an electricity supply, the base unit being adapted to connect the electricity supply to an interchangeable head, the interchangeable head being operable to connect the electricity supply to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load.

An advantage of the present invention is that it can be used to quickly and conveniently enable on-street, on the move or roadside charging of EVs Preferably, the interchangeable head is received inside, or is proximate to, the base unit.

Further preferably, the interchangeable head is received inside a slot or opening formed in a generally uppermost wall and/or sloping wall of the base unit.

In use, the interchangeable head may be removable and being operable to connect the electricity supply to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load when docked in the base unit.

Preferably, the interchangeable head comprises a resonant induction coil being configured to create an electromagnetic field to supply energy from the electricity supply to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load using electromagnetic induction.

Further preferably, the resonant induction coil being retained entirely within the interchangeable head.

In use, the resonant induction coil may be deployable as a retractable roll or sheet which is generally planar when unfurled.

Preferably, the interchangeable head comprises a physically-lockable or electronically-actuated access cover which contains a plug-in EV charging cable Further preferably, the plug-in EV charging cable is extendable and retractable through the access cover disposed in the interchangeable head.

In use, the interchangeable head may be provided as a removable blanking unit.

Preferably, the interchangeable head includes one or more from the group consisting of: Wi-Fi systems and antennas (IEEE 802.11 standard), Bluetooth systems and antennas, cellular telecommunications networks, rechargeable batteries, carbon and NOx sequestration filters, CO2 and/or NOx monitoring systems, traffic flow monitoring sensors, traffic signal monitoring systems, Global Positioning Sensor (GPS) tracking devices, lighting systems, pedestrian crossing warnings and illumination indicia and the like.

Further preferably, the interchangeable head being electrically-or inductively-coupled to a modular rechargeable battery set which is received inside, or is proximate to, the slot or opening formed in the base unit, the modular rechargeable battery set being interposed between the interchangeable head and the base unit.

In use, the modular rechargeable battery set may be entirely contained within the base unit positioned below the interchangeable head, and in use positioned below the surface of a road to mitigate the risks of vehicular impact damage.

Preferably, the base unit being connectable to a separate belowground battery set having a battery capacity greater than that of the modular rechargeable battery set.

Further preferably, the interchangeable head can then be switched on-, or off-, wirelessly via application software and/or the electric usage can be monitored.

In use, the modular rechargeable battery set and/or the separate belowground battery set may be trickle charged from the electricity supply during periods of low demand and are dischargeable to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load during periods of peak demand Preferably, the modular kerb being formed in the dimensions of an existing standard or non-standard shape, which includes one or more from the group consisting of: half-battered, bull-nosed, splayed, droppers, crossing kerbs, radius, transition, quadrants and edging kerbs.

Further preferably, the base unit comprises means to electrically connect the base unit to a neighbouring base unit.

In use, the means to electrically connect the base unit to a neighbouring base may comprise complementary male and female connectors being formed in each of the end walls of the kerb base unit and a pre-cut length of cable connected therebetween disposed within a channel within the body of the base unit, and such that when the kerb base unit is laid against the neighbouring base unit, the male and female connectors disposed in in the end walls are brought together and mate to form an electrical connection therebetween.

Preferably, the other electric load comprises a dwelling.

Further preferably, the modular kerb and/or parts thereof are formed via injection moulding and/or blow moulding and/or vacuum forming and/or rotational moulding and/or compression moulding and/or rim moulding and/or powder impression moulding and/or any form of plastics or rubber manufacture.

In use, the modular kerb and/or parts thereof may be manufactured from a suitable plastics or rubberised material selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any of the following: Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Glass Reinforced Nylon (GRN), resins or blends thereof or be manufactured from a concrete or stone construction Preferably, one or more masterbatches are admixed with the polymer blend with o increased ferrous content to enhance resonant electromagnetic induction or by using ferrites.

Further preferably, one or more charging sockets are disposed in the uppermost wall and/or sloping wall of the interchangeable head such that the sockets receive a plug of a charging cable to connect the electricity supply to the electric vehicle parked adjacent to the modular kerb.

In use, the interchangeable head may comprise a telescopically extendable and retractable member being adjustable between stowed and raised positions or a pivoting arm being pivotable between stowed and raised positions or a fixed upwardly-projecting arm to provide kerbside electricity supply to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load and/or to provide telecommunication signals or networks and/or other functi onaliti es.

Preferably, the modular kerb further comprising a removable induction plate being close inductively-coupled to the interchangeable head to provide kerbside wired or wireless electromagnetic induction or telecommunication signals or networks, infrastructure and/or other functionaliti es.

Further preferably, the cellular telecommunications networks further comprises 2G to SG networks or a low-power wide-area network (LPW AN) being supplied by integrating small cell antennas, omnidirectional and/or directional antennas, local area booster or repeater technologies, or any transmitting device or technology that enables or improves network reception from within the interchangeable head.

In use, the primary transmitter coil provided in the interchangeable head and the secondary receiver coil disposed on the electric vehicle may meet with International Standard SAE J2954.

Preferably, the modular kerb further comprising means to receive an electrical supply from scavenged or harvested power from stray electromagnetic fields situated around the nearby electrical cable infrastructure and assets and/or from energy-harvesting flexible polymeric material which, when stepped upon, coverts the kinetic energy of a stepping foot into electrical energy and/or from at least partially covering sections of the modular io kerb with a photovoltaic material for converting solar energy into electrical energy.

Further preferably, each of the base unit and interchangeable head is below 20kg to adhere to one-operative lift, set-out and installation manual handling requirements.

Also according to the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a modular kerb as hereinbefore described, the method comprising the steps of: a) supplying a polymer into a moulding tool which defines the base unit; b) providing means to electrically connect the base unit to a neighbouring base unit when in use; and c) forming an interchangeable head that is receivable in the base unit.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a method of laying a linear kerb line being operable to connect an electricity supply to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load, comprising the steps of: a) placing a set of polymeric kerb base units as hereinbefore described along the borders of a road; b) laying the sub-base of the road; c) electrically connecting the set of polymeric kerb base units together; d) laying the top coat of the road; e) inserting an interchangeable head in the slot or opening formed in the base unit; and f) connecting one or both linear ends of the electrically-connected kerb base units to an appropriate point on the electricity network, or at one or more points therebetween.

Also further according to the present invention there is provided a modular construction element comprising: a base unit being adapted to receive an electricity supply, the base unit being adapted to connect the electricity supply to an interchangeable head, the interchangeable head being operable to connect the electricity supply to charge an electric vehicle and/or to provide telecommunication signals or networks, infrastructure and/or other functionalities.

Preferably, the construction element being formed in the dimensions of an existing o standard or non-standard shape, which includes one or more from the group consisting of kerbs, paving elements, slabs or blocks for use in pavements, driveways and other hard landscaping, construction products, such as a bricks or blocks or capping, drainage elements, bumper stops and the like.

Further preferably, the base unit and the interchangeable head when assembled to form the modular construction element have substantially the same outward appearance or exterior as an entirely conventional construction element.

In use, the interchangeable head may deliver autonomous vehicle charging and/or off-20 grid charging and/or mobile charging and/or vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging and/or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging and/or provides smart city infrastructure and platforms.

It is believed that a modular kerb and its method of use in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIP110N OF THE DR/illTN/GS The present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a modular kerb assembly in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a linear line of modular kerb assemblies as shown in Figure 1 being installed in a conventional manner at the interface of the road and pavement; Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view from above of a modular kerb assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, and which shows that the modular kerb assembly can also contain an integrated rechargeable battery set, Figure 4 is a principally schematic view showing how the modular kerb assembly of the present invention can be deployed to allow the charging EVs or even transfer to a dwelling; Figures 5a and 5b show exploded and assembled perspective views from the side and above, respectively, of a thin-walled modular kerb assembly in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention which provides a resonant induction charger that is electrically-or inductively-coupled to a modular rechargeable battery; Figures 6a and 6b are exploded and assembled perspective views from the side and above, respectively, of a modular kerb assembly in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention which includes one or more sockets for receiving a plug-in EV charging cable, Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view from the side and above of a modular kerb assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention comprising a unitary interchangeable head which integrates the provision of kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or other functionalities with a rechargeable battery; Figures 8a, 8b and 8c show exploded, stowed and raised perspective views from the side and above, respectively, of a modular kerb assembly in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the invention which provides a telescopically extendable and retractable member being adjustable between stowed and raised positions; Figures 9a and 9b are exploded and assembled perspective views from the side and above, respectively, of a modular kerb assembly in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention which provides a removable induction plate that can be inductively-coupled to the interchangeable head to provide kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or provide other functionalities, ID Figures 10a and 10b illustrate raised and stowed cutaway perspective views from the side and above, respectively, of a modular kerb assembly in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the invention which provides a pivoting arm being pivotable between stowed and raised positions to provide kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or provide other functionalities; Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view from the side and above of a modular kerb assembly in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the invention comprising a fixed or static generally upright arm, mast, bollard or pole integrated with the interchangeable head to provide kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or provide other functionalities, and Figure 12 illustrates an exploded perspective view from above of a modular kerb assembly in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the invention comprising a fixed or static generally upright arm, mast, bollard or pole which is spaced-apart or set-back from the kerb base unit to provide electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or provide other functionalities.

DMILED DESICRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EVIBODLIIENTS

The present invention has adopted the approach of utilising a modular kerb that can be installed in an entirely conventional manner at the interface of the road and pavement, and which enables on-street, mobile or roadside charging of EVs. Advantageously, the present invention provides a modular, flexible roadside kerb assembly which contains hardwired or wireless charging technologies. Further advantageously, the modular kerb of the present invention can also be connected to an integrated or separate battery unit and which reduces peak demand requirements on the electricity network. Further advantageously, use of the present invention enabling an EV to be conveniently and reliably charged at the roadside without the need to use a separate post-mounted charger or the like, and which does not obstruct the road, highway or footpath. In addition to EV charging, further advantageously the use of the present invention also providing a dynamic power storage and transmission system which can transfer the stored battery energy to nearby residential and commercial properties by wireless induction or a hardwired connection.

Referring now to the drawings, a modular kerb assembly 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. Specifically, the modular kerb assembly 10 being polymer and cellular and is ideally placed to integrate wireless magnetic induction charging points or an electrical vehicle charging cable in areas devoid of off-street parking.

As shown in Figure 1, the modular kerb assembly 10 is formed as a kerb base unit 12. An interchangeable head or cartridge 14 is provided which is receivable inside, or is proximate to, the base unit 12. In the illustrative example shown in Figure 1, when the interchangeable head or cartridge 14 is received or "docked" in the kerb base unit 12, the modular kerb assembly 10 is dimensioned in the shape of a half-battered kerb according to British Standard EN 1340. The skilled person will appreciate that the modular kerb assembly 10 can be formed having any standard or non-standard shape, including bull-nosed arid splayed kerbs, droppers and crossing kerbs, radius and transition kerbs, quadrants and edging. The above list is in no way intended to be limiting and exhaustive.

As shown in Figure 1, the kerb base unit 12 is formed as an elongate unitary body having a front wall 16 which, in use, would be proximate to a road 36 or carriageway surface, or other substantially flat surface, as best shown in Figure 2. The kerb base unit 12 also having is a rear wall 18 which is opposite to the front wall 16 and which, in use, would be proximate to a pavement 34 or footpath, pathway, or other substantially flat surface, again as best shown in Figure 2. At the ends of the elongate kerb base unit 12 are positioned a pair of end walls 20.

The half-battered kerb base unit 12 shown in Figure 1 has a generally flat base wall 22 and an opposite top wall 24. For the half-battered kerb shown in Figure 1, there is also a sloping wall or front face 26 positioned between, or which cuts, the front wall 16 and the top wall 24. The engagement of the interchangeable head or cartridge 14 within the kerb base unit 12 is explained in more detail below.

The kerb base unit 12 shown in Figure 1 incudes a slotted aperture or opening 28 which can receive an interchangeable head or cartridge 14. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the interchangeable head or cartridge 14 is provided having a wireless magnetic o induction coil 30 which, in use, creates an electromagnetic field to transfer or radiate energy using electromagnetic induction to a corresponding induction coil or plate disposed on an EV (not shown) which is positioned adjacent to, or nearby, the induction coil 30 of the interchangeable head or cartridge 14. The skilled person will understand that there are a number of different wireless transmission frequencies and connection protocols available in the art that could be utilised with EVs which support resonant wireless charging.

The corresponding induction coil or plate (not shown) on the EV can be either retrofitted and affixed to the underside of the EV, or installed during manufacture and integrated within the door or the door sill, for example What is key is that the proximity between the induction coil 30 and the corresponding induction coil or plate on EV is sufficiently close to support electromagnetic induction from one to the other.

As shown in Figure 2, a line of kerb base units 12a-12f are laid in an entirely conventional manner at the interface of the road and pavement. Each cellular polymeric kerb base unit 12 shown in Figure 1 is also electrically linked or connected to its neighbouring base unit 12 in the laying phase. For example, unit 12a is electrically-connected to unit 12b, which in turn is electrically-connected to unit 12c, and so on. This can be achieved using a number of different technologies, techniques and connectors which are available to the skilled person and not shown for reasons of clarity in Figure 1.

For example, corresponding male/female connectors (not shown) having the necessary level of ingress protection can be formed in the end walls 20 of the kerb base unit 12. A pre-cut length of cable runs between the corresponding male/female connectors disposed within a longitudinal channel or opening (not shown) within the body of the kerb base unit 12. When a kerb base unit 12 is laid against a neighbouring unit 12, corresponding male/female connectors disposed in in the end walls 20 are brought together and mate to form an electrical connection therebetween.

Alternatively, each polymeric kerb base unit 12 can be electrically connected to a neighbouring unit 12 using short sections of pre-cut cable and using electrical terminals known to those skilled in the art. The electrical terminals (not shown) being accessed through the slotted aperture or opening 28 which can receive an interchangeable head or cartridge 14, or through another ingress protected housing or opening (not shown). The io above is in no way intended to be limiting and exhaustive, as the electrical connection of the kerb base unit 12 to its neighbour may be achieved using many standard electrical installation techniques known in the art The present invention therefore teaches that a cellular polymeric kerbside base unit 12 can be installed exactly as with more traditional materials, with minimal changes to carriageway, but which is hardwired to a local power network, as explained in more detail below. In particular, one or both linear ends of the electrically-connected kerbs 12a-12f, or at one or more points therebetween, can then be electrically connected to an appropriate point on the electricity network, such that electrical power is available to each electrically docked interchangeable head or cartridge 14a-14f received inside kerbs 12a-12f to enable on-street, mobile or roadside charging of EVs. Dependent upon the configuration of the existing electricity distribution network, the skilled person will understand that the electrical connection of the kerb base unit 12 to an appropriate point on the electricity network can be configured as a separate metered supply, or to an unmetered supply on the network, such as from street lights 32, traffic signals, signs, bollards, telephone kiosks, CCTV or advertising displays and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, a resonant induction coupling system can enable wireless electromagnetic induction vehicle charging. This can be achieved using an interchangeable head or cartridge 14 provided having a wireless magnetic induction coil or an interchangeable head 14 can be provided that contains a retractable blind, roll or sheet incorporating a resonant induction coupling which is planar when unfurled.

Equally, a modular removeable cartridge 14 can be provided which enables the integration of wireless telecommunication technologies and infrastructures, such as, for example, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 standard), Bluetooth, any cellular telecommunications network or sensory parking instead of, or supplementary to, the wireless charging of EVs Such a modular kerb assembly 10 removes the need for plug-in technologies, mitigating the risk from roadside post-mounted charging systems that trailing cables across pavements produces tripping hazards and risks collision damage. For this reason, UK io local authorities are trying to eradicate as much unnecessary street furniture as possible.

That being said, the modular kerb assembly 10 of the present invention can be provided having an interchangeable head or cartridge 14 which contains a lockable or electronically activated hardwired socket or plug (male or female). Such a removable head 14 containing an easily accessible plug-in system with a retractable cable that does not trail across the pavement.

If necessary, the interchangeable head or cartridge 14 can be installed as a blanking unit or can be supplied fully-enabled with a wireless or wired EV charging head, as described above. In this way, once residents decide to procure an EV, a simple retrofit of the modular wireless charging cartridge or interchangeable kerb head 14 can be supplied, and the blanking unit is removed and cartridge 14 slotted and locked into place making connection with the pre-wired polymeric kerb base unit 12. The cartridge 14 can then be switched on-, or off-, wirelessly via an app and the electric usage can be monitored. In addition, again via an application software or app, the modular cartridge 14 allows the resident to rent the on-street system out to another vehicle owner, when not in use, and therefore providing means to monetise the system.

The interchangeable modular heads or cartridges 14 can alternatively contain rechargeable batteries, carbon sequestration filters, CO, and NOx monitoring systems, traffic flow monitoring, traffic signal monitoring systems and the like. The above is in no way intended to be limiting and exhaustive.

The heads or cartridges 14 can also contain a Global Positioning Sensor (UPS) tracking device. This is particularly useful in the event of removal of the head 14 by vandals or by theft Figure 2 shows a linear line of electrically-connected kerb base units 12a-12f that have been laid at the interface between the pavement 34 and road 36, and have been configured to provide a plurality of resonant induction EV chargers 14b, 14d, 141 Figure 2 shows that interchangeable modular head or cartridge 14, as mentioned above in relation to Figure 1, can be provided as an induction loop coupler for wireless charging io 14b, 14d, 14f or instead can be configured as a rechargeable battery unit 14a, 14c, 14e.

Each of the rechargeable battery head units 14a, 14c, 14e being trickle charged from the supply, and when an EV (not shown) is parked adjacent to a resonant induction coupling head 14c, 14d, 141, for example, one of more of the battery units 14a, 14c, 14e can be used, at least in part, to charge the EV. The use of rechargeable battery units 14a, 14c, 14e therefore reduces the peak demand requirements on the electricity network and reduces some of the problems associated with overload conditions due to the fact that vehicle owners generally return home and charge their vehicles in the evening at the end of the day.

The skilled person will also appreciate that separate battery units 38, which can be have a physically larger form factor and associated electrical capacity can also be trickle charged from the network, as shown, for example, in Figure 2 as taking its electrical supply from lamppost 32, and this larger battery pack 38 can additionally be used as a means to reliably charge EVs (not shown) The technological developments of rechargeable batteries has had enautious growth over the last decade. This would enable rechargeable battery heads or cartridges 14a, 14c, 14e or separate battery units 38 to trickle charge during the day, from hardwired, solar or any other suitable low-carbon local power source and then to discharge by hardwired cable connection or wirelessly to charge EVs, or to even discharge to a home (as shown in Figure 4) or via community scheme or more widely to the National Grid.

The rechargeable battery heads or cartridges 14a, 14c, 14e or separate battery units 38 will have a useful service life, and the interchangeable nature of the heads or cartridges 14a, 14c, 14e or separate battery units 38 allows for them to be easily replaced or serviced during their service life.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the modular kerb assembly 10. The construction of the second embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that instead of the interchangeable head or cartridge 14 having one purpose (for example, as a resonant induction charger or wired unit), the plug-in interchangeable head or cartridge 14 can also include a ID replaceable and rechargeable battery set 40 which is received inside, or is proximate to, the opening or aperture 28 formed in the top 24 and/or sloping front face 26 of the kerb base unit 12. Such a rechargeable battery set 40 being electrically-connected to the kerb base unit 12 and also being electrically-connected to the interchangeable head or cartridge 14. As shown in Figure 2, the rechargeable battery set 40 is interposed between the kerb base unit 12 and the interchangeable head or cartridge 14 and which also leads to the advantageous effects described above in relation to Figure 2.

The embodiment shown in Figure 3 and the form factor of the rechargeable battery set 40 being received within aperture or opening 28 can take many forms and it would be overly-limiting to describe these structural features in detail, although the skilled person will appreciate that any number of different form factors and configuration and number of battery cells 52 and complementary-positioned battery compartments 54 in the kerb unit 12 can be envisaged.

Again, these battery packs 40 could be trickle fed during periods of low demand from nearby lampposts, street furniture and traffic signage in readiness for peak demand (evening/overnight) discharge to EVs, residential or commercial property.

These battery packs 40, if not incorporated within the removable cartridge or modular removal head 14 can be contained within a underground service chamber 38, either below the pavement 34 or highway 36, in close proximity to the enabled kerb line, as best shown in Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 3, the hardwired or wirelessly powered base kerb unit 12 system can have an integrated removable rechargeable battery set 40 which can be installed in singles or multiple cells 52 or within a removable cradle or carrier (not shown). This battery set 40 can be trickle fed during non-peak power periods allowing these batteries 40 to be called upon during peak periods of power requirement. The ability for them to draw power or hold power during non-peak periods eases the peak demand requirements upon the electrical distribution network.

These modular battery sets 40 are installed within the base unit 12 below the removable o head or cartridge system 14 and their location enables then to be protected below the road surface that could otherwise be subject to impact damage However, by removing the top head or cartridge 14 allows easy access for servicing or replacement In use, all of the interchangeable heads or cartridges 14, separate battery sets 38 and integrated battery sets 40 are electrically-connected and communication between the them being via wireless or other telemetric systems known to the skilled person. In addition, the battery set 40 can either be hardwired or inductively connected with the enabled head or cartridge 14 allowing the pre-charged battery set 40 that has been trickle fed during a non-peak period to wirelessly charge the EV parked alongside the kerb 10 and which allows the growing EV market to reduce the load requirements on an already strained power network.

Figure 4 shows how the present invention can be utilised to take surplus off-peak power to charge the rechargeable battery sets 40 or interchangeable head or cartridges configured as battery units 14a, 14c, 14e and during periods of high electrical demand the stored energy can be transferred to a dwelling 44 as a method of reducing peak demands on the distribution network. As shown in Figure 4, a standard electrical connection 42 supplies a house 44, via consumer unit 46.

In addition, it is also envisaged to wirelessly transfer from the rechargeable battery set 40 to a household 44 or commercial premises during peak demand periods, such as during the evening, when household power requirements increase, and this would allow a new form of commercial model for home power supply.

Furthermore, depending on the location of the enabled kerb 10 or belowground battery chamber 38, 40 to the residential or commercial property 44, a resonant or inductive coupling (not shown) could wirelessly transfer power from the belowground inbound residential or commercial property supply 42 to charge the battery set 40 located within the kerb 10 or separate chamber 38 and vice versa. Equally, the inductive receiving plate (not shown) on the dwelling 44 which can wirelessly receive power from the battery set located within the kerb 40 or in a separate chamber 38 could, in use, have a bi-directional operation so that the residential or commercial property supply 42 could be used to wirelessly transfer power to a modular kerb assembly 10, or even to the EV 48 equipped io with an appropriate corresponding induction coil or plate (not shown).

Figure 4 also shows how the modular kerb assembly 10 of the present invention can also be deployed using a wired EV cable 50 from interchangeable head 14 to charge the EV 48 parked adjacent to the modular kerb unit.

Figures 5a and 5b show a third embodiment of the modular kerb assembly 10. The construction of the third embodiment is very similar to that of the first and second embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The third embodiment illustrates how a resonant induction coil 30 can be positioned within the interchangeable head or cartridge 14 to provide kerbside wireless electrical power to an electric vehicle. Very much like that described in relation to the second embodiment, the third embodiment also includes a replaceable and rechargeable battery set 40 which is received inside, or is proximate to, the opening or aperture 28 formed in the top 24 and/or sloping front face 26 of the kerb base unit 12. Such a rechargeable battery set 40 being electrically-connected to the kerb base unit 12 and also being electrically-connected to the interchangeable head or cartridge 14.

As best shown in Figure 5b, the interchangeable head 14 is dimensioned such that it is received entirely within a thin-walled kerb base unit 12. The interchangeable head 14 shown in Figures 5a and 5b includes indicia or openings 56 through which light can illuminate from a lighting system positioned within interchangeable head 14. Details of the lighting system are not shown in Figures 5a and 5b for reasons of clarity, although the skilled person will understand that numerous light sources and optical waveguides can be used to generate and propagate light through openings 56. As best shown in Figure 5b, by providing the indicia or openings 56 in the sloping front face 26' of the interchangeable head 14 this can be used to provide a good level of illumination at the interface between the pavement 34 and road 36.

The indicia or openings 56 in the top face 24' and/or sloping front face 26' of the interchangeable head 14 can also act as waypoints or waymarkers, e.g., the visible indicia 56 in one of the faces 24', 26' can indicate routes or thoroughfares and the like.

As shown in Figure 5a, the interchangeable head 14 is formed as an outwardly facing ID cover 58 which is received against a backplate 60, and which includes a series of ribs 62 to provide structural strength and rigidity. The outer cover 58 of the interchangeable head 14 includes a top face 24' and a sloping front face 26' such that when the interchangeable head 14 is received within the kerb base unit 12 it seamlessly matches the profile of the top 24 and sloping front face 26 of the kerb base unit 12. The outer cover 58 is secured to the backplate 60 using threaded fasteners 64 which are received in complementary-positioned threaded apertures 66 which are moulded with, and project upwards from, the base wall 22 of the kerb base unit 12. When assembled, the outer cover 58 and backplate 60 form a cradle or carrier which retains one or more cells 52 of the rechargeable battery set 40. Figure 5a is principally a schematic view which shows that each cell 52 is formed from a plurality of rechargeable dry cell batteries which are sealed off with a lid 78.

When the interchangeable head 14 is retained in the slotted opening 28 formed in the kerb base unit 12 by the engagement of the threaded fasteners 64 inside threaded apertures 66, a tamperproof blank 68 is received within apertures 70 disposed in the top face 24' of the interchangeable head 14 Figures 5a and 5b also show that a lip 72 can be disposed in the base wall 22 and which provides structural stability when the kerb base unit 12 is installed in the kerb race (not shown). The end walls 20 of the kerb base unit 12 can also include male alignment features 74 which can be received within complementary-positioned female alignment features (not shown) positioned on the opposite end well 20 to enable linear lines of kerb base units 12 to be quickly and easily installed. By providing the end walls 20 of the base units 12 with the capability to be fixed together helps to mitigate any possibility of each individual base unit 12 from sinking on the race/base thereby creating a trip hazard, and such an "interlink-therefore enables the linear line of kerb base units 12 to become a load-bearing, monolithic structure.

Figure 5a is a principally schematic view which shows how the resonant induction coil 30 is supported or otherwise abuts against the strengthening ribs 62 positioned within the interchangeable head 14. For the half-battered kerb shown in Figure 5a, the resonant induction coil 30 is supported by a close or interference fit in a series of recesses 108 on the ribs 62 of the backplate 60, such that the resonant induction transmitter coil 30 is proximate to the sloping front face 26' of the interchangeable head 14. Such a configuration generates a level of magnetic flux which can support high-efficiency wireless power transfer to electric vehicles 48 that are equipped with a resonant induction receiver coil (not shown) and parked adjacent to the modular kerb assembly 10. The receiver coil or antenna being installed in any suitable position within, or about, the electric vehicle.

The skilled person will appreciate that many of the features needed to provide wireless electric vehicle charging are not shown in the drawings for reasons of clarity. The basic principle underlying resonant inductive charging is that of a two-part air gapped transformer core in which the two halves of the transformer, the primary and secondary coils, are physically separated from one another. The skilled person will also understand that in order to provide wireless charging of electric vehicles to the necessary already recognised, and future, International standards (including Standard SAE 12954), then a power electronics module (not shown in Figure 5a) is needed to ensure the safe transfer of the power from the primary transmitter coil 30 to the secondary receiver coil being disposed on the electric vehicle (not shown). The detail of such power electronics module, and their sub-systems, which enables closed-loop automated charging are known to the skilled addressee, and these details have been omitted for clarity.

Again for reasons of clarity, Figure 5a schematically illustrates the induction coil 30 as a looped coil. This is in no way intended to be limiting as many types of planar electromagnetic coil arrangements, and coil winding technologies, can be utilised. The use of ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic cores and compounds, and ferrites, is also envisaged to increase the magnetic coupling between the primary and secondary coils, when in use.

Such a configuration of antenna array 30 therefore enabling wireless resonant induction charging of an electric vehicle positioned near, or adjacent to, such modular kerb assembly 10. The construction of such a thin-walled, modular kerb assembly 10 as shown in Figures 5a and 5b also enables a lightweight platform which can provide or support a variety of kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or other functionalities, as described in further detail below.

Figures 6a and 6b show a fourth embodiment of the modular kerb assembly 10. The construction of the fourth embodiment is very similar to that of the first, second and third embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The fourth embodiment differs from the first, second and third embodiments in that it includes an easily accessible plug-in interchangeable head 14 provided with one or more sockets for receiving a plug-in EV charging cable.

Again, the interchangeable head 14 shown in Figures 6a and 6b includes indicia or openings 56 through which light can be illuminated through co-or in-moulded panels 80 which provide a good level of illumination between the pavement 34 and road 36 in low light conditions.

As best shown in Figure 6b, one or more sockets 82 are disposed in the sloping front face 26' of the interchangeable head 14 In use, the sockets 82 receive the plug of an EV charging cable (not shown) to charge an electric vehicle which is parked adjacent to the modular kerb assembly 10 For reasons of clarity, the outer cover of the socket 82 is omitted in Figures 6a and 6b but the skilled person will understand that such features are present to provide the necessary level of ingress protection. The interchangeable head 14 also includes a series of transparent or translucent panels 84 positioned between the rear of the socket 82 and the sloping front face 26' of the interchangeable head 14, and which enables the owner of the electric vehicle to very easily locate and access the sockets 82 even in low light conditions, as shown in Figure 6b. The sockets 82 being positioned in a recessed opening 86 in the sloping front face 26' of the interchangeable head 14 such that they do not project or protrude from the footprint of the half-battered modular kerb assembly 10 shown in Figures 6a and 6b, when not in use.

The skilled person will appreciate that the placement and orientation of the sockets 82 provided on the interchangeable head 14 of the modular kerb assembly 10, as shown in Figures Ga and 6b, is in no way intended to be limiting. In addition to providing hardwired sockets 82, it is envisaged that an EV charging cable that is extendable and retractable through a cover or opening disposed in the interchangeable head 14 is possible, and combinations of male and female connectors to, and from, the electric io vehicle are entirely feasible and within the scope of the present invention.

The skilled person will understand that the plugs and sockets 82 described herein form an electrical connection which meets the necessary recognised, and future, International standards (including, but not limited to, Standards SAE J1772 and IEC 62196) for plug-in electric vehicle charging.

Figure 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the modular kerb assembly 10. The construction of the fifth embodiment is very similar to that of the first, second, third and fourth embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals.

The fifth embodiment differs from the first, second, third and fourth embodiments in that a unitary interchangeable head 104 is provided. The unitary interchangeable head 104 integrates the provision of kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or other functionalities with the rechargeable battery cells 52.

Figures 8a, 8b and 8c show a sixth embodiment of the modular kerb assembly 10. The construction of the fifth embodiment is very similar to that of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The fifth embodiment differs from the first, second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments in that the interchangeable head 14 includes a telescopically extendable and retractable member 88 being adjustable between stowed (Figure 8b) and raised (Figure 8c) positions. In the embodiment shown in Figures 8a, 8b and 8c, the telescopically extendable and retractable member 88 supports sockets 82 which are disposed in the end walls 90 thereof This is in no way intended to be limiting as the telescopically extendable and retractable member 88 can support any manner of kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or provide other functionalities, as described herein.

The provision of the sockets 82 in the end walls 90 is again not intended to be limiting as the sockets 82 could be disposed in any position or configuration on the telescopically extendable and retractable member 88 The advantage of the embodiment shown in Figures 8a, 8b and Sc is that, when retracted (as shown in Figure 8b), the sockets 82 are completely retained within the body of the interchangeable head 14 so that the likelihood of accidental, or malicious, damage is reduced, and the sockets 82 are protected from ID water and road salt, debris and other sediment and dust that can often accumulate over time at the interface between the pavement 34 and road 36.

It is only when the owner of the electric vehicle needs access to the sockets 82 that the telescopically extendable and retractable member 88 is activated and extended to the raised position (Figure 8c). After use, the telescopically extendable and retractable member 88 is then retracted back into the body 92 of the interchangeable head 14. The operation of the telescopically extendable and retractable member 88 can be powered, or even a simple mechanical actuation, which may utilise a spring bias to control the telescopically extendable and retractable member 88 between the stowed and raised positions, is envisaged Figures 9a and 9b show a seventh embodiment of the modular kerb assembly 10. The construction of the seventh embodiment is very similar to that of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The seventh embodiment differs from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments in that a removable induction plate 94 can be inductively-coupled to the interchangeable head 14 to provide kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or provide other functionalities.

Whilst not visible in Figures 9a and 9b, disposed inside the interchangeable head 14, towards the top face 24' thereof, is situated a close induction transmitter coil which meets with a corresponding close induction receiver coil (again omitted for clarity reasons) disposed in the removable cover plate 94. In this way, the owner of the electric vehicle simply places the removable cover plate 94 on top of the appropriately-configured interchangeable head 14 and the shoulder 96, which projects from the sloping front face 26' of the interchangeable head 14, provides a charger socket 82 underneath it, the shoulder 96 being shaped so as to act also as a wraparound cable tidy.

Equally the removable cover plate 94 can provide a hardwired EV charging cable from the interchangeable head 14 with a plug at its free end for connection to the electric vehicle.

Equally the removable cover plate 94 and/or the projection 96 may include a resonant o induction coil 30 to provide kerbside wireless electrical power to an electric vehicle.

In use, the removable cover plate 94 can be temporarily secured in place on the interchangeable head 14 using a variety of mechanical, electromechanical and/or magnetic fixtures, and shown schematically are location detents 106 in the top face 24' of the interchangeable head 14 in Figure 9a which meet with corresponding indents (not shown) in the removable cover plate 94 to enable registration therebetween.

Figures 10a and 10b show an eighth embodiment of the modular kerb assembly 10. The construction of the eighth embodiment is very similar to that of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The eighth embodiment differs from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments in that it includes a pivoting arm 98 being pivotable between stowed and raised positions to provide kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or other functionalities As best shown in Figure 10a, the pivoting arm 98 at the proximal thereof is pivotally connected to the interchangeable head 14, and the opposite distal end thereof includes a head 100. In the embodiment shown in Figures 10a and 10b, the head 100 is provided with one or more sockets 82 disposed thereon. The skilled person will appreciate that, in use, the owner of the electric vehicle can elevate the pivoting arm 98 of the interchangeable head 14 (which is not shown in Figures 10a and 10b for reasons of clarity), and can plug their EV charging cable into the socket 82 at a more accessible height from the pavement 34 and road 36.

Again, the advantage of the embodiment shown in Figures 10a and 10b is that, when pivotally retracted (as shown in Figure 10b), the sockets 82 are completely retained within the body of the interchangeable head 14 so that the likelihood of accidental, or malicious, damage is reduced, and the sockets 82 are protected from water and road salt, debris and other sediment and dust that can often accumulate over time at the interface between the pavement 34 and road 36.

The operation of the pivoting arm 98 can be powered, or even a simple mechanical actuation, which may utilise a spring bias to release the pivoting arm 98 between the io stowed and raised positions, is envisaged. A locking system is also envisaged to prevent mis-use or theft. Again for reasons of clarity, the cutaway view of Figures 10a and 10b omit features of soakaway apertures being disposed in the kerb base unit 12 Equally the head 100 may include a resonant induction coil 30 to provide kerbside wireless electrical power to an electric vehicle, or equally, the head 100 may include integrated telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or provide other functionalities and sensors, as described herein. By providing the head 100 at a more elevated height above the pavement 34 and road 36, the head 100, when configured with a resonant induction transmitter coil 30, is able to be in close range with a resonant induction receiver coil mounted on the electric vehicle in order to optimise wireless transfer.

Figure 11 shows a ninth embodiment of the modular kerb assembly 1 El The construction of the ninth embodiment is very similar to that of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The ninth embodiment differs from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth embodiments in that a fixed or static generally upright arm 102, mast, bollard or pole is integrated with the interchangeable head 14 to provide kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or other functionalities.

As shown in Figure 11, the generally upright arm 102, at the proximal thereof, is integrated with the interchangeable head 14, and projects from the top face 24' and/or sloping front face 26' of the interchangeable head 14 via abutment 110. The opposite distal end of the arm 102 includes a head 100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the head 100 is provided with one or more sockets 82 disposed thereon. The skilled person will appreciate that, in use, the owner of the electric vehicle could park near to the generally upright arm 102 and can plug their EV charging cable into the socket 82 at an accessible height from the pavement 34 and road 36.

To ensure structural stability when in use, the abutment 110 at the proximal end of the arm 102 or post can also include a flange 112 which can be secured to the pavement 34 using any suitable fixtures through apertures 114 disposed around the periphery of the flange 112. When secured in this manner, the generally upright arm 102, mast, bollard or io pole is better able to resist both vertical and horizontal forces that may be applied to it in normal use, or to reduce the likelihood of accidental or malicious damage.

The skilled person will again appreciate that the head 100 may alternately include a resonant induction coil 30 to provide kerbside wireless electrical power to an electric is vehicle, or equally, the head 100 may include integrated telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or provide other functionalities and sensors, as described herein.

Figure 12 shows a tenth embodiment of the modular kerb assembly 10 The construction of the tenth embodiment is very similar to that of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth embodiments and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The tenth embodiment differs from the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth embodiments in that a fixed or static generally upright arm 102, mast, bollard or pole can be spaced-apart or set-back from the kerb base unit 12 itself to provide localised electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or other functionalities.

As shown in Figure 12, the distal end of the arm 102 includes the head 100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the head 100 is provided with one or more sockets 82 disposed thereon for receiving a plug-in EV charging cable, or may alternately include a resonant induction coil 30 to provide kerbside wireless electrical power to an electric vehicle, or equally, the head 100 may include integrated telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or provide other functionalities and sensors, as described herein.

The generally upright arm 102, at the proximal end 120 thereof, is received within a conduit 116 which projects from the rear wall 18 of the kerb base unit 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the conduit 116 is generally L-shaped such that the proximal end thereof projects outwards from the rear wall 18 of the kerb base unit 12. The opposite distal end 118 of the conduit 116 then runs generally parallel to, but spaced-apart from, the rear wall 18 of the kerb base unit 12 and forms a socket or opening into which the proximal end 120 of the upright arm 102 can be received. The conduit 116 can be integrated with the kerb base unit 12, or is attachable to it.

The distal end 118 of the conduit 116 also include a flange 122 with apertures 124 disposed around the periphery thereof The apertures 124 can receive suitable fixtures (not shown) disposed in the abutment 110, or can be used to secure a blanking plate (not shown) when the arm 102 is not in use.

Figure 12 also shows that the proximal end 120 of the upright arm 102 can also include a cut-out 126 which enables the cabling (not shown) to pass through around the L-shaped conduit 116 more easily and/or which can enable the proximal end 120 of the arm 100 to be received in a positive location in the distal end 118 of the conduit 116.

Figure 12 also shows that soakaway apertures 128 can be disposed in the kerb base unit 12 and/or in the conduit 116 to enable any water ingress to drain from the base unit 12 to protect electrical components and reduce the risks of corrosion. The conduit 116 may also include a lip 130 that which provides structural stability when the kerb base unit 12 and integrated conduit 116 is installed in the kerb race (not shown). Figure 12 also clearly shows that apertures 132 can be disposed in the end walls 20 of the kerb base unit 12 for receiving electrical power or telecommunications cabling systems therethrough.

The skilled person will appreciate that the advantage of the modular kerb assembly 10 shown in Figure 12 is that, in use, the generally upright arm 102, mast, bollard or pole received in the distal end 118 of the conduit 116 is spaced-apart or set-back from the kerb base unit 12 itself, away from the road 36 or carriageway surface, to reduce the risks of collision damage. The offset conduit 116 can be in-moulded during production or retrofitted pre-or post-installation and which allows for the installation of an arm 102 or mast that has direct connectivity to the modular construction element or kerb assembly 10.

The skilled person will understand that in order to provide wireless or wired charging of electric vehicles to the necessary already recognised, and future, International standards, then a substantial quantity of electrical power will be supplied though the interchangeable heads 14 Where the heat dissipation ability of the modular components forming the assembly 10 are insufficient to moderate their temperature, the skilled person will appreciate that heat sinks can be included which are internal or external to any of the embodiments forming the modular kerb assembly 10.

As described herein, the use of predominately polymeric materials for the kerb base unit 12 and interchangeable head 14 ensures that each component is below 20kg to adhere to manual handling requirements, and more recent social distancing conditions for installation by being entirely suitable for a one-operative lift, set-out and install.

The various embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, with their different form factors, sizes and applications can all vary and it would be overly-limiting to describe these structural features in detail, although the skilled person will appreciate that any number of different form factors and configurations, functions and use applications can be envisaged.

In addition, the modular kerb assembly 10 described herein can be provided with, or utilise, any number of different additional integrated technologies and/or provide other functionalities within the modular kerb assembly 10. The use of an energy-harvesting flexible polymeric material which, when stepped upon, coverts the kinetic energy of the stepping foot into electrical energy, can be utilised to charge the electric vehicle or power telecommunications networks or lighting systems etc. and/or to recharge the battery set 40 located within the kerb 10 or separate chamber 38. Equally, sections of the modular kerb assembly 10, or surrounding infrastructure, could be at least partially covered with a photovoltaic material for converting solar energy into electrical energy to further reduce the peak demands on the electricity network, as described herein.

It is widely accepted that the EV market will need a robust public charging network which offers an app-based subscription or a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) charging model to provide EV owners with access to public charging networks in various locations (including on-street, garages, retailers, car parks, etc.) in order to help reduce "range anxiety". The inclusion of such an integrated modular head 14 containing an easily accessible plug-in public charging system or wireless charging arrangement for such a model and associated payment technologies is entirely within the scope of the present invention The skilled person will also understand that the use of the modular kerb assembly 10 described herein can be used to underpin so-called "smart city" networks which use "Internet of Things" sensors to collect data and then use the gathered data to manage assets, resources and services much more efficiently. As described herein, the modular kerb assembly 10 provides kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals and is networks, infrastructure and/or provides other functionalities. The use of such information and communication technologies (via the deployed Wi-Fi or 46 and 56 networks in the interchangeable head 14) can be used, in one illustrative example, to allow users to choose their route or mode of transport depending on the traffic, weather and/or pollution levels (as monitored by deployed kerbside CO? and/or NOx monitoring systems, traffic flow monitoring sensors, traffic signal monitoring systems and the like) in order to reduce traffic congestion and generally encourage more greener travel.

The modular kerb assembly 10 also supports smarter electricity networks (sometimes called "smart grids") which are also key for smart city rollout. By utilising surplus off-peak power to charge the rechargeable battery sets 40 and/or by using renewables and/or scavenging stray electromagnetic fields, the modular kerb assembly 10 enables smart charging of EVs or households 44 by storing surplus off-peak electricity, and returning it during peak demand periods.

The skilled person will understand that in addition to utilising modular kerbs 10, the present invention can also be deployed in any modular civil engineering or construction elements which can incorporate the technology described herein to also facilitate smart city rollout.

Such civil engineering or construction elements can be configured as paving elements, in particular slabs or blocks for use in pavements, driveways and other hard landscaping, construction products, such as a bricks or blocks or capping, drainage elements and bumper stops and the like. The above is in no way intended to be limiting and exhaustive.

As mentioned above, the present invention can also enable the integration of wireless telecommunication technologies and infrastructures, such as, for example, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 standard), Bluetooth, any cellular telecommunications networks (2G to 5G, or low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) instead of, or supplementary to, providing kerbside electrical vehicle or household 44 charging. This can be achieved by incorporating or integrating small cell antennas, local area booster or repeater technologies, or any transmitting device or technology that enables or improves network reception within the interchangeable head 14, or retained within wider kerb architecture or infrastructure.

When the modular kerb assembly 10 of the present invention is configured to enable the integration of wireless telecommunication technologies and infrastructures, the skilled person will understand that it is sometimes necessary to ensure that communication and telecommunications cables are physically separated from electrical power cables to reduce the risk of overheating and electromagnetic interference coupling between the cabling systems. In order to address this problem, the electrical power connections between successive kerb base units 12 may installed along ducting which is disposed inside the front wall 16 or rear wail 18 or base wail 22 of the kerb base unit 12, and which, in use, is physically spaced-apart from the communication and telecommunications cables in the kerb base unit 12. Alternatively, it is envisaged that either one of the electrical power or telecommunications cabling systems, which can include fibre optic cables and the like, could be concealed within a separate external ducting, trunking or conduit positioned along the longitudinal length of the kerb base unit 12. Equally, electromagnetic interference coupling can be reduced through known shielding techniques, or by balancing the current flow in a three-phase electrical supply, as would be known to someone skilled in the art.

The skilled person will understand that when used to provide or improve 4G and 5G (and beyond) cellular telecommunications network reception, the interchangeable head 14 may contain transmitters and/or repeaters to amplify or recreate the signal, including the necessary electronics modules and backhaul technology. The antennas used in such transmitters and/or repeaters can be omnidirectional or a directional antenna can be utilised and orientated to radiate/receive greater power in a specific direction. The skilled person will understand that such a directional antenna, when used within the interchangeable head 14 or retained within wider kerb architecture or infrastructure or from within the telescopically extendable and retractable member 88 or the head 100 of io the pivoting arm 98 or deployed in the fixed upwardly-projecting arm 102, mast, bollard or pole, can be orientated to radiate signals towards and/or receive signals, for example, the dwellings 44 that border the pavement 24 along the lines of installed modular kerb assemblies 10. Such a directional antenna being particularity useful for 5G frequencies, which need line-of-sight within a small radius to successfully communicate. The interchangeable head 14 of the present invention also being able to support the latest WiFi 6 (IEEE 802.11 ax) standard, and the 60 Gliz radio band which is advantageous for high bandwidth (>1Gb/s) point-to-point and point-to-multipoint applications. When configured in this manner, the present invention enables improved connectivity for local residents, by removing localised blackspots. The present invention having the ability to communicate with front, mid, backhaul or core networks and infrastructure.

The utilisation of the present invention enables local authorities and corporates to create private shared wireless networks. The upwardly-projecting arm 102, mast, bollard or pole can therefore also act as a cellular relay or repeater acting as backhaul in some rural applications, if there is no fibre optic cable installed.

This solution gives city planners the ability to provide 4G and SG cellular capacity in major cities, as unlike small cell towers, any such kerb-based solution would not need planning approval for this mobile telecommunications infrastructure and hardware upgrade, which is especially a problem for the high frequency SG network. Incorporating or integrating such cellular hardware within the interchangeable head 14 of the modular kerb assembly 10 means that 5G rollout can be installed with minimal disruption, as no street works or construction is required, and without changing the appearance of the local area in any way.

The skilled person will appreciate that the present invention provides the ability to provide modular, easily exchangeable heads 14 which can provide kerbside or localised electrical power or telecommunication signals and networks, infrastructure and/or provide other functionalities. The heads 14 can support one or more differing technologies depending upon requirements, and therefore offer differing commercial licensing arrangements and opportunities For example, the modular kerb 10 can be supplied with a combinational mast head 100 incorporating plug-in EV charging point 82 and integrated communication antenna and/or lighting and different combinations thereof Such cellular hardware (not shown) provided within the interchangeable head 14 could be powered from the electrically-connected kerb base unit 12 at an appropriate point on the electricity network, or take its input electrical supply from the battery set 40 located within the kerb 10 or separate chamber 38. Alternately, the cellular hardware can receive its input electrical supply from scavenged or harvested power from stray electromagnetic fields around the nearby electrical cable infrastructure and assets, as described below. This latter approach being particularly suitable for use in remote, inaccessible and/or hazardous locations as an alternative energy source to batteries 40 and the like.

Stray alternating electromagnetic fields surrounding nearby power cables can be utilised to operate a piezoelectric, capacitive or inductive energy harvester for the generation of power to charge the battery set 40 located within the kerb 10 or in a separate chamber 38. The modular kerb assembly 10 of the present invention therefore having the ability to transfer power and telecommunication signals wirelessly from any plane in juxtaposition to the kerb 10 and having the ability to transfer power from kerb-to-kerb via induction or resonant induction coupling from any plane or face of the kerb 10 to provide a genuinely flexible modular kerbside asset having the exact same outward appearance or exterior as entirely conventional roadside kerbs.

As mentioned, the kerb assembly 10 is modular for ease of replacement of heads 14 to accommodate damage or the removal and replacement of obsolescent heads 14 with new technology, However, the kerb assembly 10 can instead be configured with a unitary interchangeable head 104 which integrates the provision of kerbside electrical power or telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or other functionalities with the rechargeable battery cells In use, the modular interchangeable head 14 or unitary interchangeable head 104 of the kerb assembly 10 therefore has the ability to deliver autonomous vehicle charging, off-grid charging, mobile charging and vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging, as well as providing smart city infrastructure and platforms and/or provides other functionalities The present invention, consisting of linear kerb lines being operable to wirelessly connect an electricity supply to an electric vehicle, can also be used for wireless charging of moving electric vehicles on roads. Electricity is transferred from the kerbside to a moving electric vehicle via the resonant induction receiver coil affixed to the electric vehicle at its undercarriage or sill.

The present invention, consisting of linear kerb lines which may include integrated telecommunication signals, infrastructure and/or provide other functionalities and sensors, can also be used to connect and assist with autonomous vehicle systems. Further examples of such deployable functionalities and sensors, may include camera systems, including automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems and CCTV. Such camera systems may be deployable as overt or covert surveillance systems, depending upon the application.

In a preferred embodiment, the modular kerb assembly 10 described herein and parts thereof can be formed from Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Glass Reinforced Nylon (GRN), resins or blends thereof. Alternatively, the kerb base unit 12 may have a concrete or stone construction. The skilled person will appreciate that the modular kerb assembly 10 and parts thereof can be formed from any number of synthetic plastics material, or any other suitable first or second generation plastic material. The above list is no way intended to be limiting or exhaustive.

The modular kerb assembly 10 and parts thereof can be manufactured using techniques such as injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum forming, rotational moulding, compression moulding, rim moulding, powder impression moulding or any other form of plastics manufacture.

The modular kerb assembly 10 and parts thereof can be supplied in a number of different colours. By forming the modular kerb assembly 10 and parts thereof from a cellular synthetic plastics material having a textured surface finish a concrete or stone surface finish can be achieved.

Sections of the modular kerb assembly 10 and parts thereof can be made from differing io polymers. For example, the interchangeable heads or cartridges 14 could be manufactured from Glass Reinforced Nylon, this being a strong polymer highly resistant to impact damage, and the base unit 12 could be made from a blended recycled polyolefin, being a belowground application needing less mechanical resistance. Certain masterbatches and polymer with increased ferrous content could be used to improve energy transfer.

Furthermore, CO2 and NOx scavengers can be added to the polymers during processing, these additives attract airborne particles whilst in-situ to the kerb surface 10, and are then washed away with rainfall.

Various ferrous and non-ferrous materials, or ferrite particle masterbatches, can be provided within the polymer matrix to optimise resonant induction transfer within the modular kerb assembly 10, or adjacent to, or encompassing, the resonant induction transmitter coil 30 or resonant induction receiver coil affixed to the electric vehicle The modular kerb assembly 10 and parts thereof can also be supplied can be via any suitable form of metal fabrication, i.e. from a welded and bolted construction. Equally, the modular kerb assembly 10 and parts thereof can be machined, pressed, cast or forged from a suitable ferrous or non-ferrous metal or metals, composite alloys and the like.

Equally, the modular kerb assembly 10 and parts thereof can be formed from two or more constituent materials or compositions of materials.

Any suitable material would need to meet the structural requirements and/or material specification of British Standard EN 1340 or further International standards Therefore, the use of the modular kerb 10 according to the present invention enables a dynamic power storage and transmission system for both residential and commercial properties or for EV charging, by either resonant wireless induction or hardwired connection. It will be appreciated that within this application, the term "electric load" means any mobile or fixed electrical component or sub-component thereof, or any apparatus, system, accessory or device that consumes electric power.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms 'comprises and "comprising" and ID variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in the terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, separately, or in any combination of such features, can be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described herein, which are described by way of example only. It will be understood that features described in relation to any particular embodiment can be featured in combination with other embodiments It is contemplated by the inventor that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Examples of these include the following: Figure 1 shows that a head 14 is connected to the kerb base unit 12. It is envisaged that a removable head 14 that contains a lighting system can be provided, for low-level lighting or as warning system, for example, at pedestrian crossings as they could contain indication for the visually impaired. Furthermore, the incorporated battery set 40 within the kerb 12 could supply power to street lighting or traffic signals or any other highways-related infrastructure.

There is also opportunity to create a linear line of interconnected kerbs 10 that could enable EV charging while in transit. The easy access modular design of the kerb assembly 10 could enable damaged sections to be easily replaced without costly traffic management and traffic disruption

Claims

CLAIMSA modular kerb comprising: a base unit being adapted to receive an electricity supply, the base unit being adapted to connect the electricity supply to an interchangeable head, the interchangeable head being operable to connect the electricity supply to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load.
2. The modular kerb as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interchangeable head is received inside, or is proximate to, the base unit.
3. The modular kerb as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the interchangeable head is received inside a slot or opening formed in a generally uppermost wall and/or sloping wall of the base unit.
4. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interchangeable head is removable and being operable to connect the electricity supply to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load when docked in the base unit.
5. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interchangeable head comprises a resonant induction coil being configured to create an electromagnetic field to supply energy from the electricity supply to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load using electromagnetic induction
6. The modular kerb as claimed in claim 5, wherein the resonant nduction coil being retained entirely within the interchangeable head.
7. The modular kerb as claimed in claim 5, wherein the resonant induction coil being deployable as a retractable roll or sheet which is generally planar when unfurled.
8. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interchangeable head comprises a physically-lockable or electronically-actuated access cover which contains a plug-in WV charging cable.
9. The modular kerb as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plug-in EV charging cable is extendable and retractable through the access cover disposed in the interchangeable head.
10. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interchangeable head being provided as a removable blanking unit
11. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interchangeable o head includes one or more from the group consisting of: Wi-Fi systems and antennas (IEEE 802.11 standard), Bluetooth systems and antennas, cellular telecommunications networks, rechargeable batteries, carbon and NOx sequestration filters, CO2 and/or NOx monitoring systems, traffic flow monitoring sensors, traffic signal monitoring systems, Global Positioning Sensor (GPS) tracking devices, lighting systems, pedestrian crossing warnings and illumination indicia and the like.
12. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interchangeable head being electrically-or inductively-coupled to a modular rechargeable battery set which is received inside, or is proximate to, the slot or opening formed in the base unit, the modular rechargeable battery set being interposed between the interchangeable head and the base unit.
13. The modular kerb as claimed in claim 12, wherein the modular rechargeable battery set are entirely contained within the base unit positioned below the interchangeable head, and in use positioned below the surface of a road to mitigate the risks of vehicular impact damage.
14. The modular kerb as claimed in claim 13, wherein the base unit being connectable to a separate belowground battery set having a battery capacity greater than that of the modular rechargeable battery set.
15. The modular kerb as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the interchangeable head can then be switched on-, or off-, wirelessly via application software and/or the electric usage can be monitored.
16. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the modular rechargeable battery set and/or the separate belowground battery set is trickle charged from the electricity supply during periods of low demand and are dischargeable to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load during periods of peak demand.
17. The modular kerb as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the modular kerb being formed in the dimensions of an existing standard or non-standard shape, which includes one or more from the group consisting of: half-battered, bull-nosed, io splayed, droppers, crossing kerbs, radius, transition, quadrants and edging kerbs.
18. The modular kerb as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base unit comprises means to electrically connect the base unit to a neighbouring base unit.
19. The modular kerb as claimed in claim 18, wherein the means to electrically connect the base unit to a neighbouring base comprises complementary male and female connectors being formed in each of the end walls of the kerb base unit and a pre-cut length of cable connected therebetween disposed within a channel within the body of the base unit, and such that when the kerb base unit is laid against the neighbouring base unit, the male and female connectors disposed in in the end walls are brought together and mate to form an electrical connection therebetween.
20. The modular kerb as claimed in claim 1, wherein the other electric load comprises a dwelling
21. The modular kerb as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the modular kerb and/or parts thereof are formed via injection moulding and/or blow moulding and/or vacuum forming and/or rotational moulding and/or compression moulding and/or rim moulding and/or powder impression moulding and/or any form of plastics or rubber manufacture.
22. The modular kerb as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the modular kerb and/or parts thereof are manufactured from a suitable plastics or rubberised material selected from the group consisting, but not limited to, any of the following: Polypropylene (PP), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Glass Reinforced Nylon (GRN), resins or blends thereof, or be manufactured from a concrete or stone construction.
23. The modular kerb as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more masterbatches are admixed with the polymer blend with increased ferrous content to enhance resonant electromagnetic induction or by using ferrites.
24. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein one or more charging sockets are disposed in the uppermost wall and/or sloping wall of the interchangeable head such that the sockets receive a plug of a charging cable to connect the electricity supply to the electric vehicle parked adjacent to the modular kerb.
25. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interchangeable head comprises a telescopically extendable and retractable member being adjustable between stowed and raised positions or a pivoting arm being pivotable between stowed and raised positions or a fixed upwardly-projecting arm to provide kerbside electricity supply to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load and/or to provide telecommunication signals or networks and/or other functionalities.
26. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a removable induction plate being close inductively-coupled to the interchangeable head to provide kerbside wired or wireless electromagnetic induction or telecommunication signals or networks, infrastructure and/or other functionalities
27. The modular kerb as claimed in claim 1 L wherein the cellular telecommunications networks further comprises 2G to 50 networks or a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) being supplied by integrating small cell antennas, omnidirectional and/or directional antennas, local area booster or repeater technologies, or any transmitting device or technology that enables or improves network reception from within the interchangeable head.
28. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the primary transmitter coil provided in the interchangeable head and the secondary receiver coil disposed on the electric vehicle meets with International Standard SA EJ2954.
29. The modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 21 to 23, further comprising means to receive an electrical supply from scavenged or harvested power from stray electromagnetic fields situated around the nearby electrical cable infrastructure and assets and/or from energy-harvesting flexible polymeric material which, when stepped upon, coverts the kinetic energy of a stepping foot into electrical energy and/or from at least partially covering sections of the modular kerb with a photovoltaic material for converting solar energy into electrical energy.
30. The modular kerb as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the base unit and interchangeable head is below 20kg to adhere to one-operative lift, set-out and installation manual handling requirements.
31. A method of manufacturing a modular kerb as claimed in any of claims 1 to 30, the method comprising the steps of: a) supplying a polymer into a moulding tool which defines the base unit; b) providing means to electrically connect the base unit to a neighbouring base unit when in use; and c) forming an interchangeable head that is receivable in the base unit.
32 A method of laying a linear kerb line being operable to connect an electricity supply to an electric vehicle and/or other electric load, comprising the steps of: a) placing a set of polymeric kerb base units as claimed in any of claims 1 to 30 along the borders of a road; b) laying the sub-base of the road; c) electrically connecting the set of polymeric kerb base units together; d) laying the top coat of the road; e) inserting an interchangeable head in the slot or opening formed in the base unit, and f) connecting one or both linear ends of the electrically-connected kerb base units to an appropriate point on the electricity network, or at one or more points therebetween.
33. A modular construction element comprising: a base unit being adapted to receive an electricity supply, the base unit being adapted to connect the electricity supply to an interchangeable head, the interchangeable head being operable to connect the electricity supply to charge an electric vehicle and/or to provide telecommunication signals or networks, infrastructure and/or other functionalities.
34. The modular construction element as claimed in claim 33, wherein the ID construction element being formed in the dimensions of an existing standard or non-standard shape, which includes one or more from the group consisting of kerbs, paving elements, slabs or blocks for use in pavements, driveways and other hard landscaping, construction products, such as a bricks or blocks or capping, drainage elements, bumper stops and the like.
35. The modular construction element as claimed in claims 33 or 34, wherein the base unit and the interchangeable head when assembled to form the modular construction element have substantially the same outward appearance or exterior as an entirely conventional construction element.
36. The modular construction element as claimed in any of claims 33 to 35, wherein the interchangeable head deliver autonomous vehicle charging and/or off-grid charging and/or mobile charging and/or vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging and/or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging and/or provides smart city infrastructure and platforms