NZ616022B2 - Ground stabilising device - Google Patents

Abstract

ground stabilising device (10) comprises a securing arrangement (16) and a load spreading arrangement (18) on the securing arrangement. The securing arrangement defines a through passage (Fig. 4 - 40) for an elongate article (12). The securing arrangement comprises a guide member (54) extending towards the passage, and a clamping assembly (38). The clamping assembly is movable along the guide member towards the passage to clamp the elongate article in the passage and secure the elongate article to the ground stabilising device. wards the passage, and a clamping assembly (38). The clamping assembly is movable along the guide member towards the passage to clamp the elongate article in the passage and secure the elongate article to the ground stabilising device.

Description

Ground Stabilising Device This invention relates to ground stabilising devices. More particularly, but not exclusively, this ion relates to ground stabilising devices for use with wires, wire ropes, strands or cables.

In order to stabilise unsteady ground, anchors attached to wires or cables are driven into the ground to a depth at which they are ly held. A ground stabilising device mounted on the opposite end of the wire is then moved along the wire until it is tightened against the ground. The ground stabilising device can include a suitable clamp to allow it to be held in place on the wire. in a first aspect, the present invention provides a ground stabilising device comprising: a securing arrangement and a load spreading arrangement on the securing ement, the securing arrangement comprising a body defining a through e through which an elongate article can extend, the body extending transverse to the load spreading arrangement; wherein the body ses a guide member extending towards the through passage, the guide member comprising an internal wall of the body; wherein the securing arrangement further includes a clamping assembly movable along the guide member towards the through passage to clamp the elongate article in the passage and secure the elongate e to the ground stabilising arrangement, the clamping assembly comprising a clamping member and urging means to urge the clamping member towards the through passage; n the body has distal and proximal end regions, the proximal end region being closer to the load spreading arrangement than the distal end region; n the securing arrangement further es a reaction member to provide a reaction force to the urging means; wherein the reaction member is ed at said proximal end region of the body; and wherein the urging means extends from the reaction member at said proximal end region of the body to the clamping member to urge the clamping member s the distal end region of the body.

The securing arrangement may define a space in communication with the through e. The guide member may extend along the space. The guide member may constitute a wall of the space. The space may be a channel. The guide member may be inclined relative to the through e. The channel may be inclined relative to the through e.

The ciamping assembly may comprise a clamping member. The clamping assembly the clamping member s the through may further include urging means to urge be movable along the channel. passage. The clamping assembly may The clamping member may be a cylindrical or spherical , or a wedge. urging means may se a spring, such as a compression spring. to the The securing arrangement may comprise a body which may extend transverse The channel load spreading arrangement. The channel may be defined by the body. the through passage, such as between 10° and may be inclined at an acute angle to °. in one embodiment. the clamping member is separate from the body. The clamping member may be movable linearly relative to the body.

The guide member may have a first end region proximate or at the through passage. first end region.

The guide member may have a second end region spaced from the The urging means may extend from the second end region towards the first and region. The clamping member may be disposed at the first and region. between The channel may have an Open first end region to provide communication the channel and the through e. The channel may have a second end region from the second end Spaced from the first end . The urging means may extend region towards the first end . The clamping member may be ed at the first end region. The first end region of the guide member may be provided at open first end region of the channel.

The second end region of the guide member of the channel. may be provided at the second end region reaction A reaction member may be provided at the second end region to provide a blind end region of the force to the urging member. The second end region may be a channel. The second end region may constitute the reaction member.

W0 2012/140393 The securing arrangement may comprise release means to release the clamping member from clamping the elongate article. The release means may comprise a release aperture extending through the body to the first endof the channel. The release aperture may be ed in the body adjacent to the first end region of the channel The h passage may be defined by the body. The through passage may extend along an article engaging wall, which may be provided by the body. The clamping member may be urged by the urging means towards the article engaging wall. The clamping member may be configured to clamp the elongate article against the article engaging wall.

The load spreading arrangement may , outwardly from the securing ement. The load spreading arrangement may extend radially outwardly from the body. The load spreading arrangement may be generally circular or oval in plan.

In another embodiment, the load spreading arrangement may be lly polygonal in plan, such as a square or rectangle.

The load spreading ement may comprise a plurality of dly extending elongate rib members. The outwardly extending elongate members may have distal ends spaced from the securing arrangement. In one embodiment, the load spreading arrangement may comprise a rim to join the distal ends of adjacent outwardly extending elongate rib members to each other. The rim may extend substantially wholly around the securing arrangement. In another embodiment, the distal ends of the outwardly extending elongate rib members may be free ends, and may be unattached to a rim.

The load spreading arrangement may include a web covering, which may extend between the elongate rib members. The web covering may extend across the rib In a further embodiment, the load spreading arrangement may have a g formation in which an end region of the elongate article can be held. The holding ion may extend outwardly from the securing arrangement.

PCT/G82012/000302 The load Spreading ement may se a web covering, and the holding formation may be defined in the web covering. The holding formation may be elongate, and may be a recess defined in the web ng. The g formation may be curved.

The load ing arrangement may have two holding formations extending opposite each other from the securing arrangement. Each holding formation may extend outwardly from the securing arrangement.

The, or each, holding formation may be a groove defined in the web covering.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a ground stabilising assembly comprising a ground stabilising device as described above and an elongate article.

The elongate e may be formed of a metal such as steel, and may comprise a wire, wire rope, strand or cable.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of a ground stabilising device; Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a further embodiment of a ground stabilising device; Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the ground stabilising device shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a sectional side view of a ground ising device; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic sectional side view of the ground stabilising device shown in Figures 2 and 3 in use; embodiment of a ground stabilising Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of a further device; Figure 7 is a bottom ctive view of a fourth embodiment of a ground ising device; Figure 8 is a bottom ctive view of a fifth embodiment of a ground stabilising device; Figure 9 is a top perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a ground stabilising device; and Figure 10 is a bottom perspective view of the ground stabilising device shown Figure 9.

Figure 1 shows a ground stabilising device 10 which is used in conjunction with a and a ground anchor flexible te article 12, such as a wire, wire rope or strand, in Patent 14 (see Figure 5). A le ground anchor is disclosed Specification device 10 is to stabilise Number US 7,534,073. The function of the ground stabilising the ground or soil in areas where the ground or soil may be unstable.

The ground the ground to be stabilising device 10 can be used with a mat that is disposed over stabilised. 16 and a load The ground ising device 10 comprises a securing arrangement arrangement spreading arrangement 18 which extends outwardly from the securing in Figure 1, the load spreading arrangement 18 16. In the embodiment shown is generally in the extends radially outwardly from the securing arrangement 16 and disc. It will be appreciated, however, that the load form of a circular spreading of ent load arrangement 18 can be of any other suitable shape, and examples Spreading arrangements are described below. first end 22 and a The securing arrangement 16 comprises a body 20 having a second end 24. The second end 22 of the body 20 is attached directly to the load spreading arrangement 18, and the second end 24 is spaced therefrom. The body houses a clamping assembly which is described in more detail below.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a second embodiment of the ground ising device 10 in which the load ing arrangement 18 is of an oval shape in plan, and comprises a web covering 26, radially dly extending rib members 28 and a downwardly extending rim 30. The web covering 26 extends between, and across, the rib members 28.

The securing arrangement 16 shown in Figures 2 and 3 further include a recessed member 32. The body 20 is attached at its lower end to a recessed member 32, which extends between the load spreading ement 18 and the body 20. The web covering 26 and the rib members 28 extend from the recessed member 32 to the rim 30.

As seen in Figure 3, the recessed member 32 defines a recess 34, which is provided to hold a cut end of the elongate article 12. When the ground stabilising device 10 has been installed and secured to the te article 12, as explained below, a length of the elongate article 12 extends upwardly from the ground stabilising device . The elongate article 12 can then be cut. In order to t dangerous short lengths of the te article 12 extending from the ground stabilising device 10, the region of the elongate article 12 within the recess 34 can be out below the upper surface of the load spreading arrangement 18 so that the cut upper end region of the elongate article 12 is held within the recess 32, and does not extend above the upper e of the load spreading arrangement 18. ing to Figure 4, there is shown a sectional side view of the ground stabilising device 10 shown in Figures 2 and 3. In Figure 4, the securing arrangement 16 is shown in more detail. The securing arrangement 16 comprises a space in the form of a channel 36 defined in the body 20 in which a clamping assembly 38 is held. The body 20 also defines a through passage 40 for the elongate e 12.

The channel 36 has a distal end 42, which provides communication between the channel 36 and the through passage 40. The channel 36 also includes a proximal PCT/GBZOIZ/000302 end region 44, which is a blind end. An abutment member 46 is arranged across the proximal end region 44.

The clamping assembly 38 comprises a clamping member 48 and urging means in the form of a coiled compression spring 50. As shown in Figure 5, the clamping member 48 is urged by the compression spring 50 in the direction indicated by the arrow A towards the through passage 40. The compression spring 50 s between the abutment 46 and the clamping member 48, the abutment 46 ing a reaction force against the compression spring, to enable the compression spring 50 to urge the clamping member 48 in the direction of the arrow A. in the embodiment shown herein. the clamping member is in the form of a cylinder, but it will be appreciated that the clamping member 48 could be any other suitable shape, for example a sphere or a wedge.

The through passage 40 is defined n the channel 36 and an article engaging wall 52 of the body 20. The channel 36 is defined between an inclined guide , in the form of an inclined guide wall 54, and the through passage 40. The inclined guide wall 54 is inclined to the through passage 40 at an angle of between ° and 30°. Thus, the wedge is urged towards the elongate article 12 at an acute angle thereto.

The through passage 40 is provided to receive therethrough the elongate article 12, as shown in Figure 5. When the elongate article 12 is ed therein, and before the clamping member 48 has been tightened against the elongate article 12, as explained below, the elongate article 12 can be moved through the through passage in the direction indicated by the arrow B.

When it is desired to clamp the elongate article 12 to the ground stabilising device 10. the ground ising device 10 is moved along the elongate article 12 in the direction indicated by the arrow C. The compression spring 50 holds the clamping member 48 in engagement with the te article 12, so that movement of the te article 12 in the direction of the arrow C causes the ng member 48 to move along the inclined guide wall 54 in the ion indicated by the arrow A and is thus urged against the elongate article 12, by a combination of the action of the Spring 50 and the inclination of the guide wail 54 until the elongate e 12 is clamped tightly by the clamping member which pushes the elongate article 12 against the article engaging wall 52.

In order to release the clamping member from the ng device, a release aperture 56 is defined in the body 20 and extends inwardly from the distal end 24 to the channel 36. The release aperture 56 thereby provides communication between the first end 42 of the l 36 and the region outside the body 20 at the distal end A suitable release tool (not shown) which comprises an elongate insertion member can be inserted through the release aperture 56 into engagement with the clamping member 38. By applying a force against the clamping member in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow A, the clamping member 38 can be released from the elongate article 12. thereby allowing the position of the ground stabilising device 10 to be ed along the elongate article 12.

Further embodiments of the ground stabilising device 10 are shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8. Each of the embodiments shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8 comprises a ng arrangement as described above, but different load spreading arrangements. In Figure 6, the load spreading arrangement 18 is of the same general shape as the load spreading arrangement 18 shown in Figures 2 and 3, but the web n of the load spreading arrangement 18 has been omitted. The load spreading arrangement 18 shown in Figure 6 thus consists only of the rib s 28 and the rim 30. Gaps 126 are defined between the rib s 28. The load spreading arrangement 18 shown in Figure 6 thus allows growth of grass between the rib members 28.

The ground stabilising device shown in Figure 7 has a load ing arrangement 18 which is of a generally square ration comprising a square rim 130, rib members 128, and a web portion 126. The ground stabilising device 10 shown in Figure 7 is used for the purpose of repair.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment which is similar to the embodiment shown such that the load Figure 6, but the rim 30 and the web portion 26 have been omitted, spreading arrangement 18 comprises only the rib s 28.

Figures 9 and 10 show a fifth embodiment, in which the load spreading arrangement 18 is in the form of a disc 188, which is generally circular in uration, having a the rim 30. The rib web covering 26 extending from the securing arrangement 16 to members 28 extend radially outwardly from the securing arrangement the form of a pair of The load spreading arrangement 118 has a holding formation in The recesses 140, 142 elongate recesses 140, 142 defined by the web covering 26.

Each recess 140, extend from the securing ement 16 opposite each other. 142 is curved, and together they provide an "S” shaped groove extending on opposite sides of the securing arrangement 16. article 12, The grooves 140, 142 are ed to hold the and length of the elongate 16. The where said end length protrudes upwardly from the securing arrangement grooves 140, 142 have tabs 144 which hold the aforesaid protruding length of the te article 12 in the groove 140 or 142. article 12, If it is desired to adjust the ground stabilising device 10 along the te from the groove 140 the protruding length of the elongate article 12 can be removed the use of the release tool, or 142 and the clamping member ed therefrom by as described above. The ground stabilising device 10 can then be moved along the the clamping elongate article 12 to the desired position, and can then be clamped by assembly 38. Any remaining length of the elongate article 12 protruding from the and held securing arrangement 16 can be disposed in one of the grooves 140, 142, therein by the tabs 144. device 10 which There are thus described various embodiments of a load stabilising provide several advantages over the prior art, for example, the elongate article 12 to be adjusted to a on can be released to allow the ground stabilising device re along the elongate e 12. A further advantage. is that the recess 34 surface of the allows the cut end of the elongate article to be housed below the upper load ing arrangement 18. A further advantage is that the load stabilising device 10 described above are provided as a single unit. thereby avoiding the need for assembly on site. Another advantage of the embodiment described above is that it has a load spreading arrangement, which can thereby preserve the integrity of a substrate, such as a mat, upon which it is used. Yet another advantage is that the ground stabilising device 10 has a low visual impact. A further advantage is that, by the use of a metal to form the ground stabilising device 10 and the elongate article 12, the mechanical properties are maintained under e temperatures and extreme weather conditions, and over a long period of time. The ments described herein also have the advantage that the elongate article is infinitely able relative to the securing arrangement.

Various modifications can be made without ing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the load spreading arrangement 18 could be any suitable shape other than those described above.

Claims (22)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A ground stabilising device sing: a securing arrangement and a load spreading arrangement on the securing arrangement, the securing arrangement comprising a body defining a through passage through which an elongate article can extend, the body extending transverse to the load spreading arrangement; wherein the body comprises a guide member extending s the through passage, the guide member comprising an internal wall of the body; wherein the securing arrangement further includes a clamping assembly movable along the guide member towards the h passage to clamp the elongate article in the passage and secure the elongate article to the ground stabilising arrangement, the clamping assembly comprising a clamping member and urging means to urge the clamping member towards the through passage; wherein the body has distal and proximal end s, the proximal end region being closer to the load spreading arrangement than the distal end region; wherein the securing arrangement r includes a reaction member to provide a reaction force to the urging means; n the reaction member is ed at said proximal end region of the body;and wherein the urging means extends from the reaction member at said proximal end region of the body to the clamping member to urge the ng member towards the distal end region of the body.

2. A ground stabilising device according to claim 1, wherein the clamping member comprises a cylindrical or spherical member or a wedge, and the urging means comprise a spring.

3. A ground ising device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide member has a first end region at the passage, and a second end region spaced from the first end region, the urging means extending from the second end region towards the first end region.

4. A ground stabilising device according to claim 3, wherein the body defines a space in communication with the through passage, the guide member constituting a guide wall of the space.

5. A ground stabilising device according to claim 4, wherein the body defines a e aperture, which extends through the body to the space to release the ng member from clamping the elongate article.

6. A ground stabilising device according to claim 4 or 5, n the body comprises an article engaging wall along which the passage extends.

7. A ground ising device according to claim 6, wherein the clamping member is urged by the urging means towards the article engaging wall, whereby the clamping member can clamp the elongate e against the article engaging wall.

8. A ground stabilising device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide member is inclined at an acute angle of between 10° and 30° to the passage.

9. A ground stabilising device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load spreading arrangement extends outwardly from the securing arrangement.

10. A ground ising device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the load spreading arrangement comprises a plurality of outwardly extending elongate rib members, each te rib member having a distal end spaced from the securing arrangement.

11. A ground stabilising device according to claim 10, wherein the load spreading arrangement comprises a rim to join the distal ends of adjacent outwardly ing elongate rib members to each other, the rim ing substantially wholly around the securing arrangement.

12. A ground stabilising device ing to claim 10, wherein the distal ends of the outwardly extending elongate rib members are free ends.

13. A ground ising device according to claim 10, wherein the load spreading arrangement includes a web covering, which extends between the elongate rib members.

14. A ground ising device according to claim 1, wherein the load ing arrangement has a holding formation in which an end region of the te article can be held.

15. A ground stabilising device according to claim 14, wherein the holding formation extends outwardly from the securing arrangement.

16. A ground stabilising device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the load spreading arrangement comprises a web covering, and the g formation is defined in the web covering.

17. A ground stabilising device according to claim 16, wherein the holding formation is an elongate recess defined in the web covering.

18. A ground stabilising device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the load spreading arrangement has two holding formations extending outwardly opposite each other from the securing arrangement.

19. A ground stabilising assembly sing a ground stabilising device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and an elongate article.

20. A ground stabilising assembly ing to claim 19, wherein the elongate article comprises a metal wire, wire rope or strand.

21. A ground stabilising device substantially as herein described, with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

22. A ground stabilising assembly according to claim 19, substantially as herein bed or exemplified. WO 40393 SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO‘