WO2001055515A1

WO2001055515A1 - Retainer module

Info

Publication number: WO2001055515A1
Application number: PCT/AU2001/000070
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Michael Williams
Original assignee: Cbh Commercial Services Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2000-01-27
Filing date: 2001-01-25
Publication date: 2001-08-02
Also published as: AUPQ528100A0

Abstract

A retainer module (10) for retaining bulk particulate solids, the retainer module (10) comprising a base surface (16), a rear surface (14) and a load-bearing surface (12), the load-bearing surface (12) comprising an upper portion (22) and a lower portion (24), wherein: the rear surface (14) is provided substantially normally to the base surface (16), the rear surface (14) having a height (26) and the base surface (16) having a depth (30), such that the height (26) of the rear surface (14) is approximately 1 to 2 times the depth (30) of the base surface (16); the load-bearing surface (12) extends between the base surface (16) and the rear surface (14); the upper portion (22) of the load-bearing surface (12) is arranged in a non-coplanar manner relative to the lower portion (24) of the load-bearing surface (12); and the base surface (14) and the lower portion (24) of the load-bearing surface (12) describe an angle of between about 15 and 45°.

Description

"Retainer Module"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a retainer module. More particularly, the retainer module of the present invention is adapted for use in the retention of bulk particulate material.

Background Art

Presently, bulk particulate material such as food grains, crushed mineral ores, fertilisers, landfill and the like are typically retained by massive permanent or semi-permanent structures, being formed of a dense material such as concrete. Such structures are time and resource consuming to erect. Even existing modular units possess sufficient mass to exclude manual handling, introducing significant transport and handling costs.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a modular retainer for particulate material of high strength but low enough mass to allow such to be transported and assembled by manual means.

The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Disclosure of the Invention

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a retainer module for retaining bulk particulate solids, the retainer module comprising a base surface, a rear surface and a load-bearing surface, the load-bearing surface comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein:

the rear surface is provided substantially normally to the base surface, the rear surface having a height and the base surface having a depth;

the load-bearing surface extends between the base surface and the rear surface;

the upper portion of the load-bearing surface is arranged in a non-coplanar manner relative to the lower portion of the load-bearing surface; and

the base surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface describe an angle of between about 15 and 45°.

Preferably, the height of the rear surface is approximately 1 to 2 times the depth of the base surface. Preferably still, the height of the rear surface is approximately 1.25 to 2 times the depth of the base surface. In a highly specific form of the invention, the height of the rear surface is approximately 1.3 times the depth of the base surface.

The retainer module of the present invention is particularly adapted for the retention of bulk particulate solids with a specific gravity of approximately 1.25 and an angle of repose of approximately 24°, although the scope of the present invention should not be seen as limited to such.

Preferably, the base surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface describe an angle of between about 25 and 35°. Preferably still, the base surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface describe an angle of between about 30 and 35°. Preferably, the retainer module further comprises a reinforcement means adapted to strengthen the load-bearing surface.

In one form of the invention the reinforcement means is provided in the form of one or more kiss-offs connecting the rear and/or base surfaces to the load- bearing surface. Preferably, between about 20% and 45% of the load-bearing surface is supported by kiss-offs. Preferably still, 20-35% of the load-bearing surface is supported by kiss-offs.

Preferably, the reinforcement means comprises a base kiss-off connecting the base surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface, and a rear kiss-off connecting the rear surface and the upper and/or lower portion of the load-bearing surface.

In one form of the invention, the rear kiss-off encompasses between about 60% and 80% of the height of the rear surface. Preferably still, the rear kiss-off encompasses between about 65% and 75% of the height of the rear surface. In a highly preferred form of the invention, the rear kiss-off encompasses about 70% of the height of the rear surface. In a preferred form of the invention, a plurality of rear kiss-offs are provided, mutually spaced across the rear surface.

In an alternate form of the invention the reinforcement means comprises at least two rear kiss-offs, in the form of one upper rear kiss-off and one lower rear kiss- off, wherein the upper rear kiss-off connects an upper portion of the rear surface to the upper portion of the load-bearing surface, and the lower rear kiss-off connects a lower portion of the rear surface to the upper and lower portions of the load-bearing surface, at or about the junction thereof.

Preferably, the upper rear kiss-off and the lower rear kiss-off together encompass between about 60% and 80% of the height of the rear surface. Preferably still, the upper rear kiss-off and the lower rear kiss-off together encompass between about 65% and 75% of the height of the rear surface. In a highly preferred form of the invention, the upper rear kiss-off and the lower rear kiss-off together encompass about 70% of the height of the rear surface. ln a preferred form of the invention, a plurality of upper and lower rear kiss-offs are provided, mutually spaced across the rear surface. Preferably, the base kiss- off encompasses between about 50 and 70 % of the depth of the base surface. Preferably still, the base kiss-off encompasses between about 55% and 65% of the depth of the base surface. In a highly preferred form of the invention, the base kiss-off encompasses about 60% of the depth of the base surface.

In one form of the invention, the base surface has a width substantially identical to the depth thereof, and the rear surface has a width substantially identical to the width of the base surface.

Where the base surface has a width substantially identical to the depth thereof, and the rear surface has a width substantially identical to the width of the base surface, and where upper and lower rear kiss-offs are provided, three upper-rear kiss-offs may be spaced across the width of the rear surface, such that the width of the area between the kiss-offs is substantially identical to the width of the upper rear kiss-offs. In one form of the invention two lower rear kiss-offs are spaced across the rear surface, the lower rear kiss-offs having a width substantially identical to that of the upper rear kiss-offs and being substantially aligned with the outermost upper rear kiss-offs.

In one form of the invention, three base kiss-offs are provided across the width of the base surface, each base kiss-off being substantially aligned with one of said upper rear kiss-offs. In an alternate form of the invention, three pairs of base kiss- offs are provided across the width of the base surface, each pair of base kiss-offs being substantially aligned with one of said upper rear kiss-offs.

In an alternate form of the invention, the base surface has a width approximately twice the depth thereof, and the rear surface has a width substantially identical to the width of the base surface.

Preferably, where the base surface has a width approximately twice the depth thereof, six rear kiss-offs are provided across the rear surface, such that the width of the area between the kiss-offs is substantially identical to the width of the upper rear kiss-offs

Preferably still, six base kiss-offs are provided across the width of the base surface, each base kiss-off being substantially aligned with one of said rear kiss- offs. In an alternate form of the invention, six pairs of base kiss-offs are provided across the width of the base surface, each pair of base kiss-offs being substantially aligned with one of said rear kiss-offs.

Preferably, at least one step recess is provided in the rear surface of the retainer module, the step recess being dimensioned and positioned to facilitate access to region about the junction of the upper load-bearing surface and the rear surface.

Where two lower rear kiss-offs are provided, the step recess may be interposed between the two rear kiss-offs.

The step recess may be provided in the form of a rear kiss-off.

Where six rear kiss-offs are provided across the width of the base surface, the penultimate rear kiss-offs may serve as step recesses.

Preferably, the junction of the rear surface and the upper portion of the load- bearing surface is curved. Preferably, a lip portion is provided proximate the junction of the rear surface and the upper portion of the load-bearing surface, the lip portion extending rearwardly of the rear surface, substantially normally thereto.

Preferably, the retainer module comprises a first side surface and a second side surface wherein the load-bearing surface, the base surface and the rear surface are located between the first and second side surfaces.

In one form of the invention, the first and second side surfaces are parallel. In an alternate form of the invention, the first and second side surfaces diverge in the direction of the rear surface. Preferably, at least one attachment means is provided upon each of the first and second side surfaces, the or each attachment means being adapted to attach the retainer module to one or more adjacent retainer modules. Preferably, the or each attachment means provided upon the first side surface takes the form of a projection, and the or each attachment means on the second side surface takes the form of a recess, complementary to the projection on the first side surface. In a specific form of the invention, a single projection is provided upon the first side surface, and a single complementary recess is provided in the second side surface. In a highly specific form of the invention, the projection extends along substantially the entire height of the first side portion, and the recess extends along substantially the entire height of the second side portion.

In one form of the invention, the projection and recess are of substantially triangular cross section.

Preferably still, at least one securing point is provided proximate the junction of the rear surface and the upper portion of the load-bearing surface, the or each securing point being adapted to facilitate the reversible attachment of a portion of flexible material, such as a tarpaulin, thereto. The or each securing point may be reinforced by a kiss-off between the rear surface and the upper load bearing surface. Preferably, the or each securing point is reinforced by a kiss-off from the rear surface to the upper load-bearing surface.

Preferably, at least one anchor point is provided proximate the junction of the base surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface, the or each anchor point being adapted to facilitate the reversible attachment of the retainer module to a surface on which it is provided. Preferably still, at least one further anchor point is provided proximate the junction of the rear surface and the base surface, the or each anchor point being adapted to facilitate the reversible attachment of the retainer module to a surface on which it is provided. Where the present invention comprises one or more lower rear kiss-offs, the or each anchor point may be provided within the or each lower rear kiss-off. Preferably, one or more handling recesses are provided in the load-bearing surface, the handling recesses being dimensioned and positioned to facilitate the manual handling of the retainer module of the present invention. Preferably still, two handling recesses are provided in the upper portion of the load-bearing surface, a first handling recess being located proximate the junction of the upper portion of the load-bearing surface and the first side surface, and the junction of the upper portion of the load-bearing surface and the lower portion of the load- bearing surface, and a second handling recess being located proximate the junction of the upper portion of the load-bearing surface and the second side surface, and the junction of the. upper portion of the load-bearing surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface.

In one form of the invention, one or more channels are provided in the base surface, extending from the junction of the base surface and the rear surface to the junction of the base surface and the lower load-bearing surface. The channels facilitate drainage of liquids from beneath the bulk particulate material. Preferably, two linear channels are provided, mutually spaced and dimensioned to facilitate handling of the retainer module by a fork-lift.

Preferably, the rear surface, the load-bearing surface, the base surface and the first and second side surfaces form a closed vessel. Preferably still, the retainer module further comprises at least one ballast inlet point, and at least one ballast outlet point, the ballast inlet point adapted to allow the ingress of ballast and the ballast outlet point adapted to allow the egress of ballast from the retainer module.

Preferably still, the or each ballast inlet point and the or each ballast outlet point are located on the rear surface of the retainer module.

Further and still preferably, the or each ballast inlet point is located on the rear surface proximate the junction of the rear surface with the upper portion of the load-bearing surface, and the or each ballast outlet point is located on the rear surface proximate the junction of the rear surface and the base surface. Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to three embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a retainer module in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the retainer module of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a section view through the retainer module of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the retainer module of Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of retainer modules of Figures 1 to 4;

Figure 6 is a front view of a retainer module in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a top view of the retainer module of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a bottom view of the retainer module of Figures 6 and 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a plurality of retainer modules of Figures 6 to 8.

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a retainer module in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the retainer module of Figure 10; and

Figure 12 is a lower rear perspective view of the retainer module of Figures 10 and 11. Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

In Figures 1 to 4 there is shown a retainer module 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The retainer module 10 comprises a load- bearing surface 12, a rear surface 14, a base surface 16 and first and second side parallel surfaces 18 and 20. The load-bearing surface 12 in turn comprises upper and lower portions 22 and 24.

The rear surface 14 has a height 26 and a width 28, and is provided substantially normally to the base surface 16, which has a depth 30 and a width 32. The height 26 of the rear surface 14 is approximately twice the depth 30 of the base surface 16. The width 32 of the base surface is approximately identical to the depth 30 thereof, as is the width 28 of the rear surface.

The load-bearing surface 12 is interposed between the base surface 16 and the rear surface 18, and the upper and lower portions 22 and 24 of the load-bearing surface are arranged in a non-coplanar manner. The base surface 16 and the lower portion 22 of the load-bearing surface 12 subtend an angle of approximately 30°.

A plurality of reinforcement means, adapted to strengthen the load-bearing surface 12, are provided in the form of three pairs of base kiss-offs 34, three upper rear kiss-offs 36 and two lower rear kiss-offs 38.

Each base kiss-off 34 connects the base surface 16 with the lower portion 24 of the load-bearing surface 12 and encompasses approximately 60% of the depth 30 of the base surface 16.

Each upper rear kiss-off 36 connects an upper portion 40 of the rear surface 14 to the upper portion 22 of the load-bearing surface 12. Each lower rear kiss-off 28 connects a lower portion 42 of the rear surface to the upper and lower portions 22 and 24 of the load-bearing surface 12, at or about the curved junction 44 thereof. Together, the upper and lower rear kiss-offs 36 and 38 encompass approximately 70% of the height 26 of the rear surface 14. The three upper-rear kiss-offs 36 are approximately equidistantly spaced across the width 28 of the rear surface 14, such that the width of the area between the kiss-offs 36 is substantially identical to the width of the upper rear kiss-offs 36.

The two lower rear kiss-offs 38 are spaced across the width 28 of the rear surface 14, the lower rear kiss-offs 38 having a width substantially identical to that of the upper rear kiss-offs 36 and being substantially aligned with the outermost upper rear kiss-offs 36.

The three pairs of base kiss-offs 34 are provided across the width 32 of the base surface 16, each pair of base kiss-offs 16 being substantially aligned with one of said upper rear kiss-offs 36.

The retainer module 10 of the present invention further comprises a curved lip portion 46 provided proximate the junction of the rear surface 14 and the upper portion 22 of the load-bearing surface 12. The lip portion 46 extends rearwardly of the rear surface 14, substantially normally thereto. A plurality of securing points 48 are provided beneath the lip portion 46, the securing points 48 being adapted to facilitate the reversible attachment of a portion of flexible material, such as a tarpaulin, thereto.

Provided upon the first side surface 18 is an attachment means in the form of an elongate projection 50 of substantially triangular cross section, adapted to facilitate the attachment of the retainer module to adjacent retainer modules (not shown), as will be described subsequently. Provided upon the second side surface 20 is an attachment means in the form of an elongate recess 52 of length and triangular cross-section complimentary to that of the projection 50, adapted to facilitate the attachment of the retainer module 10 to adjacent retainer modules, as will be described subsequently.

A plurality of front anchor points 54 are provided proximate the junction of the base surface 16 and the lower portion 22 of the load-bearing surface 12. Further, a rear anchor point 56 is provided in each of the lower rear kiss-offs 38, proximate the junction of the rear surface 14 and the base surface 16. Each front anchor point 54 and rear anchor point 56 is adapted to releasably receive a securing means, such as a peg (not shown), therethrough and is thus adapted to facilitate the reversible attachment of the retainer module 10 to a surface (not shown) on which it is provided.

Provided in the rear surface 14, between the lower rear kiss-offs 38, is a step recess 58. The step recess 58 is dimensioned and positioned to facilitate access to the plurality of securing points 48 by a user (not shown), as will be described subsequently. Further, first and second handling recesses 60 and 62 are provided in the load-bearing surface 12, the handling recesses 60 and 62 being dimensioned and positioned to facilitate the manual handling of the retainer module 10 by the user.

The first handling recess 60 is located proximate the junction of the upper portion 22 of the load-bearing surface 12 and the first side surface 18, and the junction 44 of the upper portion 22 of the load-bearing surface 12 and the lower portion 24 of the load-bearing surface 12. The second handling recess 62 is located proximate the junction of the upper portion 22 of the load-bearing surface 12 and the second side surface 20, and the junction 44 of the upper portion 22 of the load-bearing surface 12 and the lower portion 24 of the load-bearing surface 12.

The rear surface 14, the load-bearing surface 12, the base surface 16 and the first and second side surfaces 18 and 20 of the retainer module 10 of the embodiment form a closed vessel.

Provided on the rear surface 14 of the retainer module 10, proximate the junction of the rear surface14 with the upper portion 22 of the load-bearing surface 12, is a ballast inlet point 64, adapted to allow the ingress of ballast, such as water, into the retainer module 10. Provided on the rear surface 14, proximate the junction of the rear surface 14 and the base surface 16 is a ballast outlet point 66, adapted to allow the egress of ballast, such as water, from the retainer module 10.

In use, the retainer module 10 may be conveniently manually transported to a desired location by way of the handling recesses 60 and 62. Once in position, the retainer module 10 may be releasably secured to the surface on which it is located by way of pins (not shown) driven through the front and rear anchor points 54 and 56. If required, the retained module 10 may be further secured by the introduction of ballast, such as water, by way of the ballast inlet point 64.

Referring now to Figure 5, by releasably engaging the elongate projections 50 and elongate recesses 52 of adjacent retainer modules 10, a retaining barrier 68 may be formed. The triangular cross sections of the elongate projections 50 and recesses 52 facilitate the engagement of such. Bulk particulate solids (not shown) may be placed against the barrier 68, the load-bearing surface 12, as supported by the kiss-offs 36, 38 and 44 bearing the weight of such despite the lightweight construction of the retainer module 10.

It is often desirable to protect bulk particulate solids by covering such and a covering (not shown), such as a tarpaulin, may be readily releasably secured to the retaining barrier 68 by way of the securing points 48. The curved lip portion 46 prevents chaffing of the covering, and the step recess 58 facilitates access to such.

In Figures 6 to 9 there is shown a retainer module 70 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The retainer module 70 is substantially similar to the retainer module 10, and like numerals denote like parts. However, the retainer module 70, the first and second side surfaces 18 and 20 are not parallel, but diverge in the direction of the rear surface 14. Further, three base kiss-offs 34 are provided across the width 32 of the base surface 16, each base kiss-off 34 being substantially aligned with one of said upper rear kiss-offs 36.

In use, the retainer module 70 is substantially similar to the retainer module 10. However, as can best be seen in Figure 9, the non-parallel first and second side surfaces 18 and 20 allow the creation of curved retaining walls 72.

In Figures 10 to 12 there is shown a retainer module 74 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The retainer module 74 is substantially similar to the retainer module 10, and like numerals will be used to denote like parts.

However, the height 26 of the rear surface 14 is approximately 1.2m, and the depth 30 of the base surface 16 approximately 0.9m, such that the height 26 of the rear surface 14 is approximately 1.3 times the depth 30 of the base surface16. Further, the width 32 of the base surface 16 is approximately twice the depth 30 thereof.

Rather than the three upper rear and three lower rear kiss-offs 36 and 36 provided across the width 28 of the rear surface 14, six elongate rear-kiss-offs 76 are provided across such width 28, as can best be seen in Figure 11. Each elongate kiss-off connects the rear surface 14 to the upper and lower portions 22 and 42 of the load-bearing surface 12. Two of said elongate kiss-offs 76, the penultimate elongate kiss-offs 78 relative to the first and second side surfaces 18 and 20, are dimensioned to function in a similar manner to the step recesses 58, of the retainer module 10. Other than the penultimate elongate kiss-offs 78, each elongate kiss-off 76 encompasses approximately 70% of the height 26 of the rear surface 14.

The six elongate rear kiss-offs 78 are approximately equidistantly spaced across the width 28 of the rear surface 14, such that the width of the area between the kiss-offs 36 is substantially identical to the width of the elongate rear kiss-offs 78.

Unlike the securing points 48 of the retainer module 10, the securing points 80 of the retainer module 74 are reinforced by way off kiss-offs 82 between the rear surface 14 and the upper load-bearing surface 22.

Further, as can best be seen in Figure 12, provided in the base-surface 16 of the retainer module 74 are first and second linear channels 84 and 86, extending from the junction of the base surface 16 and the rear surface 14 to the junction of the base surface 16 and the lower portion 22 of the load-bearing surface 12. The first and second linear channels 84 and 86 are mutually spaced and dimensioned to facilitate handling of the retainer module 74 by a forklift (not shown). In use, the retainer module 74 is substantially similar to the retainer module 10. However, the first and second linear channels 84 and 86 facilitate the drainage of liquid from beneath the bulk particulate material.

It is envisaged that the retainer module of the present invention be formed from a plastic composite by way of rotary moulding techniques. It is envisaged that the plastic composite be resistant to ultra-violet radiation.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows

1. A retainer module for retaining bulk particulate solids, the retainer module comprising a base surface, a rear surface and a load-bearing surface, the load-bearing surface comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, characterised in that::

the load-bearing extends between the base surface and the rear surface;

the upper portion of the load-bearing surface is arranged in a non- coplanar manner relative to the lower portion of the load-bearing surface; and

2. A retainer module as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the height of the rear surface is approximately 1 to 2 times the depth of the base surface

3. A retainer module as claimed in claim 2 characterised in that the height of the rear surface is approximately 1.25 to 2 times the depth of the base surface.

4. A retainer module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the height of the rear surface is approximately 1.3 times the depth of the base surface.

5. A retainer module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the base surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface describe an angle of between about 25 and 35°.

6. A retainer module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the base surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface describe an angle of between about 30 and 35°.

7. A retainer module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the retainer module further comprises a reinforcement means adapted to strengthen the load-bearing surface.

8. A retainer module as claimed in claim 7 characterised in that the reinforcement means is provided in the form of one or more kiss-offs connecting the rear and/or base surfaces to the load-bearing surface.

9. A retainer module as claimed in claim 8 characterised in that between about 20% and 45% of the load-bearing surface is supported by kiss-offs.

10. A retainer module as claimed in claim 9 characterised in that 20-35% of the load-bearing surface is supported by kiss-offs.

11. A retainer module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 characterised in that the reinforcement means comprises a base kiss-off connecting the base surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface, and a rear kiss-off connecting the rear surface and the upper and/or lower portion of the load- bearing surface.

12. A retainer module as claimed in claim 11 characterised in that the rear kiss-off encompasses between about 60% and 80% of the height of the rear surface.

13. A retainer module as claimed in claim 12 characterised in that the rear kiss-off encompasses between about 65% and 75% of the height of the rear surface.

14. A retainer module as claimed in claim 13 characterised in that the rear kiss-off encompasses about 70% of the height of the rear surface.

15. A retainer module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13 characterised in that a plurality of rear kiss-offs are provided, mutually spaced across the rear surface.

16. A retainer module as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 characterised in that the reinforcement means comprises a base kiss-off connecting the base surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface, and at least two rear kiss-offs, in the form of one upper rear kiss-off and one lower rear kiss-off wherein the upper rear kiss-off connects an upper portion of the rear surface to the upper portion of the load-bearing surface, and the lower rear kiss-off connects a lower portion of the rear surface to the upper and lower portions of the load-bearing surface, at or about the junction thereof.

17. A retainer module as claimed in claim 16 characterised in that the upper rear kiss-off and the lower rear kiss-off together encompass between about 60% and 80% of the height of the rear surface.

18. A retainer module as claimed in claim 17 characterised in that the upper rear kiss-off and the lower rear kiss-off together encompass between about 65% and 75% of the height of the rear surface.

19. A retainer module as claimed in claim 18 characterised in that the upper rear kiss-off and the lower rear kiss-off together encompass about 70% of the height of the rear surface.

20. A retainer module as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19 characterised in that a plurality of upper and lower rear kiss-offs are provided, mutually spaced across the rear surface.

21. A retainer module according to any one of claims 11 to 20 characterised in that the base kiss-off encompasses between about 50 and 70 % of the depth of the base surface.

22. A retainer module according to claim 21 characterised in that the base kiss-off encompasses between about 55% and 65% of the depth of the base surface.

23. A retainer module according to claim 22 characterised in that the base kiss-off encompasses about 60% of the depth of the base surface.

24. A retainer module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base surface has a width substantially identical to the depth thereof, and the rear surface has a width substantially identical to the width of the base surface.

25. A retainer module according to claim 24, as dependent on claims 15 to 19, characterised in that three upper-rear kiss-offs are spaced across the width of the rear surface, such that the width of the area between the kiss-offs is substantially identical to the width of the upper rear kiss-offs.

26. A retainer module according to claim 24 or claim 25, characterised in that two lower rear kiss-offs are spaced across the rear surface, the lower rear kiss- offs having a width substantially identical to that of the upper rear kiss-offs and being substantially aligned with the outermost upper rear kiss-offs.

27. A retainer module according to any one of claims 24 to 26 characterised in that three base kiss-offs are provided across the width of the base surface, each base kiss-off being substantially aligned with one of said upper rear kiss- offs.

28. A retainer module according to any one of claims 24 to 27 characterised in that three pairs of base kiss-offs are provided across he width of the base surface, each pair of base kiss-offs being substantially aligned with one of said upper rear kiss-offs.

29. A retainer module according to any one of claims 1 to 23 characterised in that the base surface has a width approximately twice the depth thereof, and the rear surface has a width substantially identical to the width of the base surface.

30. A retainer module according to claim 29 characterised in that six rear kiss-offs are provided across the rear surface, such that the width of the area between the kiss-offs is substantially identical to the width of the upper rear kiss-offs.

31. A retainer module according to claim 30 characterised in that six base kiss- offs are provided across the width of the base surface, each base kiss-off being substantially aligned with one of said rear kiss-offs.

32. A retainer module according to claim 31 characterised in that six pairs of base kiss-offs are provided across the width of the base surface, each pair of base kiss-offs being substantially aligned with one of said rear kiss-offs.

33. A retainer module according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that at least one step recess is provided in the rear surface of the retainer module, the step recess being dimensioned and positioned to facilitate access to region about the junction of the upper load-bearing surface and the rear surface.

34. A retainer module according to claim 33, when dependent on claims 26 to 28, characterised in that the step recess is interposed between the two lower rear kiss-offs.

35. A retainer module according to claim 33, when dependent on claims 29 to 32, wherein the penultimate rear kiss-offs serve as step recesses.

36. A retainer module according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the junction of the rear surface and the upper portion of the load- bearing surface is curved.

37. A retainer module according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that a lip portion is provided proximate the junction of the rear surface and the upper portion of the load-bearing surface, the lip portion extending rearwardly of the rear surface, substantially normally thereto.

38. A retainer module according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the retainer module comprises a first side surface and a second side surface wherein the load-bearing surface, the base surface and the rear surface are located between the first and second side surfaces.

39. A retainer module according to claim 38 characterised in that the first and second side surfaces are parallel.

40. A retainer module according to claim 38 characterised in that the first and second side surfaces diverge in the direction of the rear surface.

41. A retainer module according to any one of claims 38 to 40 characterised in that at least one attachment means is provided upon each of the first and second side surfaces, the or each attachment means being adapted to attach the retainer module to one or more adjacent retainer modules.

42. A retainer module according to claim 41 characterised in that the or each attachment means provided upon the first side surface takes the form of a projection, and the or each attachment means on the second side surface takes the form of a recess, complementary to the projection on the first side surface.

43. A retainer module according to claim 42 characterised in that a single projection is provided upon the first side surface, and a single complementary recess is provided in the second side surface.

44. A retainer module according to claim 43 characterised in that the projection extends along substantially the entire height of the first side portion, and the recess extends along substantially the entire height of the second side portion.

45. A retainer module according to claim 44 characterised in that the projection and recess are of substantially triangular cross section.

46. A retainer module according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that at least one securing point is provided proximate the junction of the rear surface and the upper portion of the load-bearing surface, the or each securing point being adapted to facilitate the reversible attachment of a portion of flexible material, such as a tarpaulin, thereto.

47. A retainer module according to claim 46 characterised in that the or each securing point is reinforced by a kiss-off between the rear surface and the upper load bearing surface.

48. A retainer module according to claim 47 characterised in that the or each securing point is reinforced by a kiss-off from the rear surface to the upper load-bearing surface.

49. A retainer module according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that at least one anchor point is provided proximate the junction of the base surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface, the or each anchor point being adapted to facilitate the reversible attachment of the retainer module to a surface on which it is provided.

50. A retainer module according to claim 49 characterised in that at least one further anchor point is provided proximate the junction of the rear surface and the base surface, the or each anchor point being adapted to facilitate the reversible attachment of the retainer module to a surface on which it is provided.

51. A retainer module according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that one or more handling recesses are provided in the load-bearing surface, the handling recesses being dimensioned and positioned to facilitate the manual handling of the retainer module of the present invention.

52. A retainer module according to claim 51 characterised in that two handling recesses are provided in the upper portion of the load-bearing surface, a first handling recess being located proximate the junction of the upper portion of the load-bearing surface and the first side surface, and the junction of the upper portion of the load-bearing surface and the lower portion of the load- bearing surface, and a second handling recess being located proximate the junction of the upper portion of the load-bearing surface and the second side surface, and the junction of the upper portion of the load-bearing surface and the lower portion of the load-bearing surface.

53. A retainer module according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that one or more channels are provided in the base surface, extending from the junction of the base surface and the rear surface to the junction of the base surface and the lower load-bearing surface.

54. A retainer module according to claim 53 characterised in that two linear channels are provided, mutually spaced and dimensioned to facilitate handling of the retainer module by a fork-lift.

55. A retainer module according to any one of claims 38 to 54 characterised in that the rear surface, the load-bearing surface, the base surface and the first and second side surfaces form a closed vessel.

56. A retainer module according to claim 55 characterised in that the retainer module further comprises at least one ballast inlet point, and at least one ballast outlet point, the ballast inlet point adapted to allow the ingress of ballast and the ballast outlet point adapted to allow the egress of ballast from the retainer module.

57. A retainer module according to claim 56 characterised in that the or each ballast inlet point and the or each ballast outlet point are located on the rear surface of the retainer module.

58. A retainer module according to claim 57 characterised in that the or each ballast inlet point is located on the rear surface proximate the junction of the rear surface with the upper portion of the load-bearing surface, and the or each ballast outlet point is located on the rear surface proximate the junction of the rear surface and the base surface.

59. A retainer module, substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 5, 6 to 9 or 10 to 12.