Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
  • E04F11/00—Stairways, ramps, or like structures; Balustrades; Handrails
  • E04F11/002—Ramps
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
  • E04F15/00—Flooring
  • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
  • E04F15/10—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials
  • E04F15/107—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials composed of several layers, e.g. sandwich panels
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
  • B65G69/00—Auxiliary measures taken, or devices used, in connection with loading or unloading
  • B65G69/28—Loading ramps; Loading docks
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
  • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
  • E01C15/00—Pavings specially adapted for footpaths, sidewalks or cycle tracks
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
  • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
  • E01C5/00—Pavings made of prefabricated single units
  • E01C5/22—Pavings made of prefabricated single units made of units composed of a mixture of materials covered by two or more of groups E01C5/008, E01C5/02 - E01C5/20 except embedded reinforcing materials
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
  • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
  • E01C5/00—Pavings made of prefabricated single units
  • E01C5/22—Pavings made of prefabricated single units made of units composed of a mixture of materials covered by two or more of groups E01C5/008, E01C5/02 - E01C5/20 except embedded reinforcing materials
  • E01C5/226—Pavings made of prefabricated single units made of units composed of a mixture of materials covered by two or more of groups E01C5/008, E01C5/02 - E01C5/20 except embedded reinforcing materials having an upper layer of rubber, with or without inserts of other materials; with rubber inserts
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
  • E01D—CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES, ELEVATED ROADWAYS OR VIADUCTS; ASSEMBLY OF BRIDGES
  • E01D19/00—Structural or constructional details of bridges
  • E01D19/12—Grating or flooring for bridges; Fastening railway sleepers or tracks to bridges
  • E01D19/125—Grating or flooring for bridges
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
  • E04C2/00—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels
  • E04C2/02—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by specified materials
  • E04C2/10—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by specified materials of wood, fibres, chips, vegetable stems, or the like; of plastics; of foamed products
  • E04C2/20—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by specified materials of wood, fibres, chips, vegetable stems, or the like; of plastics; of foamed products of plastics
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
  • E04C2/00—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels
  • E04C2/30—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by the shape or structure
  • E04C2/40—Building elements of relatively thin form for the construction of parts of buildings, e.g. sheet materials, slabs, or panels characterised by the shape or structure composed of a number of smaller components rigidly or movably connected together, e.g. interlocking, hingedly connected of particular shape, e.g. not rectangular of variable shape or size, e.g. flexible or telescopic panels
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
  • E04F15/00—Flooring
  • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
  • E04F15/02172—Floor elements with an anti-skid main surface, other than with grooves
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
  • E04F15/00—Flooring
  • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
  • E04F15/02177—Floor elements for use at a specific location
  • E04F15/02183—Floor elements for use at a specific location for outdoor use, e.g. in decks, patios, terraces, verandas or the like
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
  • E04F15/00—Flooring
  • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
  • E04F15/10—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials
  • E04F15/105—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements of other materials, e.g. fibrous or chipped materials, organic plastics, magnesite tiles, hardboard, or with a top layer of other materials of organic plastics with or without reinforcements or filling materials
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
  • E04G5/00—Component parts or accessories for scaffolds
  • E04G5/08—Scaffold boards or planks
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
  • E01D—CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGES, ELEVATED ROADWAYS OR VIADUCTS; ASSEMBLY OF BRIDGES
  • E01D2101/00—Material constitution of bridges
  • E01D2101/40—Plastics
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
  • E04F2203/00—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for
  • E04F2203/04—Specially structured or shaped covering, lining or flooring elements not otherwise provided for comprising a plurality of internal elongated cavities arranged in substantially parallel rows

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a footbridge, according to the preamble of Claim 1.
• a footbridge such as this comprises at least one elongated, flexurally rigid structure, the upper side of which constitutes a walking surface for the user.
• the present invention also relates to a method according to the preamble of Claim 22, and to a use of thermoplastic profiles according to Claim 27.
• Footbridges are usually built of local materials, such as tree trunks (or pieces of stone) or materials left over from another project.
• a footbridge is designed for pedestrians, but not for vehicles, which need a bridge.
• Over moors a corduroy bridge can be constructed instead of a footbridge.
• Today's footbridges, for example those used on hiking trails, are made of wooden boards.
• Wooden footbridges are heavy and because of the weight, the construction phase is challenging. In addition, the lifespan is limited because the material is exposed to UV, heat, cold, rain and frost.
• moulded plastic modules have been suggested for use as material from which to build footbridges. Such thermoplastic modules are usually piece goods and the manufacturing process does not allow the creating of a structure having a sufficiently rough surface because the product is shaped against a fixed mould surface.
• the present invention is based on the idea of manufacturing a footbridge made of thermoplastic profiles, the long side of which provides a walking surface.
• a footbridge is constructed of extruded thermoplastic profiles, the upward- facing surface of which - in the position of use - is essentially planar and non-smooth, thus providing a good foot grip for the user.
• the footbridge according to the present invention is characterised by what is stated in the characterising part of Claim 1.
• the method according to the present invention is characterised by what is stated in the characterising part of Claim 22 and the use by what is stated in Claim 27.
• the present invention withstand outdoor conditions well.
• a non-slip rough surface can be achieved while, at the same time, a dark surface provides a natural drying and melting function, and a colouring of the surface enables a permanent marking.
• the profiles are produced conventionally in black plastic, in which case the contrast to the coloured surface easy to see.
• the present footbridges can be manufactured from materials of other colours, such as light polymer materials, or provided with such colouring, in order to reduce heat absorption of the material exposed to the sun, such as when the footbridges are used on shore or in a hot climate.
• the profiles are hollow and the weight per metre is thus kept low when compared to wooden boards.
• the rigidity of the profiles is determined by the profile cross-section, where the width, height and profile wall thicknesses (including any reinforcement) determine the geometry.
• extruded footbridges are much more suitable for the production of "metre goods", although, in practice, for transport reasons and technical reasons regarding construction, the products must be limited in length.
• the present elongated thermoplastic profile footbridges can be mechanically connected together, both side by side and end-to-end. Regarding in particular the latter, it is possible to construct long, continuous footbridges that are held securely in place, by using such couplings, which are usually simple, and which can be comprised of moulded parts placed at the ends of the footbridges.
• Another embodiment encompasses couplings between two footbridges which in the direction of the central axis are anchored to the ground or soil.
• the couplings between two profiles in lateral direction can also be anchored to the ground or soil.
• These footbridges can also form other non-slip or slip-safe surfaces, such as work platforms in well bottoms or tanks, in order to improve occupational safety.
• the excellent chemical resistance of the thermoplastic profiles provides for the use of the footbridges in the process industry.
• Figures la-li show the cross-sections of profile variants (single: Figure la; double: Figures lb to Id; triple: Figures e; reinforced single: Figures If to lh; single profiles joined together: Figure li), suitable for the present footbridges;
• Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a profile wall structure with a foamed and ripped outer surface
• Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a profile wall structure with a particle-filled outer surface
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of a footbridge construction that comprises three single profiles joined together.
• Figure 5 shows a construction similar to that of Figure 4 but the construction is provided with an end piece. Description of Embodiments
• footbridges are produced which are composed of extruded elongated thermoplastic profiles that have a planar walking surface providing secure foot grip along at least one long side of the profile.
• Figures la-li show a number of different embodiments: Figure la depicts a single variant, 1; Figure lb to Id depict a double variant, having a partition wall which separates parts 2 and 3 of the double variant; Figure le depicts a triple variant, in which parts 4-6 are similarly separated by partition walls.
• the surfaces of the profiles are smooth, except the walking surface, which in Figures la-li is comprised of the entire top surface of the profile variants. This applies in particular to the surfaces which are adjacent to the walking surface.
• part or all of the profiles may be lath-reinforced, in particular they may exhibit one or more longitudinal laths on the inside or outside or on both sides of the tube profile. In Figures 1 f to lh, such a lath is indicated by reference number 8.
• One or several of the sides of the profile can be provided with such internal stiffening means.
• any lath-reinforcements are preferably formed of the same material.
• the lath or partition wall can be positioned transversally to the walking surface of the profile or it can be placed in inclined position to allow for some flexibility or elasticity of the profile transversally to the central axis of the profile and/or against the walking surface.
• This is also shown in Figures lc and Id, wherein the lath is bent (as a "C") or shaped in lateral cross-section as an "S", to allow for some flexibility.
• the footbridge is comprised of least two, often 3-20 parallel thermoplastic profiles, which are joined in a sideways position to each other. Of course, the number of profiles joined together varies depending on the profile widths and the width of the intended footbridge.
• "footbridge” means self-supporting, fiexurally rigid planar constructions which have a length to width ratio of approximately 100:0.1...100: 100, especially 50:0.5...50: 10, for example 40: 1...10: 1.
• thermoplastic profiles can be joined together parallel and at a distance from each other, preferably in such a way that elongated, typically likewise parallel, gaps are formed between the profiles.
• Figure li shows two single profiles joined together 9 and 10, where the join is indicated by reference number 11.
• Thermoplastic profiles are joined together by means of mechanical fasteners or by welding, preferably at discrete welding points (see reference numbers 47 and 48 in Figure 4).
• Various coupling and fastening means can also be used for improving mechanical properties.
• the footbridges can be provided with improved self- supporting properties by mechanical stiffening agents.
• the surface is described as "non-smooth” or “rough” to indicate that it does not exhibit the smoothness which is generated during the extrusion of conventional thermoplastics through extrusion nozzles.
• Such smooth surfaces are slippery, especially when wet (such as when exposed to dew and rain) and icy and are thus unsuitable as walking surfaces, especially for outdoor use.
• the surface can be made rough or "non- smooth", by providing it with regular or irregular patterns, grooves, perforations, friction enhancing particles or the like. It can be roughened or ripped.
• Figures la-le show such a surface by the reference numbers la- 10a, in Figures 2 and 3 by reference numbers 23 and 33, and in Figures 4 and 5 by reference numbers 41a-43a and 51a-53a. It is possible to achieve a non- smooth surface by a structuring of the surface.
• the structuring can be carried out in different ways. One option is to manufacture a two-layer profile wall on one or both sides, by using an outer layer of foamed thermoplastic.
• This foamed layer is rendered its final rough texture in a process during which the surface layer is ripped or roughened, as the profile flows out of the extrusion tool, by the contact between the blown polymer and the metal extrusion tool.
• the foaming can be carried out by using chemical or physical foaming or a combination of chemical and physical foaming. Examples of chemical foaming are the application of endothermic or exothermic blowing agents.
• a gas is injected into the melt in the extruder either in a liquid or gaseous form depending on the gas used.
• FIG. 2 This option is shown in Figure 2, where reference number 20 indicates the wall made of plastic material, and 21 the foam layer.
• the blisters in the foam layer are indicated by the number 22, in which case the figure shows how the blisters open up to form the roughened surface 23.
• thermoplastic profile is produced by coextrusion.
• two or more overlapping layers are produced simultaneously in one coextrusion step.
• coextrusion is carried out before the cooling basin.
• this embodiment can also be combined with a processing step in which the cooled profile is coated with, e.g., a foaming layer.
• a further option is to manufacture the outer layer as a two-phase layer.
• a surface structure is achieved that is determined by particle size and shape and also the percentage of the particles in the coating.
• An extruded two-layer wall structure can be achieved by using a co-extrusion or a coating method.
• the structuring can be carried out by embossing the walking surface after the profile has been extruded, calibrated and partly cooled.
• Particle-shaped materials such as sand or grains of plastic can also be strewed over a surface which is heated above the melting point of the profile plastic, in order to achieve a rough surface of the type shown in Figure 3.
• the plastic material may comprise for example crushed or granulated PEX.
• Such a material has a different behavior that the thermoplastic used for making the profiles of the footbridges, and as a result, the crushed material will form rough spots on the surface of the footbridges as the material will weld to the heated surface but will not melt totally and level into the profile which enhances friction.
• FIG. 4 shows in perspective a footbridge comprising three hollow profiles, 41-43, which are provided with inner reinforcements, 44-46, that improve the flexural rigidity.
• the profiles are welded, 47, at regular intervals in order to bind the profiles together to form a stable base, but the gaps between the profiles allow water to drain away from the walking surface.
• the tube profile can also be made more rigid by using a polymer material, for example a foamed polymer, such as polyurethane, which fills the cavity that is defined by the thermoplastic profile.
• a polymer material for example a foamed polymer, such as polyurethane, which fills the cavity that is defined by the thermoplastic profile.
• the walking surface is formed to have holes which extend through the wall of the thermoplastic profile, in which case the injected polymer material is squeezed through the holes to form friction-enhancing textures on the walking surface.
• Figure 5 relates to an embodiment having improved floating ability. As shown in the drawing, the ends of the profiles, 51-53, are closed with an end piece, 54.
• Walking surfaces 41a-43a and, respectively, 51a-53a are formed by embossing the surfaces of the profiles.
• the embossing surfaces are regular in shape and formed of chequered patterns, but it is clear that other patterns are also possible.
• the chequered patterns may include various geometric patterns, such as squares, rhombuses, rectangles and parallelograms, or combinations thereof, of mutually equal or different size.
• the non-smooth area represents at least part of the user- facing surface (in use) and thereby functions as a walking surface or possibly gripping surface.
• the non-smooth part forms at least 30 %, especially at least 50 %, preferably at least 70 %, usually 90 % or more of said surface.
• the footbridges are arranged mostly horizontally, in which case the walking surface points upwards, but it is of course equally possible to mount the footbridges at an angle to the horizontal plane, with angles of up to 90 degrees.
• the total height of the rough part i.e. the height of the textured part of the surface layer of the profile, in relation to an imaginary base line of the walking surface of the footbridge, is in practice approximately 0.1-25 mm, generally approximately 0.5-10 mm.
• the non-smooth surface in so far as the structure includes elongated grooves, exhibits at least some surface formations which run transversely or at an angle lengthwise and sideways to the footbridge, in order to reduce the risk of slipping.
• the footbridges with longitudinal colours to highlight for example different walking routes in the countryside.
• the colour of the upper surface can of course be chosen so that the footbridges blend into their environment as much as possible. Generally, the colour can be selected based on the intended use and environment of use.
• a black basic colour of the profiles speeds up drying of the surface removing rainwater and dew in the summer and speeds up the melting of ice and snow during colder periods. Therefore, it is preferred that the footbridges are mainly made of black plastic. When used in direct sunlight, a light colour, such as white or beige or grey, is more preferred to avoid excessive heating up of the material.
• the products according to the present invention can be used for example as footbridges for hiking trails, waterfront promenades, paths in parks or on farms. When joined to form wider panels, the products can be used as a deck for example for jetties.
• footbridge is the use of non-slip fully welded bottoms/partially welded "lattice structures" which can be used for example in well bottoms or tanks, in order to improve occupational safety
• profile can be replaced with "tube” (i.e. an elongated object having an open cross-section, i.e. the walls of the profile - which walls as such are typically continuous - define an elongated cavity).
• tube i.e. an elongated object having an open cross-section, i.e. the walls of the profile - which walls as such are typically continuous - define an elongated cavity.
• thermoplastic profile exhibits 1 to 5 layers. If it comprises several layers, in one embodiment, one of these layers forms the inner layer of the profile and one the outer layer of the profile.
• a tube profile mainly or exclusively comprises a conventional thermoplastic, for example a polyolefm such as polyethylene, in particular HD-PE, or polypropylene, poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene)(ABS), polyamide (PA) or other thermoplastic material.
• a polyolefm such as polyethylene, in particular HD-PE, or polypropylene, poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene)(ABS), polyamide (PA) or other thermoplastic material.
• Any functional layers can comprise ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or for example antistatic materials.
• UHMWPE ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene
• a material of the latter type can comprise a
• thermoplastic material which has been made permanently conductive.
• the thermoplastic material can be the same as is used in the body layer of the tube profile. This arrangement enables good compatibility between the layers.
• the thermoplastic material of the profile contains, if needed, auxiliary agents and fillers. Typical fillers include carbon black and various mineral fillers, such as calcium carbonate, e.g. in the form of precipitated calcium carbonate. Since a primary application of the footbridges is for outdoor use, antioxidants and UV filters are particularly useful. For use within the process industry, flame retardants preferably are incorporated into the material.
• the content of the afore-mentioned agents and fillers are generally in total in the range of about 0.1 to 50 % calculated from the total weight of the thermoplastic material. Typically the content of each individual auxiliary agent and filler, respectively, is about 0.01 to 15 % calculated from the total weight of the thermoplastic material.
• the cross-section of the tube profiles are essentially rectangular, in which case the abutting sides of the tube profiles are at least 1/10 of the mantle surface of the tube profiles.
• the term "rectangular" also includes cases where the cross-sections of the tube profiles are square or essentially square.
• the ratio between the width and the height is preferably 1 : 1 - 1 : 10, in which case the ratio between the minimum thickness of the tube wall and the height of the cross-section of the tube profile is especially approximately 1 :100-1 :4, especially approximately 1 :50-1 :5.
• Plastic profiles of the present type can be produced by extrusion, as described in the prior art. Such a technique is described in, among others, US Patents Nos. 5,127,442, 5,411,619, 5,431,762, 5,591,292, 6,322,653 and 6,939,424.
• the present elongated thermal profile structures are primarily used as footbridges.
• Other applications include terrace and board structures for beaches, on shores, in gardens and generally in any other locations, indoors or - in particular - outdoors, where there is a need for light-weight, durable walking boards, scaffolds, steps, ladders and platforms which are easily assembled.
• the present structures can also form other non-slip or slip-safe surfaces, such as work platforms in well bottoms or tanks, in order to improve occupational safety.
• Such structures can be used for example in the process industry since the preferred materials (polyolefms, in particular polyethylene or polypropylene) have good chemical resistance.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
• Floor Finish (AREA)
• Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)

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Cited By (6)

Citations (5)

• 2013
  • 2013-04-09 FI FI20135347A patent/FI127513B/sv not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2014
  • 2014-04-09 WO PCT/FI2014/050257 patent/WO2014167184A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (5)

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