WO2016087964A1

WO2016087964A1 - Module for draining, water storing and/or stabilizing

Info

Publication number: WO2016087964A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/058353
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mirco Pegoraro
Original assignee: Geoplast Spa
Priority date: 2014-12-02
Filing date: 2015-10-29
Publication date: 2016-06-09

Abstract

The invention is a module (1, 1') for making draining layers, fluid collection layers, soil and particulate material stabilization carpets, comprising a plurality of tubular projecting elements (21, 22) and a plurality of ribs (31, 32) suited to join said projecting elements (21, 22), wherein said projecting elements (21, 22) are distributed symmetrically and comprise first projecting elements (21) and second projecting elements (22) having different shape and/or size, such that said first projecting elements (21) can be completely or partially inserted and contained in said second projecting elements (22) of an identical module (1), said first and second projecting elements (21, 22) being distributed in such a way that, in a symmetrical position with respect to each one of said first projecting elements (21, 22), there is one of said second projecting elements (22) and, vice versa, in a symmetrical position with respect to each one of said second projecting elements (22), there is one of said first projecting elements (21).

Description

MODULE FOR DRAINING, WATER STORING AND/OR STABILIZING

DESCRIPTION

The present invention concerns holed carpets suitable for making draining layers and/or soil or particulate material stabilization layers and/or fluid collection layers, and in particular it concerns a new module for making draining layers, fluid collection layers, soil and particulate material stabilization carpets, or similar products.

Holed carpets made of a plastic material are known, which are suited to be laid on the ground for stabilization purposes, for drainage purposes, or suited to be used as a bottom layer for successively laying lawns or particulate material layers.

Document US5102048 concerns a carpet for irrigation systems, substantially circular in shape and provided with a support for the irrigation head and with a plurality of annular or cylindrical ribs joined by radial ribs. Said carpet must be positioned within the soil, under its surface, so that the roots present in the soil can grow through the spaces defined between the ribs and hold the carpet in position.

Document US5250340 concerns a modular holed carpet for the stabilization of particulate material such as soil, sand, gravel, asphalt etc. and comprises a plurality of modular grids provided with means for coupling them together, each formed by crossing ribs, with reinforcement areas at the level of the crossing points and cylindrical projecting elements centered on the crossing points.

Document EP0966571 concerns a fluid collection system comprising a grid and a plurality of substantially annular elements projecting from said grid.

In order to be transported or stored, the holed carpets of the known type need to be rolled up, if they are in the shape of an elongated strip, or stacked, if they are modular.

The overall dimensions of a module stack correspond, in plan view, to those of the modules, while its thickness corresponds to the thickness of each module multiplied by the number of modules. Especially during the transport and storage of the material to be used on very large surfaces, the volume of said modules can be excessive and involve high transport costs.

Document WO20107053946 concerns a supporting structure comprising a plurality of modules, each comprising a matrix of spaced tubular cylinders joined by linear ribs.

For storage, transport or even for installation purposes said modules are stacked in such a way that said tubular cylinders are aligned vertically and form tubular columns.

In order to guarantee the stability of the stack of superimposed modules, the upper edge of said tubular cylinders comprises slits whose distribution, shape and size are such as to allow the ribs of the superimposed module to be inserted therein.

The overall thickness of two superimposed modules thus results from the sum of the height of the cylinders of the two modules, less the height of the ribs of one module.

Therefore, the overall volume of a stack of said modules is reduced by a minimum amount compared to a stack of modules of the known type.

In order to overcome the drawbacks described above, a new type of module has been designed and constructed, which is suitable for making draining layers, fluid collection layers, soil and particulate material stabilization carpets or other similar products.

It is the main object of the present invention to provide a module that can be coupled with at least another identical module, in such a way that the overall dimensions of the two modules coupled together are substantially equal to the overall dimensions of a single module.

The overall dimensions of a stack of said superimposed modules are thus substantially halved compared to the overall dimensions of a stack of modules of the known type, as each module is coupled with at least another module.

It is another object of the present invention to reduce the overall dimensions of the stack of modules for transport and storage purposes.

It is another object of the present invention to reduce transport costs.

It is another object of the present invention to guarantee that the coupling obtained is very stable. These and other direct and complementary objects are achieved by the new module for making draining layers, fluid collection layers, soil and particulate material stabilization carpets or other products.

The new module comprises, in its main parts, a plurality of preferably and substantially tubular projecting elements, for example cylindrical or prismatic in general, spaced from each other and joined by means of substantially linear ribs that are preferably integral with the lower edge on which said projecting elements rest or positioned in proximity to said lower edge, said projecting elements being distributed symmetrically with respect to at least one axis of symmetry.

Said projecting elements in turn comprise first projecting elements with predefined shape and size and second projecting elements whose shape and size are such as to allow projecting elements equal to said first projecting elements to be inserted therein.

Given said axis of symmetry, said first and second projecting elements are distributed in such a way that each one of said first projecting elements is in a symmetrical position with respect to one of said second projecting elements.

In this way, one of said new modules can be overturned, in such a way that said lower edge of the projecting elements is directed upwards, superimposed to a second identical underlying module, and rotated with respect to the underlying module so that said first projecting elements of said overlying module are inserted in said second projecting elements of said underlying module and, vice versa, so that said first projecting elements of said underlying module are inserted in said second projecting elements of said overlying module.

For example, in the simplest solution said new module has a single axis of symmetry, and said first projecting elements are distributed on one half of the module while said second projecting elements are symmetrically distributed on the second half of the module.

According to another possible embodiment of the invention, said new module has two axes of symmetry that are orthogonal to each other and divide the module in four sectors, wherein two of said non-adjacent sectors comprise said first projecting elements and the two remaining sectors comprise said first and second projecting elements.

Endless other arrangements are however possible, provided that they comply with the criterion of symmetry applied for said projecting elements as described above.

In this way, when two modules are overturned and stacked, they are coupled with each other, so that the overall thickness is substantially the thickness of a single module, linear ribs excluded.

Furthermore, the new module preferably comprises, on the upper edge of said first and second projecting elements, that is, the edge opposite said lower edge, also one or more grooves or recesses whose distribution, shape and size correspond to those of said ribs, so that when two of said modules are coupled together as described above said ribs of the overlying module are inserted in said grooves of said projecting elements of the underlying module, and vice versa.

The thickness of two modules coupled together is thus exactly the same as the thickness of a single module, thus halving the overall dimensions.

Said modules also comprise coupling or joining means for connection to adjacent modules, said coupling or joining means being arranged along the perimeter of the module and comprising, for example, pins and recesses, wherein said pins are suited to be inserted and become engaged in the recesses that are located in corresponding positions, and vice versa. The characteristics of the new module are highlighted in greater detail in the following description, with reference to the attached drawings that are enclosed hereto by way of non- limiting example.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a new module (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, while Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of the module (1) according to said preferred embodiment.

Both Figure 3 and Figure 3 a show a sectional view of two modules (1, Γ) coupled together. Figure 4 shows a detail of Figure 3 a.

The new module (1) for making draining layers, fluid collection layers, soil and particulate material stabilization carpets or other products comprises a plurality of projecting elements (21, 22) that are substantially and preferably hollow or tubular.

One or more of said projecting elements (21, 22) can also be completely or partially blocked.

In plan view, said projecting elements (21, 22) are circular or polygonal in general and preferably comprise a lateral wall (23), for example cylindrical or prismatic in general, with a lower edge (24) suited to rest on a surface and an opposite upper edge (25).

Said projecting elements (21, 22) are spaced from each other and joined by means of one or more ribs (31, 32), preferably linear and integral with said projecting elements (21, 22), located at the level of or in proximity to said lower edges (24).

Said ribs (31, 32), for example, are arranged in such a way as to form a grid (3) with meshes, wherein said projecting elements (21, 22) are substantially centered on the crossing points (33) of said grid (3).

Said modules (1) comprise coupling means (41, 42) suitable for connection to adjacent modules and distributed on the perimeter of said grid (3).

Said coupling means (41, 42) comprise, for example, pins (41) and seats (42), wherein said pins (41) are suited to be inserted in seats (42) provided in adjacent modules, and said seats (42) are suitable for housing pins (41) of adjacent modules that are inserted therein.

Said projecting elements (21, 22) are distributed on said grid (3) symmetrically with respect to at least one axis of symmetry (XI, X2).

In the example shown in the figures, said module (1) has a square shape and said projecting elements (21, 22) are arranged symmetrically with respect to two orthogonal median axes (XI, X2).

Said projecting elements (21, 22) in turn comprise first projecting elements (21) and second projecting elements (22) with different shape and/or size, wherein the shape and size of said first projecting elements (21) are such that the latter can be inserted axially and completely or partially contained in projecting elements having the same shape and size as said second projecting elements (22).

In the example shown in the figures, said first and second projecting elements (21, 22) are in a substantially cylindrical or prismatic tubular shape, wherein said first projecting elements (21) have a slightly smaller cross section compared to said second projecting elements (22), so that said first projecting elements (21) of a module (1) can be inserted and be completely contained in said second projecting elements (22) of an underlying module (Γ).

Given said at least one axis of symmetry (XI, X2), said first (21) and second (22) projecting elements are distributed in such a way that each one of said first projecting elements (21) is in a symmetrical position with respect to a second projecting element (22), and vice versa.

In the example shown in the figures, said first and second projecting elements (21, 22) are distributed on sectors (A, B, C, D), for example square-shaped sectors, separated by said axes of symmetry (XI, X2), wherein each sector comprises projecting elements (21, 22) of a single type and wherein the sectors (A, B) with said first projecting elements (21) are symmetrical to the sectors (C, D) with said second projecting elements (22) with respect to said axes of symmetry (XI , X2).

As shown in Figure 3, one of said new modules (1), or overlying module, can be overturned in such a way as to direct said lower edge (24) of the projecting elements (21, 22) upwards, superimposed to a second identical module (Γ), or underlying module, and rotated with respect to the underlying module (Γ) in such a way that said first projecting elements (21) of said overlying module (1) are axially inserted in said second projecting elements (22) of said underlying module (Γ) and, vice versa, that said first projecting elements (21) of said underlying module (Γ) are inserted in said second projecting elements (22) of said overlying module (1).

In this way, overturning and superimposing two modules means coupling them together, so that the overall thickness is substantially the same as that of a single module, said linear ribs

(31, 32) excluded.

According to the invention, in addition or as an alternative to that which has been described above, said new module (1) can be substantially square in shape, wherein said projecting elements (21, 22) are distributed with at least one diagonal axis of symmetry, in addition or as an alternative to one or more axes of symmetry orthogonal to the edges of the module (1), and such that, given said at least one diagonal axis of symmetry, each one of said first projecting elements (21) is in a symmetrical position with respect to a second projecting element (22), and vice versa.

In this way, by overturning the two modules (1, ) and offsetting them diagonally it is possible to obtain the coupling as described above, wherein each one of said first projecting elements (21) of a module (1, Γ) fits in the corresponding second projecting element (22) of the other module (Γ, 1).

In order to further reduce the overall dimensions of the stack of modules, when a module (1) is coupled with a second identical module, the new module (1) comprises grooves or recesses (26) also on the upper edge (25) of said first and second projecting elements (21, 22), said grooves or recesses (26) being visible in Figure 4.

The distribution, shape and size of said recesses (26) correspond to those of said ribs (31, 32), so that when two of said modules (1) are coupled together as described above said ribs (31, 32) of the overlying module (1) are inserted in said grooves (26) provided in said projecting elements (21, 22) of the underlying module (Γ) and, vice versa, that said ribs (31, 32) of the underlying module (Γ) are inserted in said grooves (26) provided in said projecting elements (21, 22) of the overlying module (1).

The thickness of said coupling means (41, 42) for connection to adjacent modules is less than half the thickness of a module (1), so as not to hinder the coupling between two modules (1, Γ), as shown in Figure 3a.

Therefore, with reference to the above description and the attached drawings, the following claims are expressed.

Claims

1, Module (1, Γ) for making draining layers, fluid collection layers, soil and particulate material stabilization carpets, comprising at least one grid (3) formed by a plurality of substantially tubular projecting elements (21, 22) and by a plurality of ribs (31, 32) that join said projecting elements (21, 22), characterized in that:

• said projecting elements (21, 22) are distributed symmetrically with respect to at least one axis of symmetry (XI, X2);

• said projecting elements (21, 22) in turn comprise first projecting elements (21) and second projecting elements (22) having different shape and/or size, such that said first projecting elements (21) can be completely or partially inserted and contained in said second projecting elements (22) of an identical module (1);

• said first and second projecting elements (21, 22) are distributed in such a way that symmetrically to each one of said first projecting elements (21), with respect to said at least one axis of symmetry (XI, X2), there is one of said second projecting elements (22) and, vice versa, symmetrically to each one of said second projecting elements (22) there is one of said first projecting elements (21),

in such a way that said module (1) can be superimposed to a second identical underlying module (Γ) and rotated with respect to said underlying module ( ) so that said first projecting elements (22) of the overlying module (1) are inserted axially in said second projecting elements (22) of said underlying module ( ) and, vice versa, that said second projecting elements (22) of said overlying module (1) allow the axial insertion of said first projecting elements (21) of said underlying module (Γ).

2. Module (1, Γ) according to claim 1, characterized in that said projecting elements (21, 22) comprise a lateral wall (23) with its lower edge (24) suited to be rested on a surface and an opposite upper edge (25), said projecting elements (21, 22) being spaced from each other and joined by said ribs (31, 32), in turn integral with said projecting elements (21, 22), at the level of or in proximity to said lower edge (24) of said projecting elements (21, 22) themselves, and wherein said module (1) can be overturned, directing said lower edge (24) of said projecting elements (21, 22) upwards, superimposed to a second identical underlying module (Γ) and rotated with respect to said underlying module (Γ) in such a way that said first projecting elements (21) of the overlying module (1) are inserted axially in said second projecting elements (22) of said underlying module ( ) and, vice versa, that said second projecting elements (22) of said overlying module (1) allow the axial insertion of said first projecting elements (21) of said underlying module ( ).

3. Module (1, Γ) according to claims 1, 2, characterized in that it comprises, on the upper edge (25) of said first and second projecting elements (21, 22), grooves or recesses (26) whose distribution, shape and size correspond to those of said ribs (31, 32), in such a way that when said module (1) is overturned, superimposed and rotated with respect to an identical underlying module (Γ), said ribs (31, 32) of said overlying module (1) are inserted in said grooves (26) made in said projecting elements (21, 22) of the underlying module (Γ) and, vice versa, that said ribs (31, 32) of the underlying module (Γ) are inserted in said grooves (26) made in said projecting elements (21, 22) of the overlying module (1), in such a way that the thickness of two identical modules (1, Γ) coupled in this way is equal to the thickness of a single module (1).

4. Module (1, Γ) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second projecting elements (21, 22) are in a tubular shape, substantially cylindrical or prismatic in general, wherein said first projecting elements (21) have a slightly smaller cross section compared to the cross section of said second projecting elements (22), in such a way that said first projecting elements (21) of a module (1) can be axially inserted and completely contained in said second projecting elements (22) of an identical underlying module (Γ).

5. Module (1, Γ) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said ribs (31, 32) are linear and arranged in such a way as to form a grid (3), and wherein said projecting elements (21, 22) are centered on the crossing points (33) of said grid (3).

6. Module (1, Γ) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, distributed on the perimeter of said grid (3), means (41, 42) for removably or non-removably coupling it with adjacent modules.

7, Module (1, Γ) according to claim 6, characterized in that said coupling means (41, 42) comprise pins or tabs (41) and seats or recesses (42), wherein said pins or tabs (41) are suited to be inserted in seats or recesses (42) of adjacent modules, and said seats or recesses (42) are suitable for the insertion of pins or tabs (41) of adjacent modules.

8, Module (1, Γ) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said projecting elements (21, 22) are distributed symmetrically with respect to two median axes (XI, X2) that are orthogonal to each other, and wherein said first and second projecting elements (21, 22) are distributed on sectors (A, B, C, D) that are separated by said axes of symmetry (XI, X2), wherein each sector comprises projecting elements (21, 22) of a single type and wherein the sectors (A, B) with said first projecting elements (21) are arranged symmetrically to the sectors (C, D) with said second projecting elements (22) with respect to said axes of symmetry (XI, X2).

9, Module (1, Γ) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is substantially square, and wherein said projecting elements (21, 22) are distributed symmetrically with respect to at least one axis of symmetry that is diagonal with respect to the module (1).

10, Module (1, Γ) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness of said coupling means (41, 42) for connection to adjacent modules is less than half the thickness of a module (1), in such a way as not to hinder the coupling of two modules (1, Γ).