WO2020013753A1

WO2020013753A1 - Module for a structure covering system

Info

Publication number: WO2020013753A1
Application number: PCT/SE2019/050666
Authority: WO
Inventors: David GÖTVALL
Original assignee: Macgregor Sweden Ab
Priority date: 2018-07-13
Filing date: 2019-07-04
Publication date: 2020-01-16
Also published as: SE544729C2; SE1850901A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a module (100) for a structure covering system useful in marine industries, offshore industries and other land industries, wherein the structure is a naval structure, and/or a land based structure, wherein the module (100) is attachable to a structure surface and is covering a part of the structure surface when attached to the structure surface, comprises means for attachment (103), to the structure surface, and has a first face (101), aimed to face away from the structure surface, and a second face (102), aimed to face towards the structure surface, when the module (100) is attached to the structure surface, wherein the first face (101) is provided with means for friction, and wherein the module (100) is removable from the structure surface after attachment to the structure surface, and wherein each means for attachment (103) comprises a first part (103), the first part (103) is adapted to be removably attached to an attachment part (400) and, via the attachment part (400), also removably attached to the structure surface; a structure covering system (200), methods for installation of a module (100) and of a structure covering system (200), methods for producing a module (100) and a structure covering system (200).

Description

MODULE FOR A STRUCTURE COVERING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a module for a structure covering system, a structure covering system, wherein the structure is a naval structure, and/or a land based structure, method for installation of a module, method for installation of a structure covering system, method for producing a module and method for producing a structure covering system.

BACKGROUND ART

From marine industries, offshore industries and other land industries where, for example, cars, trucks, lorries, heavy transport units or machinery, cargoes, military vehicles and similar need to be transported and carried there is known to use rubber mats to protect surfaces of structures. Moreover, it is also known to use epoxy resins and polyurethane resins as coatings offering some protection and friction. For example, polyurethane systems containing aggregate dressings comprising aluminium oxide, are used as friction anti-skid surface to the decks of link-span bridges, the ramps and decks of roll-on-roll-off ferries and steel road bridges.

However, such systems have a tendency to crack during use, and parts of e.g.

aggregate dressings may fall a apart and damage, for example, vehicles.

Modular ground protection flooring is used frequently to provide temporary protection for ground, and a mat based ground protection system is described

in W017137736A1 , which is related to ground protection, formed from reversible mats having ridge or tread patterns and which may be interconnected over the ground. In W017137736A1 the ground protection mats are provided with flanges and the flanges are capable to overlap flanges of neighbouring mats. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a module for a structure covering system, wherein the structure is a naval structure, and/or a land based structure, wherein the module is attachable to a structure surface and is covering a part of the structure surface when attached to the structure surface, comprises means for attachment, to the structure surface, and has a first face, aimed to face away from the structure surface, and a second face, aimed to face towards the structure surface, when the module is attached to the structure surface, wherein the first face is provided with means for friction, and wherein the module is removable from the structure surface after attachment to the structure surface, and wherein each means for attachment comprises a first part, the first part is adapted to be removably attached to an attachment part and, via the attachment part, also removably attached to the structure surface.

The module, in accordance with the present invention, is attachable to a structure surface and is covering a part of the structure surface when attached to the structure surface. Further, the module comprises, for example, a mat, a panel or a tile, and is adapted to provide a secured, reliable and robust protection to the structure, as well as, friction on a first face of the module facing away from the structure surface.

The structure is a naval structure, and/or a land based structure, e.g. a load bearing structure, a transportation structure, for example, a ramp, a deck, or a bridge, e.g. a ramp, for example, a ramp on board, a ship ramp, a linkspan or a port ramp, e.g. an operatable ramp, or a linkspan, e.g. of a naval vehicle, e.g. a ship or a port, or, an operatable ramp or a linkspan. Further, the structure is adapted to, for example, bear, and/or sustain transportation of, e.g. vehicles and/or cargoes, including, for example, heavy vehicles and heavy cargoes,“high and heavy cargoes” with special trailers, port trailer, mafi trailers,“roll- on-roll-off” -traffic, cars and all further types of cargoes that can be rolled on and rolled off.

The module comprises, for example, a mat, a panel or a tile, and is adapted to provide a reliable and robust protection to the structure that stays on the structure when attached to it, but is easily replaceable. That the protection, i.e. the module, stays on the structure when attached to it, includes, in accordance with the invention, embodiments wherein said module is attached with a fixed attachment, i.e. attach without play to the means for attachment, and also embodiments wherein said module is attached with a play to the means for attachment.

The module, in accordance with the present invention, wherein the first face is provided with means for friction, provides improved friction on the structure, when the module is installed to the structure. Further, the module, in accordance with the present invention, is also not provided with any components that can fall off from the module and damage the environment, or damage e.g. any vehicles or cargoes.

Furthermore, the module, in accordance with the present invention, do also, when the module is installed to the structure, provide a reliable and robust protection to the structure as well as protection to any moving vehicles or cargoes. Moreover, the module, in accordance with the present invention, do also, when the module is installed to the structure, function as decreasing noise when, for example, vehicles or cargoes, moves, or is transported, on the structure.

The first face of the module is provided with means for friction, wherein means for friction may comprise, for example, repeating ridge, gratings and/or tread, patterns, which patterns may be, e.g. moulded, or, for example, machined, into said first face by, e.g. mechanical means. The patterns may have any suitable configuration as long as a high friction surface for e.g. vehicles and cargoes, is provided. Further, there is also no risk that means for friction, as such the patterns, can fall off from the module and damage the environment, or damage e.g. any vehicles or cargoes.

Further, the module comprises means for attachment of the module to the structure surface. The attachment, by the means for attachment, of the module to the structure surface is an attachment which secures that the module stays on the structure when attached to it, and the means for attachment, in accordance with the present invention, also secures that the module is easily replaceable. Moreover, the module is suitably provided with holes through the module, wherein the means for

attachment, i.e. said“first part”, comprises the holes through the module.

That the module stays on the structure when attached to it, includes, in accordance with the invention, embodiments wherein said module is attached with a fixed attachment, i.e. attached without play to the means for attachment, and also embodiments wherein said module is attached with a play to the means for attachment. The module stays on the structure when attached to it, and is easily removable from the structure surface after the attachment to the structure surface.

Each means for attachment comprises a first part, wherein the first part is adapted to be removably attached to an attachment part and, via the attachment part, also removably attached to the structure surface. Moreover, the means for attachment comprises male and/or female portions, for example, comprising shafts, bolts, studs, screws, rivets, collars, pipes, flanges, nuts, holes, boreholes, gaps, counterbores, countersinks, and/or adhesives, and/or process of welding.

In embodiments of the invention the“first part” comprises“attachment portions” which are adapted to removably attach to a corresponding“attachment part”, wherein the“corresponding attachment part” comprises a welded bolt, a welded stud or a welded shaft; or, alternatively, the“corresponding attachment part” comprises a hole in the structure surface, wherein said“hole in the structure surface”, e.g., is threaded or adapted to be threaded. The installation of the module, wherein the module comprises said means for attachment comprising said“first part”, wherein the“first part” is adapted to be removably attached to an“attachment part” and, via the“attachment part”, also removably attached to the structure surface, has, because of a“constructional” separation between said“first part” and the“attachment part”, i.e.“the removably attachment” in accordance with the present invention, become more systematic and a thereby, has also surprisingly become simplified.

The installation of the module has become more systematic and simplified as the “attachment part” is aimed to always stay attached to the structure, and said“first part” is removably attached to an“attachment part” and, via the“attachment part”, also removably attached to the structure surface. Thereby, has it been shown that, by this“constructional separation”, i.e.“the removably attachment”, the installation of the module to the structure has been made easier.

Furthermore, also any replacement of the module, in accordance with the present invention, has, been shown to be made easier especially as the“attachment part”, which is aimed to always stay attached to the structure, will work as a direction help for any“new” module to be installed instead of the removed module.

Further, by using welding, e.g. stud welding, it is possible to avoid making holes in the surface of the structure, which decreases risk for corrosion, saves manual work at installation, and also minimizes risks of water leakage through the structure.

Moreover, the module is removable from the structure surface after attachment to the structure surface. The module is removable as each means for attachment of the module is adapted to be removably attached to the structure surface. Further, each means for attachment comprises a first part, the first part is adapted to be removably attached to an attachment part and, via the attachment part, also removably attached to the structure surface. Each module is hereby separately removable from, and thus also separately replaceable at, the structure surface after attachment to the structure surface.

When an attached module is removed from a structure surface, the attachment part to which the attached module was attached, stays attached to the structure surface. Further, that the attachment part stays attached to the structure surface, simplifies the replacement of the removed. The attachment part that stays attached helps directing the replacing module. Moreover, the steps of removing, replacing and attaching further“new” attachment parts to the structure surface are also avoided. Moreover, a module in accordance with the present invention is normally, when attached, attached to a substantially planar structure surface.

Further, the present invention also relates to a module as described herein, wherein the means for attachment comprises male and/or female portions, for example, comprising shafts, bolts, studs, screws, rivets, collars, pipes, flanges, nuts, holes, boreholes, gaps, counterbores, countersinks, and/or adhesives, and/or process of welding.

Moreover, in accordance with the present invention the means for attachment may comprise threaded or non-threaded male and/or female portions.

The present invention relates to a module as described herein, wherein the means for attachment is adapted so that said first part is removably attached to said second attachment part, wherein the attachment part is, for example, a shaft, e.g. a bolt or stud, attached to the structure surface by the process of welding, e.g. bolt welding or stud welding.

The attachment part may comprise male and/or female portions, for example, comprising shafts, bolts, screws, rivets, collars, flanges, holes, boreholes, and/or adhesives, and/or process of welding, and is arranged to be permanently attached to the structure surface.

Further, the attachment part, and the attachment parts, are arranged to be

permanently attached to the structure surface, and thus stay attached to the structure surface also after removal of a first part, or of first parts, and of a module from the structure surface. The module, as described herein, may also comprise any details as needed, such as, cutouts, apertures, recesses, ridges and/or chamfers.

In embodiments of the present invention, a module, as described herein, is disclosed, wherein either of said“second face”, or the“structure surface”, is provided with a “rubber-like” mat, wherein the“rubber-like” mat will be between said“second face” and the structure surface, when the module is attached to the structure surface.

Said“rubber-like” mat may, for example, be of rubber, or of any other suitable material having suitable properties, such as, elasticity and toughness of rubber.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a module, as described herein, is disclosed, wherein the“rubber-like” mat is a rubber mat.

The“rubber-like” mat has shown to provide excellent friction between the module and the structure surface, when the“rubber-like” mat is between said“second face” and the structure surface. Thus, more forces will be needed from, for example,

transportation of, e.g. vehicles and/or cargoes, to move the module, as described herein, when the“rubber-like” mat is between said“second face” and the structure surface, when the module is attached to the structure surface.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a module, as described herein, is disclosed, wherein the said“second face” is provided with said“rubber-like” mat.

In further embodiments of the present invention, a module, as described herein, is disclosed, wherein said“rubber-like” mat covers sustantially the complete“second face”, or, alternatively, said“rubber-like” mat covers only some areas of the“second face”, for example, areas of the“second face” in vicinity of where said means for attachment, i.e. the first part, removably attaches to an attachment part and, via the attachment part, also removably attaches to the structure surface. In an embodiment of the present invention, a module, as described herein, is disclosed wherein the second face is substantially planar.

The second face is substantially planar which secures a close, and fixed, attachment of the module to the structure surface, for example, especially either of said“second face”, or the“structure surface”, is provided with said“rubber-like” mat.

Further, the second face is substantially planar, and may also be provided with some patterns providing further friction, or grip, to said“rubber-like” mat.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a module, as described herein, is disclosed wherein the second face is planar.

In embodiments of the present invention a module, as described herein, is disclosed, wherein the module is adapted to be attachable to a structure surface, and to cover a part of the structure surface, when attached to the structure surface, wherein sides of the module are adapted to be in alignment side by side with other modules when the modules are attached, and the module is adapted to be with, or without, play to other modules when the modules are attached.

In further embodiments of the present invention a module, as described herein, is disclosed, wherein the module is adapted to be attached with play to other modules when the modules are attached.

In still further embodiments of the present invention a module, as described herein, is disclosed, wherein the module is adapted to be attachable to a structure surface, and to cover a part of the structure surface, when attached to the structure surface, wherein sides of the module are adapted to be in close alignment side by side with other modules when the modules are attached. The present invention further relates to a module, as described herein, wherein the module is adapted to be either not interconnectable, or adapted to be releasably interconnectable, with other modules.

In further embodiments of the present invention a module, as described herein, is disclosed, wherein the module is adapted to be either not interconnectable, or adapted to be releasably interconnectable, with other modules, wherein sides of the module are adapted to be in alignment side by side with sides of other modules when attached, or, alternatively, when attached and interconnected.

A module, as described herein, wherein sides of the module are adapted to be in alignment side by side with sides of other modules, makes it possible to use thinner and lighter types of modules.

In even further embodiments of the present invention a module, as described herein, is disclosed, wherein the module is adapted to be not interconnectable with other modules, wherein sides of the module are adapted to be in alignment side by side with sides of other modules when attached.

In still a further embodiment of the present invention a module as described herein is disclosed, wherein the module is adapted to be releasably interconnectable with other modules, wherein the sides of the module is adapted to be in close alignment side by side with sides of other modules when attached, or when attached and interconnected.

The present invention further relates to a module, as described herein, wherein the means for attachment comprises a hole through the module, a shaft for arrangement, at the attachment, in the hole and a device adapted to be arranged, at the

attachment of the module, in the hole between the shaft and the hole, and the device is adapted to be arranged with a radial gap to the hole, alternatively, the attachment part, instead of the means for attachment, comprises the shaft for arrangement. Further, the present invention relates to a module, as described herein, wherein the means for attachment comprises a hole through the module, a shaft for arrangement, at the attachment, in the hole and a device adapted to be arranged, at the

attachment of the module, in the hole between the shaft and the hole, and the device is adapted to be arranged with a radial gap to the hole.

The device adapted to be arranged, at the attachment of the module, in the hole between the shaft and the hole, and with a radial gap to the module, will, when arranged, at the attachment of the module, decrease lateral forces on the shaft.

Further, said device will, at the attachment of the module, when arranged in the hole between the shaft and the hole, and with a radial gap to the module, also decrease upward directed forces from the flange on the shaft. Said forces are decreased when, and if, the module moves, for example, when carrying heavy moving vehicles, or when the structure, where the module is attached, is moved, e.g. placement, or rising, of, for example, a ramp or a linkspan. The lateral forces is decreased on the shaft, as the module, in accordance with the present invention, is allowed, because of said play between the device and the module, as described herein, to move to a certain extent before said module will be in contact with the device. Thereby, will the shaft be relieved from some, potentially damaging, forces from a moving module.

Further, installation of the module, wherein the installation includes the attachment of the module to a structure, has also been shown to be made easier with said device, to be arranged in the hole between the shaft and the hole, wherein said device is arranged with said gaps to the module.

Furthermore, also any replacement of the module, in accordance with the present invention, has been shown to be made significantly easier with said device, to be arranged in the hole between the shaft and the hole, wherein said device is arranged with said gaps to the module.

The present invention further relates to a module, as described herein, wherein the means for attachment comprises a hole through the module and counterbore, circumventing the hole, and extending from the first face of the module and into the module, a shaft for arrangement, at the attachment, in the hole, wherein the shaft has a first shaft end being closest to the first face of the module, at the attachment, and second shaft end closest to the hole opening in the second face of the module, at the attachment, and a flanged appliance, e.g. a pipe with a washer, adapted to be arranged, at the attachment of the module, in the hole, and in the counterbore, between the shaft and the hole, wherein the flanged appliance has a first appliance end being closest to, and adapted to be arranged with an axial gap, to the first face of the module, and to the inner walls of the counterbore, and wherein the first appliance end being at the end of the axial extension of the counterbore in the module, at the attachment, and second appliance end closest to the hole opening in the second face of the module, at the attachment, wherein the shaft is provided with a head at the first shaft end, wherein the head is adapted to attach to the flange of the flanged appliance in the counterbore in the module, alternatively, the attachment part, instead of the means for attachment, comprises the shaft for arrangement.

The feature with the flanged appliance, e.g. a pipe with a washer, having the first appliance end being closest to, and adapted to be arranged with an axial gap, to the first face of the module, and to the inner walls of the counterbore, will, when arranged, at the attachment of the module, decreases lateral forces on the shaft.

The present invention relates to a further embodiment of a module, as described herein, wherein the means for attachment comprises a hole through the module and a device, and the second attachment part, comprises a shaft for arrangement, at the attachment, in the hole, and the device is adapted to be arranged, at the attachment of the module, in the hole between the shaft and the hole, and wherein the means for attachment further comprises a counterbore, circumventing the hole, and extending from the first face of the module and into the module, and a flanged appliance, e.g. a pipe with a washer, wherein the flanged appliance is adapted to be arranged, at the attachment of the module, in the hole, and in the counterbore, between the shaft and the hole, wherein the flanged appliance has a first appliance end being closest to the first face of the module and being at the end of the axial extension of the counterbore in the module, at the attachment, and second appliance end closest to the hole opening in the second face of the module, at the attachment, wherein the shaft further has a first shaft end being closest to the first face of the module, at the attachment, and second shaft end closest to the hole opening in the second face of the module, at the attachment, and wherein the shaft is provided with a head at the first shaft end, wherein the head is adapted to attach to the flange of the flanged appliance at the end of the axial extension of the counterbore in the module.

The device adapted to be arranged, at the attachment of the module, in the hole between the shaft and the hole, will, when arranged, at the attachment of the module, together with the feature with the flanged appliance having the first appliance end being closest to the first face of the module will, when arranged, at the attachment of the module, secure fixed attachment and also have a potential to decrease, at least to some extent, lateral forces, originating from a moving module, on the shaft.

The present invention relates to a module, as described herein, wherein the means for attachment comprises a hole through the module and a device, and the

attachment part, comprises a shaft for arrangement, at the attachment, in the hole, and the device is adapted to be arranged, at the attachment of the module, in the hole between the shaft and the hole, and with a radial gap to the module, and wherein the means for attachment further comprises a counterbore, circumventing the hole, and extending from the first face of the module and into the module, and a flanged appliance, wherein the flanged appliance is adapted to be arranged, at the attachment of the module, in the hole, and in the counterbore, between the shaft and the hole, wherein the flanged appliance has a first appliance end being closest to the first face of the module and being at the end of the axial extension of the counterbore in the module, at the attachment, and second appliance end closest to the hole opening in the second face of the module, at the attachment, wherein the shaft further has a first shaft end being closest to the first face of the module, at the attachment, and second shaft end closest to the hole opening in the second face of the module, at the attachment, and wherein the shaft is provided with a head at the first shaft end, wherein the head is adapted to attach to the flange of the flanged appliance at the end of the axial extension of the counterbore in the module, wherein the flanged appliance is provided with an axial gap to the end of the axial extension of the counterbore in the module.

The device adapted to be arranged, at the attachment of the module, in the hole between the shaft and the hole, and with a radial gap to the module, will, when arranged, at the attachment of the module, together with the feature with the flanged appliance having the first appliance end being closest to the first face of the module will, when arranged, at the attachment of the module, decrease lateral forces on the shaft.

The present invention further relates to embodiments, as described herein, wherein the module is made from a flexible material, such as rubber or a plastic material. The module may suitably be moulded.

The present invention also relates to a module, as described herein, wherein the module comprises a polymeric material.

The present invention further relates to a module, as described herein, wherein the module is provided with counterbores, or countersinks, allowing the heads of counterbored, or countersunk, bolts, screws or rivets, when placed in the holes, or in the boreholes, to sit flush with, or below, the surfaces surrounding the holes, or the boreholes, of the module. The present invention also relates to a structure covering system, wherein the structure is a naval structure, or a land based structure, e.g. a load bearing structure, a transportation structure, for example, a ramp, a deck or a bridge, wherein the structure covering system is attachable, and/or attached, to a structure surface and comprises modules in accordance with the module, as described herein, wherein the modules are releasably interconnectable, and/or are releasably interconnected; or alternatively, the modules are neither interconnectable nor interconnected; and wherein each module is adapted to be separately removable when the structure covering system is attached to the structure surface.

Further, the present invention further relates to a structure covering system, wherein the structure is a naval structure, or a land based structure, e.g. a load bearing structure, a transportation structure, for example, a ramp, a deck or a bridge, wherein the structure covering system is attachable, and/or attached, to a structure surface and comprises modules in accordance with the module, as described herein, wherein the modules are releasably interconnectable, and/or are releasably interconnected, and wherein each module is adapted to be separately removable when the structure covering system is attached to the structure surface.

The present invention also relates to a structure covering system, wherein the structure is a naval structure, or a land based structure, e.g. a load bearing structure, a transportation structure, for example, a ramp, a deck or a bridge, wherein the modules are neither interconnectable nor interconnected, and wherein each module is adapted to be separately removable when the structure covering system is attached to the structure surface.

The wording“the structure covering system is attachable, and/or attached, to a structure surface” is meant to comprise“a structure covering system completely attached to a structure surface”,“a structure covering system partly attached to a structure surface”, as well as,“a structure covering system not attached to a structure surface”.

In further embodiments, a structure covering system in accordance with the present invention, as described herein, is disclosed wherein the structure is provided with a surface covering system attached to a surface, or surfaces, of the structure.

In still further embodiments, a structure covering system in accordance with the present invention, as described herein, is disclosed wherein each module is separately replaceable.

The present invention further also relates to a structure covering system, wherein the structure is a planar deck surface, a ramp, for example, a ramp on board, a ship ramp, a linkspan or a port ramp, e.g. an operatable ramp, or a linkspan, e.g. of a naval vehicle, e.g. a ship or a port, or, an operatable ramp or a linkspan.

The present invention also relates to a structure covering system, wherein the structure is a ramp, e.g. an operatable ramp, or a linkspan.

Further, the present invention relates to a structure covering system, wherein the structure is a ramp, e.g. an operatable ramp.

The present invention also relates to a method for installation of a module according to the present invention, as described herein; and/or to a method for installation of a structure covering system according to the present invention, as described herein, on a structure; wherein said method for installation comprises step, or steps, of removable attaching the module, or modules of the structure covering system, to the structure surface of a structure, by using the“means for attachment” and the“first part”, all as described herein.

Further, the present invention also relates to a method for installation of a module, as described herein, and/or to a method for installation of a structure covering system, as described herein, comprising an interconnectable module, and/or interconnectable and/or interconnected modules.

Furthermore, the present invention also relates to said methods for installation, as described herein, wherein each module, when installed, is separately replaceable.

Moreover, the present invention further relates to said methods for installation, as described herein, wherein module/modules is/are installed to a one or several areas of the surface, or the surfaces, of the structure.

Further, the present invention further relates to said methods for installation, as described herein, wherein the structure is an operatable ramp of a naval vehicle, e.g. a ship.

Furthermore, the present invention also relates to said methods for installation, as described herein, wherein each module, when installed, is releasably locked with its neighbouring modules.

The present invention also relates to a method for producing a module according to the present invention, as described herein, and/or to a method for producing a structure covering system according to the present invention, as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in greater detail in the following, with reference to the embodiments that are shown in the attached drawings, in which

Fig. 1 shows an upper view of a module according to the present invention,

Fig. 2 shows an upper view of a structure covering system according to the present invention,

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a module, according to the present invention, attached, with a means for attachment, or with a first part of a means for attachment, to an attachment part and thereby to a structure surface of a structure,

Fig. 4 shows an exploded and cross-sectional view of a module, according to the present invention, with a means for attachment, or with“a first part of a means for attachment”, an attachment part, a rubber mat and a structure surface.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention with further developments described in the following are to be regarded only as examples and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the protection provided by the patent claims.

Fig. 1 shows an upper view of a module 100, according to the present invention, for a structure covering system. The module 100 has a first face 101 , aimed to face away from the structure surface, and a second face 102 (second face 102 is not shown in Fig. 1 ), aimed to face towards the structure surface. Further, in Fig. 1 and in eight instances parts of the means for attachment 103 are shown, here is hole 104 and counterbore 105 shown. Note that references (103, 104 and 105) are only added in one instance in Fig. 1 for“the parts of means for attachment” 103,“a hole” 104 and “a counterbore” 105. The first face 101 may be provided with means for friction (not shown), and the second face 102 is substantially planar (also not shown). The module 100 in Fig. 1 is further provided with a cutout 106, in five instances apertures 107 are shown. Note that reference (107) is only added in one instance in Fig. 1 for “an aperture” 107. The apertures 107 provide handgrips for a person handling the module 100. Moreover, the module 100 in Fig. 1 is further also provided with a chamfer 108.

Fig. 2 shows an upper view of a structure covering system 200 comprising a plurality of interconnected and attached modules 100, here mats 100, attached to a structure surface 300, here surface 300 of a stern ramp top plate. Note that reference (100) is only added in two instance in Fig. 2 for“modules” 100. Further, in Fig. 2 a plurality of instances of“means for attachment” 103, attaching the structure covering system 200 to the structure surface 300 are shown. Note that reference (103) is only added in two instance in Fig. 2 for“means for attachment” 103. Further, in Fig. 2 a plurality of instances of apertures 107 are also shown. Note that reference (107) is only added in two instance in Fig. 2 for“aperture” 107. The instances of apertures 107 provide handgrips for a person handling the module 100. Moreover, the structure covering system 200 in Fig. 2 is further also provided with a plurality of instances with chamfer 108. Note that reference (108) is only added in two instance in Fig. 2 for“chamfer” 108. Further in Fig. 2, two instances of recesses 109 are shown. Note that the each recess 109 in Fig. 2 differs in size and form.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a module 100 attached, with a means for attachment 103, or with“a first part of a means for attachment” 103, to an attachment part 400, here a threaded stud 400, and thereby to a structure surface 300. The means for attachment 103 in Fig. 3, comprises a hole 104, a counterbore 105, a washer 401 , a pipe 402, a gap 403 between the pipe 402 and the hole 104 in the module 100, a nut 404, a gap 405: between the washer 401 and the counterbore 105, and also between the washer 401 and the module 100. Further in Fig. 3, a rubber mat 500 is provided between the module 100 and the structure surface 300 of the structure 301.

Fig. 4 shows an exploded and cross-sectional view of a module 100 attached, with a means for attachment 103, or with“a first part of a means for attachment” 103, an attachment part 400, here a threaded stud 400, and a structure surface 300. The means for attachment 103 in Fig. 4, comprises a hole 104, a counterbore 105, a washer 401 , a pipe 402, gap 403 is not shown in as Fig. 4 is an exploded view, a nut 404 and gap 405 is not shown in Fig. 4. Further in Fig. 4, a rubber mat 500 is provided between the module 100 and the structure surface 300 of the structure 301.

Claims

1. A module (100) for a structure covering system, wherein the structure is a naval structure, and/or a land based structure, wherein the module (100) is attachable to a structure surface and is covering a part of the structure surface when attached to the structure surface, comprises means for attachment (103), to the structure surface, and has a first face (101 ), aimed to face away from the structure surface, and a second face (102), aimed to face towards the structure surface, when the module (100) is attached to the structure surface, wherein the first face (101 ) is provided with means for friction, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the module (100) is removable from the structure surface after attachment to the structure surface, and that each means for attachment (103) comprises a first part (103), the first part (103) is adapted to be removably attached to an attachment part (400) and, via the attachment part (400), also removably attached to the structure surface, and wherein said module (100) is attached with a play (403) to the means for attachment (103).

2. A module (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the means for attachment (103) comprises male and/or female portions, for example, comprising shafts, bolts, studs, screws, rivets, collars, pipes, flanges, nuts, holes, boreholes, gaps, counterbores, countersinks, and/or adhesives, and/or process of welding.

3. A module (100) according to any of claim 1 or 2, wherein either of said second face (102), or the structure surface, is provided with a rubber-like mat.

4. A module (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second face (102) is substantially planar.

5. A module (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the module (100) is adapted to be attachable to a structure surface, and to cover a part of the structure surface, when attached to the structure surface, wherein sides of the module (100) are adapted to be in alignment side by side with other modules when the modules are attached, and the module (100) is adapted to be with, or without, play to other modules when the modules are attached.

6. A module (100) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the module (100) is adapted to be attached with play to other modules when the modules are attached.

7. A module (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the module (100) is adapted to be either not interconnectable, or adapted to be releasably

interconnectable, with other modules.

8. A module (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the means for attachment (103) comprises a hole (104) through the module (100), a shaft for arrangement, at the attachment, in the hole (104) and a device adapted to be arranged, at the attachment of the module (100), in the hole (104) between the shaft and the hole (104), and the device is adapted to be arranged with a radial gap to the module (100), alternatively, the attachment part (400), instead of the means for attachment (103), comprises the shaft for arrangement.

9. A module (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the means for attachment (103) comprises a hole (104) through the module (100) and counterbore (105), circumventing the hole (104), and extending from the first face (101 ) of the module (100) and into the module (100), a shaft for arrangement, at the attachment, in the hole (104), wherein the shaft has a first shaft end being closest to the first face (101 ) of the module (100), at the attachment, and second shaft end closest to the hole opening in the second face (102) of the module (100), at the attachment, and a flanged appliance adapted to be arranged, at the attachment of the module (100), in the hole (104), and in the counterbore (105), between the shaft and the hole (104), wherein the flanged appliance has a first appliance end being closest to, and adapted to be arranged with an axial gap, to the first face (101 ) of the module (100) and, to the inner walls of the counterbore (105), and wherein the first appliance end being at the end of the axial extension of the counterbore (105) in the module (100), at the attachment, and second appliance end closest to the hole opening in the second face (102) of the module (100), at the attachment, wherein the shaft is provided with a head at the first shaft end, wherein the head is adapted to attach to the flange of the flanged appliance in the counterbore (105) in the module (100), alternatively, the attachment part (400), instead of the means for attachment (103), comprises the shaft for arrangement.

10. A module (100) according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the means for attachment (103) comprises a hole (104) through the module (100) and counterbore (105), circumventing the hole (104), and extending from the first face (101 ) of the module (100) and into the module (100), a shaft for arrangement, at the attachment, in the hole (104), wherein the shaft has a first shaft end being closest to the first face (101 ) of the module (100), at the attachment, and second shaft end closest to the hole opening in the second face (102) of the module (100), at the attachment, and a flanged appliance adapted to be arranged, at the attachment of the module (100), in the hole (104), and in the counterbore (105), between the shaft and the hole (104), wherein the flanged appliance has a first appliance end being closest to the first face (101 ) of the module (100) and being at the end of the axial extension of the counterbore (105) in the module (100), at the attachment, and second appliance end closest to the hole opening in the second face (102) of the module (100), at the attachment, wherein the shaft is provided with a head at the first shaft end, wherein the head is adapted to attach to the flange of the flanged appliance at the end of the axial extension of the counterbore (105) in the module (100), wherein the flanged appliance is provided with an axial gap to the end of the axial extension of the counterbore (105) in the module (100), alternatively, the attachment part (400), instead of the means for attachment (103), comprises the shaft for arrangement.

11. A module (100) according any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the module (100) is provided with counterbores, or countersinks, allowing the heads of counterbored, or countersunk, bolts, screws or rivets, when placed in the holes, or in the boreholes, to sit flush with, or below, the surfaces surrounding the holes, or the boreholes, of the module (100).

12. Structure covering system (200), wherein the structure is a naval structure, or a land based structure, wherein the structure covering system (200) is attachable, and/or attached, to a structure surface and comprises modules according to the module (100) in any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the modules (100) are releasably interconnectable, and/or are releasably

interconnected; or alternatively, the modules (100) are neither interconnectable nor interconnected; and wherein each module (100) is adapted to be separately removable when the structure covering system (200) is attached to the structure surface.

13. Structure covering system (200) according to claim 12, wherein the structure is a ramp, for example, a ramp on board, a ship ramp, a linkspan or a port ramp, e.g. an operatable ramp, or a linkspan.

14. A method for installation of a module (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein said method for installation comprises step, or steps, of removable attaching the module (100); and/or a method for installation of a structure covering system (200) according to claim 12 or 13, on a structure, wherein said method for installation comprises steps of removable attaching modules (100).

15. A method for producing a module (100) according to any of claims 1 to 11 , and/or for producing a structure covering system (200) according to claim 12 or 13.