WO2021105942A1

WO2021105942A1 - Paver, paving system, and related methods

Info

Publication number: WO2021105942A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/061214
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mike Thomas; Claire O’SHAUGHNESSY; Rob LAWRY; Stuart GIRVEN
Original assignee: Pixel Paver Limited
Priority date: 2019-11-29
Filing date: 2020-11-27
Publication date: 2021-06-03

Abstract

A paving stone for paving a ground area is provided. The paving stone has a unitary body which defines at least one inner void through the paver body. In a use configuration the paving stone wholly buried beneath a topsoil layer. This may allow for a grassed topsoil surface, but which is vertically supported by the underlying paving stone, while the at least one inner void of each paving stone allows for drainage through the paver into the subsurface.

Description

PAVER, PAVING SYSTEM, AND RELATED METHODS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to paving, and more particularly but not solely to pavers and paving systems.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Beginning at least as early as the British agricultural and industrial revolutions in the 18^th century, the population distribution of western countries has shifted from largely rural towards predominantly urban or city-based. In the mid- 20^th century this urbanisation trend also begun to take root throughout the developing world.

At the beginning of the 20^th century, around 15% of the world's population lived in cities. As of the turn of the 21^st century, an estimated 50% of the world's total population live in urban areas. By 2050, this proportion is projected to reach about 85% in western countries, and 65% in developing countries.

Urbanisation has and will seemingly continue to result in densification of urban areas, as increased urban populations create a natural incentive to use land more efficiently for dwellings, transportation, and other surface infrastructure.

On undeveloped land, some rainfall evaporates while the remainder either is absorbed by the permeable soil, or where soil saturation occurs it becomes surface runoff. As much of the footprint of urbanised environments consist of impervious surfaces - roofs, concrete, and asphalt - the overall permeability of the ground area may be markedly reduced. This results in increased rainfall evaporating or ending up as surface runoff.

These urban changes can significantly alter the hydrologic cycle in urbanised areas, as reduced soil permeation results in reduced groundwater. Reductions in groundwater can alter the water table, reducing fresh water supplies. The increased runoff itself can cause undesirable surface erosion, the loss of topsoil, and downstream sedimentation. In addition, the increased surface runoff can amplify the pollution of water sources, as the runoff water acts as a carrier for pollutants, either man-made (including fertilisers, oil and petrol residues, and rubbish) or natural (such as decomposing organic matter). If not collected and treated, urban runoff will therefore pollute downstream water sources where it ends up such as rivers, lakes, or the oceans. Where it is collected and treated, urban runoff presents significant infrastructure costs and challenges for cities. As a result of urban intensification, many governments have introduced limits to the proportion of impermeable area to overall land area of a property. These limits act to reduce surface runoff to levels which are considered to be acceptable. However, they naturally place constraints on land use, as areas which may otherwise be valuable for building on or paving over may be required to remain permeable grassed or foliaged land.

It is an object of the invention provide an improved paver and paving system which addresses or ameliorates one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Additionally or alternately, it may be an object of the present invention to provide

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present disclosure may be said to broadly relate to a paving stone for paving a ground area, the paving stone having a unitary paver body defining at least one inner void through the paver body, wherein in use the paving stone is supported by a subsurface and is wholly buried beneath a topsoil layer.

The paver body comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate arms having an elongate direction and at least two discrete bridging portions spanning between and joining the spaced apart elongate arms, such that the paver body defines a) at least one inner void through the paver body and between the bridging portions, and b) a pair of opposed recesses to form end voids at and between the respective ends of the spaced apart elongate arms.

The peripheral extent of the paver comprises one or more recesses through a height of the paver body.

The paving stone is for being buried beneath a topsoil layer.

The topsoil layer is at least half the depth of a maximum height of the paver in a direction perpendicular to a ground plane.

Each of the at least one inner void and the pair of end voids present a vertical void column extending from a or the paver supporting subsurface to a ground surface.

When the paver is buried under a topsoil layer, the topsoil fills the vertical void columns such as to provide a vertical soil column extending from the subsurface to the topsoil surface. The ratio of the height of the vertical soil columns to the height of the paver is approximately 8:5.

The vertical void columns allow for permeation from the ground surface through to the supporting subsurface.

The vertical void columns allow for vegetation root growth from the topsoil layer towards and/or into the supporting subsurface.

The paver body, with respect to a ground plane, comprises a ratio of void area to solid paving stone area of approximately 1:4.

The paver body comprises a ratio of the total of the internal void and end void surface areas to their total volumes of approximately 1:2.

The surfaces are surfaces extending substantially perpendicularly to a ground plane.

The paver body comprises a plurality of ribs spaced about its outer perimeter.

The ribs are for, in a paving system, engaging with the ribs of adjacent paving stones.

The ribs are for, in a paving system, spacing the paving stone apart from adjacent pavers so as to form one or more inter-paver void spaces.

The one or more inter-paver void spaces provide an inter-paver void column extending from a or the subsurface to the topsoil surface.

The one or more inter-paver void spaces are for receiving an aggregate or sand to provide frictional engagement between adjacent paving stones against lateral movement with the ground plane.

The ribs are spaced about the outer perimeter of the paver body in opposed offset pairs, such that a first elongate side of the paving stone is configured to mate with the ribs of the corresponding second elongate side of an adjacent paving stone.

The paver body comprises two pairs of ribs along a or the elongate sides of the paver body and at least one pair of ribs along the end sides of the paver body.

The plurality of ribs each comprise discrete lateral projections from the side of the paver body, the lateral projections comprising at least one lateral side having a chamfered edge.

The engagement of the paver to adjacent pavers occurs at least in part at the at least one lateral side having the chamfered edge.

The ribs are longitudinally oriented in a direction of the height of the paver.

The ribs extend only across a portion of the height of the paver. The ribs are of a dimension, in the direction of the height of the paver, less than the height of the paver, and at least some of the ribs are located towards a top surface of the paver so as to provide a visual indication of an upwards or downwards orientation of the paver.

The paving stone has a peripheral shape such that a plurality of the paving stones when laid together form a regular tiling.

The paving stone has a peripheral shape such that when a plurality of the paving stones are laid together the inter-paver void spaces are of substantially continuous width.

The paving stone of claim 1, wherein the paver body is substantially rectangular and defines an internal void through a height of the paving stone, wherein at one of the two opposed ground-plane-parallel main faces of the paving stone the perimeter of an interface between the internal void and the unitary rectangular body comprises a chamfered region, such that the height of the paver decreases along the chamfer towards the internal void.

The paving stone paver body comprises rectangular body and the inner void is a central void, and wherein at one of two opposed ground-plane-parallel main faces of the paving stone the perimeter of an interface between the central void and the unitary rectangular body comprises a chamfered region, such that the height of the paver decreases along the chamfer towards the central void.

The height of the paver linearly decreases along the chamfer of the unitary rectangular body towards the central void.

The paving stone as part of a paving system is for being supported by a subsurface and wholly buried beneath a topsoil layer.

A plurality of the paving stones are provided as a set of paving stones, and each paving stone of the set of paving stones comprise a plurality ribs spaced about its out periphery in opposed offset pairs, such that a first elongate side of the paving stone is configured to mate with the ribs of the corresponding second elongate side of an adjacent paving stone.

Each rib extends at least partially along a height the respective paving stone and each rib is chamfered such that it narrows as it projects outwardly from a remainder of its respective paving stone paver body.

Adjacent paving stones of the set of paving stones when laid together as part of a paving system engage with each at their respective ribs.

Adjacent paving stones of the set of paving stones when laid together as part of a paving system engage with each other only at their respective ribs. In a further aspect, the present disclosure be said to broadly relate to a paving stone for paving a ground area, the paving stone having a paver body comprising a pair of spaced apart elongate arms having an elongate direction and at least two discrete bridging portions spanning between and joining the spaced apart elongate arms, such that the paver body defines a) at least one inner void through the paver body and between the bridging portions, and b) a pair of opposed recesses to form end voids at and between the respective ends of the spaced apart elongate arms.

The paver body is unitary.

The paver body defines a substantially rectangular peripheral extent along a ground plane.

The paver body defines a substantially polygonal peripheral extent along a ground plane.

The paver body defines a substantially circular or semi-circular peripheral extent along a ground plane.

The paver body is substantially symmetrical about the at least two discrete bridging arms.

The paving stone is for sub-topsoil use.

The paving stone is for being buried beneath a topsoil layer.

The topsoil layer is at least equal in depth to a maximum height of the paver in a direction perpendicular to a ground plane.

When the paver is buried under a topsoil layer, the topsoil fills the vertical void columns such as to provide a vertical soil column extending from the subsurface to the topsoil surface.

The ratio of the height of the vertical soil columns to the height of the paver is approximately 8:5. The vertical void columns allow for permeation from the ground surface through to the supporting subsurface.

The paver body comprises a plurality of ribs spaced about its outer perimeter.

The ribs are longitudinally oriented in a direction of the height of the paver.

The ribs extend only across a portion of the height of the paver.

The ribs are of a dimension, in the direction of the height of the paver, less than the height of the paver, and at least some of the ribs are located towards a top surface of the paver so as to provide a visual indication of an upwards or downwards orientation of the paver.

The paving stone is comprised at least in part of a concrete material.

The paving stone is comprised at least in part of a plastics material.

The paving stone is comprised at least in part of a ceramics material.

The paving stone comprises one or more reinforcing members provided within one or more of a) one or both elongate arms, and b) one or more of the at least two discrete bridging portions.

The paving stone is substantially nonabsorbent of water.

At least one peripheral face of the paving stone comprises a thermal insulator.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure may be said to broadly relate to a paving stone for paving a ground area, the paving stone having a paver body comprising a unitary rectangular body defining a void through a height of the paving stone, wherein at one of the two opposed ground-plane-parallel main faces of the paving stone the perimeter of an interface between the central void and the unitary rectangular body comprises a chamfered region, such that the height of the paver decreases along the chamfer towards the central void.

The void is a substantially central void.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure may be said to broadly relate to a paving system for paving a ground area, the paving system comprising a subsurface for supporting the pavers of the system, a plurality of subsurface pavers, each paver for engagement with adjacent pavers and each subsurface paver comprising both solid and void regions with respect to a direction perpendicular to a ground plane, and a topsoil layer, wherein each of the subsurface pavers are for being wholly buried beneath the topsoil layer. The paving system further comprises a plurality of surface pavers, the surface pavers having a height in a direction perpendicular to a ground plane greater than a corresponding height of the subsurface pavers.

The ratio of the height of the surface pavers to the height of the subsurface pavers is approximately 8:5.

The surface pavers when laid present a paving surface at a level substantially equal to the topsoiled area.

The subsurface pavers and surface pavers are laid in respective sections so as to define topsoiled areas and surface paver surfaced areas.

The subsurface pavers and surface pavers are laid in repeating groups so as to create repeating patterns of visual surface features.

The surface pavers and subsurface pavers interlock with each other to resist movement of any paver of the paving system against at least some lateral direction movement parallel to a or the ground plane.

The surface pavers and subsurface pavers have substantially the same overall external lateral proportions.

Each subsurface paver comprises a plurality of ribs spaced about its outer perimeter, the ribs for engaging with the ribs of adjacent subsurface pavers.

The ribs space the subsurface pavers apart from adjacent pavers so as to form one or more inter-paver void spaces.

The one or more inter-paver void spaces are for receiving an aggregate or sand to provide frictional engagement between adjacent pavers against lateral movement with the ground plane.

The ribs are spaced about the outer perimeter of the paver body in opposed offset pairs, such that a first elongate side of the paver is configured to mate with the ribs of the corresponding second elongate side of an adjacent paver.

The paver body comprises two pairs of ribs along a or the elongate sides of the paver body and at least one pair of ribs along the end sides of the paver body. The plurality of ribs each comprise discrete lateral projections from the side of the paver body, the lateral projections comprising at least one lateral side having a chamfered edge.

The ribs are longitudinally oriented in a direction of the height of the paver.

The ribs extend only across a portion of the height of the paver.

The engagement of a paver with an adjacent paver is by an overlapping interference of one or more of each paver's ribs.

The pavers are, in use, buried by a topsoil layer.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure may be said to broadly relate to a set of pavers for utilisation in a paving system, the set of pavers comprising a plurality of subsurface pavers each having a subsurface paver body comprising a pair of spaced apart elongate arms having an elongate direction and at least two discrete bridging portions spanning between and joining the spaced apart elongate arms, such that the subsurface paver body defines a) at least one inner void through the paver body and between the bridging portions, and b) a pair of opposed recesses to form end voids at and between the respective ends of the spaced apart elongate arms, and a plurality of conventional pavers, wherein the plurality of subsurface pavers have a subsurface paver height and the plurality of conventional pavers have a conventional paver height, both the subsurface pavers and conventional pavers are for laying on a substantially planar base surface, and the subsurface paver height is less than the conventional paver height.

The subsurface paver height is less than the conventional paver height such that the subsurface paver is covered by a topsoil layer, the topsoil layer being of a depth substantially equal to the difference between the conventional paver height and the subsurface paver height.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure may be said to broadly relate to a paving system comprising a plurality of the pavers of described herein, being subsurface pavers, in combination with a plurality of conventional pavers having a height greater than that of the subsurface pavers, such that the plurality of subsurface pavers are, in use, buried under a topsoil layer and the plurality of conventional pavers provide a paving system top surface adjacent the topsoil layer.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure may be said to broadly relate to a paving system for paving a ground area, the paving system comprising a subsurface for supporting a plurality of pavers, a plurality of subsurface pavers, each paver for engagement with adjacent pavers and each subsurface paver comprising both solid and void regions with respect to a direction perpendicular to a ground plane, and a topsoil layer, wherein each of the subsurface pavers are, in use, wholly buried beneath the topsoil layer.

The ratio of the void regions to the solid regions along a plane parallel to the ground plane is between about 1:2 to about 1:4.

The void regions extend fully through each subsurface paver in the direction perpendicular to the ground plane such that topsoil of the topsoil layer fills the void regions from the subsurface to a top of the topsoil layer.

The plurality of subsurface pavers are buried beneath the topsoil layer to a depth, in the direction perpendicular to the ground plane, of at least half a height of each of the plurality of subsurface pavers, also in the direction perpendicular to the ground plane.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure may be said to broadly relate to a method of preparation of a supported ground surface, the method comprising the steps of laying a plurality of the subsurface pavers on a subsurface base, and providing soil on top of the subsurface base and subsurface pavers, such that the subsurface pavers are entirely buried by the soil, wherein each subsurface paver comprises at least one void region through a height of the paver in a direction perpendicular to the subsurface base, and the step of providing soil comprises a filling of each at least one void region.

One or more of the plurality of subsurface pavers define a subsurface paver body comprising a pair of spaced apart elongate arms having an elongate direction and at least two discrete bridging portions spanning between and joining the spaced apart elongate arms.

The pair of spaced apart elongate arms and at least two bridging portions define a) the void region through the paver body and between the bridging portions, and b) a pair of opposed recessed end voids at and between the respective ends of the spaced apart elongate arms.

The laying of the plurality of subsurface pavers comprises a ribbed engagement of laterally adjacent subsurface pavers with each other.

Laterally adjacent and mutually engaged subsurface pavers define at least one vertically extending void region therebetween.

The step of providing soil on top of the subsurface base and subsurface pavers comprises providing soil above the subsurface pavers to a depth of at least half of the height of the subsurface pavers.

The method further comprises the step of a) seeding grass on the soil or b) providing a grown turf on the soil.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure may be said to broadly relate to a paver substantially as described herein with reference to any one or more of the figures.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure may be said to broadly relate to a subsurface paver substantially as described herein with reference to any one or more of the figures.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure may be said to broadly relate to a paving system substantially as described herein with reference to any one or more of the figures.

The term "axis" as used in this specification means the axis of revolution about which a line or a plane may be revolved to form a symmetrical shape. For example, a line revolved around and axis of revolution will form a surface, while a plane revolved around and axis of revolution will form a solid.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising," features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a plurality of subsurface pavers and conventional pavers according to an embodiment of a paving system.

Figure 2 shows the paving system of Figure 1, where the subsurface pavers are covered by a topsoil layer.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a subsurface paver.

Figure 4 shows another view of an embodiment of a subsurface paver.

Figure 5 shows a view of an embodiment of a subsurface paver as part of a paving system.

Figure 6A and 6B show end and side views respectively of a subsurface paver according to an embodiment.

Figures 7A to 7C show configurations of one or more ribs of a subsurface paver according to various embodiments.

Figures 8A shows another embodiment of a subsurface paver.

Figure 8B shows the paver of 8A in association with a conventional paver.

Figure 9A shows a cross-section of a paving system. Figure 9B shows a cross-section of a paving system illustrating a plurality of void columns.

Figure 9C shows another illustration of the content of Figure 9B.

Figure 9D shows the paving system of Figure 9A including a topsoil layer.

Figure 9E shows the configuration of Figure 9D with plant matter growing in the topsoil layer and void columns of the subsurface paver.

Figures 10A-I show various example configurations of a paving system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figure 1 a paving system 1 is illustrated. The paving system 1 is for coverage of a ground area, includes a plurality of paving stones. Seen in Figure 1 are a plurality of a first type of paving stone, being a subsurface paving stone 100 and a second type of paving stone, being a conventional paving stone 200.

The subsurface paving stones 100 are for being, in a final use configuration of the paving system, buried beneath a topsoil and/or turf layer. When buried, the pavers may allow for a soil surface, with grass or other foliage on it, to be presented to a user. This may be both visually appealing and/or functionally beneficial, as the grassed surface may be capable of supporting increased surface loads and lateral surface forces due to the presence of the subsurface pavers 100.

These loads and lateral forces may for example be associated with people walking or playing on the surface, the presence of temporary structures such as gazebos or tents, or particularly the driving or storage of vehicles and/or trailers.

An example of a final use configuration of the paving system 1 of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 2. Seen in Figure 2, the subsurface pavers 100 have been covered by a topsoil layer 2. In the final use configuration the paving system may present a substantially continuous surface, comprised by the top surfaces of the conventional pavers 200 and the topsoil layer 2.

It will be appreciated that the topsoil layer 2 may include a grass or other turf component, and that in different configurations either the grass or the soil of the topsoil layer may be provided substantially parallel with the surface of the adjacent conventional pavers 200. The overarching desire is that the paving system may present a substantially continuous surface between the conventional pavers 200 and the topsoil layer 2. Such a configuration may be both aesthetically pleasing, and functionally beneficial.

A subsurface paver 200 according to one embodiment has a unitary paver body which defines at least one inner void. This inner void passes entirely through a height of the paver body. In use, the subsurface paver 200 is to be supported by a subsurface base. This subsurface base may be a compressed aggregate or any other base-course or surface, such as in some configurations a slab, for supporting the paver. In use, the subsurface paver 200 is wholly buried beneath a topsoil layer 2.

With reference generally to Figures 3-6B an embodiment of a subsurface paver 100 is shown. The subsurface paver 100 has a paver body 101. The paver body is in various preferred forms a unitary paver body.

The paver body 101 has a pair of spaced apart elongate arms 102.

As seen in for example Figure 3 the elongate arms 102 are of substantially equal length, and generally rectangular form. In various other configurations the elongate arms 102 may be of different sizes or configurations, including lengths. The elongate arms 102 may preferably however, regardless of their specific shapes and configurations, provide for a paver 100 having a paver body 101 which is capable of nesting with and forming regular tessellations with other of the same pavers.

The paver body 101 may have one or more, but preferably a pair of bridging portions 103 which join the elongate arms 102, which are spaced apart from each other.

Together, the elongate arms 102 and bridging portions 103 define a number of void features. An inner void 104 passes through the height of the paver body, and is located between the two bridging portions 104. At least one, and as seen for example in Figures 3 and 4, a pair of end recesses 105 are defined between the spaced apart elongate arms 102 and the bridging portions 103.

The end recesses 105 also pass through the height of the paver body 101, so as to create a void in the footprint of the paver.

The overall lateral extent of the paver body may be substantially rectangular, for example as seen in Figure 3. In other forms it may be of any other shape suitable to form regular tessellations with either or both of other subsurface pavers 200 like itself or conventional pavers 100.

The lateral or longitudinal dimensions of the subsurface pavers 200, for example their length, may be equal to or of multiples of conventional pavers 100 which the subsurface pavers 200 are for use with. For example, a subsurface paver 200 may be 75% the length of a conventional paver 100, such that four of the subsurface pavers 200 laid end to end equal the length of three conventional pavers 200. As seen in Figure 3, and also more clearly in the end and side views of Figures 6A and 6B, the paver 100 may have a substantially continuous height.

In other configurations, the paver 100 may have portions of different heights, however any relatively higher portions are preferably to be of a lesser height than the height of any conventional pavers 200 with which the subsurface pavers 100 are to be used. This relatively lesser height is to be such as to allow the pavers 100 to be subsurface pavers.

In various preferred forms, the paver 100 is to be a subsurface paver. This means that the paver is to be, in a final use configuration, buried beneath a top soil layer as has for example been described in relation to Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 5 shows further details of an embodiment of a paver 100 for a subsurface application. The paver 100 is shown alongside a conventional paver 200 for exemplification, but it will be understood that pavers 100 may be laid other than directly adjacent a conventional paver 200. For example, the pavers 100 and 200 may be laid as seen in the configurations of Figure 1 and 2, or in other configurations which will subsequently be described.

The pavers 100 and 200 are shown in Figure 5 laid on a subsurface base 3, such as an aggregate base course or a concrete slab.

The subsurface paver 100 is shown as having a lesser height than the conventional paver 200. The difference in height between the subsurface paver 100 and any conventional paver 200 for which the paver is to be used may be any amount such that a soil layer of that thickness can sustain grass or other ground cover. Accordingly, this thickness difference may vary according to local climates and the type of grass or ground cover to be grown in the topsoil layer.

Conventional pavers 200 may commonly come in a range of standardized sizes. For example, in at least an Australasian market, pavers may come in 50, 65, and 80 mm thicknesses. A subsurface paver 100 may be of approximately half or less than half the height of a conventional paver 200 with which it is to be used.

For example, where a conventional paver is to be of an 80 mm depth, the subsurface paver 100 may be of approximately 40 mm depth. Such a configuration is illustrated in Figure 5.

The paver body 101 may additionally have one or more ribs 106. In most forms there may be a plurality of ribs 106, spaced about a periphery of the paver body 101.

The ribs 106 are for engaging with corresponding ribs of adjacent subsurface paver 100, or where adjacent conventional pavers 200 without corresponding ribs, for engaging with the body of the conventional paver. This engagement may be either or both of a frictional engagement and an engagement of material interference.

Where the ribs 106 engage with an adjacent paver, the set-out nature of the ribs from the body 101 may

An example of such ribs 106 is seen in perspective in Figure 1 and in top view in Figure 2. Seen in these figures, the ribs 106 comprise a pair of ribs on each long side of the paver, and a single rib on each end. Other embodiments may comprise as few as one rib per side, or a plurality of ribs on one or more of each of the sides.

Further details of the ribs 106 and example variants of their configurations are shown in Figures 7A-7C. In one configuration the ribs of one side of a paver may each be configured to underlap or overlap with the corresponding ribs of the left hand side of the paver 100. Such an arrangement is seen in Figure 7A, where the ribs 106 of the right hand side of the paver 100 are configured to sit to a first side of the ribs 106 of the left hand side of the paver 100.

In other configurations the ribs of adjacent pavers 100 may be in a combination of overlapping and underlapping conditions. Figure 7B shows an example of this where the right hand side paver ribs 106 are both configured to sit outside of the ribs 106 of the left hand side of the paver 100. Such a configuration may be desirable in order to provide for a relative locking of the pavers 100 to each other upon relative movements both up and down the direction of the height of the page.

While shown for example in Figure 3 as comprising truncated triangular lateral extensions oriented longitudinally in the direction of the height of the paver, the ribs 106 may be in any configuration suitable primarily to mate with ribs 106 of the corresponding adjacent side of adjacent pavers, or in the case of an adjacent conventional paver, to engage with the paver, and to space the remainder of the paver bodies 101 from each other.

To this end, the ribs 106 may be of different shapes. For example they may be substantially square-edged, or rounded as seen for example in Figures 8A and 8B.

The ribs 106 may extend substantially across the height of the paver 100 as seen in Figure 3, or in other configurations they may extend only so partially across the height of the paver. The ribs 106 may be of any height provided that they are able to achieve their previously described primary purposes of mating or engaging with adjacent pavers and spacing the pavers apart. In some configurations the ribs 106 may extend only across a partial portion of the height of the paver body 101, and some or all of the ribs may be positioned at or towards the top or bottom of the height of the paver. By such a configuration a visual indication may be provided to a user of which surface of the paver is the top and which is the bottom.

Finally, the ribs 106 while shown in for example Figure 3 as being oriented substantially along the height of the paver body 101, may be provided at any suitable orientation such that they achieve their primary purposes previously described.

As previously described, where located adjacent conventional pavers 200 the ribs 106 of the subsurface paver 100 may not materially interfere with the paver 200, but rather just place the pavers in frictional engagement with each other. An example of this is shown in Figure 7C.

The ribs 106 may facilitate the creation of one or more inter-paver void spaces 107. Examples of such inter-paver void spaces 107 are seen in each of Figures 7A-C.

The inter-paver void space 107 may provide a space for the insertion of a frictional enhancer between the pavers, such as a sand or other light aggregate.

The ribs 106 may be configured to provide the desired outstand from the remainder of the paver body 101 so as to optimize the space available for filling with frictional enhancer. The width and volume of the inter-paver void spaces 107 may be customized according to the application or the properties of the frictional enhancer to be utilized.

Figures 6A and 6B show respectively end and side views of an embodiment of a subsurface paver 100. As seen in these figures, the paver body 101 has a substantially continuous height. Seen in Figure 6B in dashes lines are the locations of the two bridging portions 103, the central void 104 between them, and towards the ends of the paver body 101 the end recesses 105.

While previously described in relation to Figures 3-6B, the subsurface paver with generally a paver body 101 and inner void may be provided in a variety of different arrangements, a further example of which is illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B.

The subsurface paver 100 of this embodiment comprises a unitary paver body 101. An inner void 104 passes through the height of the paver body 101. One of top or bottom surfaces of the paver, being the surfaces in-use being parallel to the ground plane, the perimeter of the interface with the inner void 104 is chamfered to form a perimeter chamfer 108. The perimeter chamfer 108 causes the height of the paver body 101 to decrease towards the central void.

The perimeter chamfer 108 may decrease the volume of the paver, and when the chamfer is located at the top surface of the paver as in the preferred configuration shown in Figure 8B, the soil volume and depth from the topsoil 2 surface may be increased relative to a non-chamfered region of the paver body.

The chamfer 108 may be a linear or arcuate chamfer.

The paver 100 may additionally comprise one or more ribs 106 as previously described. As seen in Figure 8A, these ribs 106 may be of an arcuate external profile.

Figure 8B shows a view of the paver 100 of Figure 8A adjacent to a conventional paver 200. The conventional paver 200 seen in Figure 8B also comprises a plurality of ribs 201. The ribs 106 of the paver 100 may be configured to correspond with or in particular mate with the ribs 201 of the paver 200, as seen in Figure 8B.

The height of the paver 100 of the embodiment of Figures 8A and 8B may be substantially as previously described in relation to the subsurface paver 100 generally.

Each subsurface paver 100 may have one or more voids through the height of the paver. Further details of these voids and their operations and functions will now be described in relation to Figures 9A-E, which show a cross-sectional view of a portion of a paving system 1 laid on a subsurface base 3. A subsurface paver 100, in this case of the embodiment shown in Figure 3 and 4, and a conventional paver 200 are both shown in cross-section.

While shown in Figures 9A-9E as being in a form such as described in relation to Figure 3, the subsurface paver 100 may be of any embodiment contemplated herein.

Seen in Figure 9A are the two bridging portions 103, the central void 104 defined between them, and the end recesses 105 defined either side of the bridging portions 103.

The subsurface paver 100 is of a height less than the conventional paver 200, as previously described.

Figure 9B demonstrates how the central void 104 and end recesses 104 each define void columns 109. These void columns 109 extend from the subsurface 103 upwards through the subsurface paver 100 and onwards up. This is demonstrated by the dashed lines of Figure 9B. Figure 9C illustrates in a shaded view the void columns 109 extending up to the height of a top surface of the conventional paver 200.

The void columns 109 provide a void to be filled by soil, and to allow for drainage of water from the surface of the topsoil layer 3 down into the ground. The void columns 109 may also provide a depth of soil for plant matter to grow roots at a depth greater than from the topsoil surface to the uppermost surface of the paver 100. This may act to allow the plant matter growing on the topsoil, for example grass, to be more resilient to wear, dryness, and other inhibiting factors.

In use the subsurface paver 100 is to be buried beneath a topsoil layer. Figure 9D shows the paver 100 buried beneath a topsoil layer 3.

As previously described, this top soil layer may be laid and/or settled to be below or above the height of the conventional paver 200, but as seen in Figure 9D it may preferably be substantially to the height of the conventional paver 200 so as to provide a substantially continuous paving system surface.

As seen in Figure 9D, the void columns 109 have been filled with topsoil, and provide a topsoil depth greater than that above either of the elongate arms 102 or bridging portions 103. The void columns when filled provide topsoil columns.

Finally, Figure 9E illustrates the paving system 1 with the subsurface paver 100 buried by the topsoil layer 3 to the height of the top of the conventional paver 200, and plant matter 110 growing in the topsoil.

The plant matter 110 is shown having roots 111 growing down in to the void columns 109. The roots 111 at the void columns are able to grow to a greater depth than the roots in the topsoil adjacent the solid surfaces of the paver at the elongate arms 103 or bridging portions 104.

Depending on the nature of the subsurface 3, the void columns 3 may additionally allow for root 111 growth down into the subsurface as seen in Figure 9E. Roots may even grow through the subsurface 3, and so provide the plant matter 110 with further sources of nutrient and water than are available in the topsoil layer 3.

It will be appreciated that the void columns, by their nature of providing soil increased total soil volume and permeable material down to the subsurface 3 may provide for increased soakage than would be possible with a solid paver. The void columns do not only extend through the height of the subsurface paver 100, but due to the nature of the subsurface paver as being in use buried beneath topsoil, the void columns rather extend upwards through the topsoil layer 3 above the top of the paver body 101 and up to the top of the topsoil. Particularly where the subsurface paver 100 is of significantly less height than any conventional paver 100, for example of approximately half the height, the thickness effect of the portion of the void column 109 above the top surface of the subsurface paver 100 may be significant on the overall function of the paver and broader paving system.

The function of the void columns 109 in achieving any improved performance particularly in relation to plant matter growth and soakage may be augmented or enabled by the presence of the continuous topsoil layer 3, including the portions above the other solid parts of the paver 100 surrounding the void columns 109. The continuous nature of the topsoil layer 3 may provide for a continuous soil surface to support plant growth and/or additional soil volume to absorb water and allow soakage down to and eventually through the soil in the adjacent void columns 109.

The proximity of the void columns to the other portions of the topsoil layer 3 above the other solid parts of the paver 100 may additionally enable root growth from plant matter in these regions down into and potentially through the void columns 109, rather than just in the relatively more shallow portions of the topsoil layer 3.

Considered with respect to a plan view of a subsurface paver 100 or a paving system 1, the subsurface paver 100 may have any a range of potential ratios of solid paver area to void area.

In some embodiments the ratio of solid area to void area may be determined by a desired compromise between the vertical support able to be provided by the topsoil layer 3, particularly when the topsoil is wet, and the ability of the voids to support plant matter growth and provide for permeation.

In some configurations, the subsurface paver 100 has a ratio of solid paver area to void area of about 1: 10 to about 1: 1. In particular the ratio may be about 1 :2.

In some other configurations, particularly where the materials of the paver body 101 are of suitable strength, the ratio of void area to solid paver area may be greater than 1: 1. For example, it may be about 1: 1 to about 4: 1.

The subsurface paver 100 and paver body 101 may be formed out of any suitable material for a paving stone. This may include shaped and formed stone, concrete, brick, or any other commonly utilized paving stone material.

In some forms, and particularly where the subsurface pavers 100 have high ratios of void area to solid surface area, the paver body 101 may be formed out of materials with more appropriate structural characteristics, for example metal or plastics materials.

The paver body 101 may be of a composite material formation.

The paver body 101 may include reinforcing, such as reinforcing steel.

The subsurface paver may have at least some faces or portions of faces treated to reduce their absorptivity of water. For example, a face or portion of a face of the paver, or the entire surface of the paver but particularly that portion of the surface which is to be in proximity with the topsoil may be coated so as to reduce or eliminate surface pores, and prevent water ingress into the paver. This may be desirable to prevent the paver from drawing water away from the surrounding soil and unduly drying it out.

Such functionality may additionally or alternatively be provided for by forming the paver of a material having lower porosity or otherwise absorptivity of water.

In other forms it may be desirable to provide for a relatively more porous subsurface paver, such that it may retain water. This may be useful to allow the paver to act as a store of moisture, to keep the surrounding soil moist.

In some configurations the paver may be provided having a water absorptivity less than that of the surrounding topsoil, so that the paver may draw water from the topsoil when the soil approaches saturation, but to allow water to be drawn from the paver when the soil is relatively more dry than the paver.

Exposure of the surface of the paving system 1 to the sun will cause the pavers to become heated. Particularly where the paving system utilizes one or more conventional paver 200, which have a top surface presented to the sun, the pavers 100 and 200 may heat up. This heating may transfer heat to the surrounding soil of the topsoil layer and the topsoil columns in the void columns, and may cause the soil to undesirably dry out.

To inhibit such heating and drying out, the subsurface pavers 100, or at least subsurface pavers to be located adjacent to conventional pavers 200, may comprise a heat insulative material. This heat insulative material may comprise part of the material of the paver, or may for example be provided at surfaces of the subsurface paver 100 which are to abut or be adjacent to the conventional paver 200.

For example, the ribs 106 and/or adjacent side or end surfaces of the paver body 101 could comprise a heat insulator layer. The presence of the heat insulator in the pavers may act to resist heat convection from relatively hotter conventional pavers exposed to the sun onwards through the adjacent subsurface pavers.

Figures 10A-I show a variety of different example configurations of a paving system 1. These figures demonstrate a variety of different sizes and configurations of subsurface pavers 100 and conventional pavers 200, laid in a variety of different configurations, to provide different visual appearances and functionalities of paving system surfaces.

In each figure are shown a plurality of subsurface pavers 100 which are covered by a topsoil layer 3. Also shown are one or more conventional pavers 200, and in some figures a first size of conventional paver 200a and a second size of conventional paver 200b.

In Figure 10A the conventional pavers create a three lanes along the surface. These could for example be useful in accommodating vehicles of different widths, such as a golf cart and a passenger vehicle.

Figure IOC shows an example of a different visual effect created by the use of a regular pattern of conventional pavers 200 laid together, where the conventional pavers are of a smaller size than the subsurface pavers 100.

Figure 10D shows an example of another set of lanes or lines of surface paving and grass. This may provide a desired visual appearance and/or may provide for driving of a vehicle or different width vehicles along different areas without needing to drive on the grassed surfaces.

Figure 10E shows a configuration where one side of the paving system has a solid paved surface. This may for example be desirable for a patio area. The paved surface shown has conventional pavers 200a and 200b of two different sizes.

Shown are a number of additional conventional pavers 200a laid within the otherwise grassed surface above the subsurface pavers 100. These conventional pavers may support some particular utility of the surface, or may be for providing a desired visual effect.

Similarly, Figures 10F-H each demonstrate further example variants of a paving system.

Finally, Figure 101 demonstrates another application of a paving system to create two lanes of conventional pavers using pavers of two sizes 200a and 200b. A regular pattern of the smaller conventional pavers 200a are also laid within the remainder of the subsurface pavers 100. While generally described as for use in combination with one or more conventional pavers 200, the subsurface pavers of the present disclosure may be utilized independently of conventional pavers.

In such an implementation the paving system top surface may be a solely dirt or grassed surface. As the subsurface pavers 100 are for burying beneath the topsoil layer 3, no pavers may be visible.

Such a system may provide for a top surface having the benefits of a grassed or otherwise foliaged surface, while also providing for increased surface support for load bearing and traction, and improved permeability with respect to other conventional paving systems.

The subsurface paver 100 of the present disclosure may provide for an improved ratio of void volume to internal surface area of the interface between the paver and the void. An increase in this ratio may be desirable to reduce water which is absorbed from the soil by the paver, and/or to reduce the surface available for heat transfer to a given volume of soil in the void area.

The subsurface paver may be of any desired dimensions, but preferably dimensions corresponding to or which are able to create regular patterns with various standardized sizes of conventional pavers.

In particular, in some configurations the subsurface paver 100 may be about 20 mm to about 100 mm in thickness. More particularly, it may be about 40, 50, or 60 mm in thickness.

In some configurations the overall dimensions of the paver body may be about 100 mm to about 600 mm in length, and about 40 mm to about 400 mm in width. More particularly, it may be about 400 mm in length and about 200 mm in width.

The ribs 106 may be, as described, of any size suitable to create the desired inter-paver void and/or to engage with other pavers.

In some configurations, the ribs 106 may be about 2 mm to about 20 mm in lateral width away from the remainder of the paver body 101.

More particularly, the ribs 106 may be about 7 mm in lateral width.

The disclosure also extends to methods of laying of paving systems including subsurface pavers, and more particularly to methods of preparation and laying of a paver-supported ground surface. By these methods a soil ground surface (which may be grassed, turfed, or otherwise covered with a live growing plant or synthetic substitute) may be provided with increased support relative to a conventional soil-only ground surface. The methods may generally relate to laying of the subsurface pavers, either singly or alongside conventional pavers. The subsurface pavers are then to be buried in soil, so as to completely cover them and provide some predetermined depth of topsoil above the subsurface pavers. Voids in the subsurface pavers are also to be filled with soil.

The layer of soil above the subsurface pavers may be deep enough to allow for root growth of grasses or other plants, but may be sufficiently shallow that the subsurface pavers are able to prove added support to a load at the ground surface.

The layer of soil above the subsurface pavers and the filled voids of the pavers may act together to respectively absorb surface water and to allow it to drain downwards through the subsurface pavers and away into any base drainage layer or soil beneath it.

The depth of the soil layer above the subsurface pavers may be a variable which is adjusted by a number of factors such as the soil type, expected rainfall volumes, incident solar energy and any shading, and the loads to be supported.

Under some configurations there may be a minimum depth of the soil layer above the subsurface pavers, determined at least in part by a permissible amount of heat transfer through the soil layer and into the pavers. Such heat transfer may be undesirable as materials the paver may be made from such as concrete or asphalt may have a high specific heat capacity (or at least high relative to that of the surrounding dirt). As a result, the pavers may absorb significant amounts of heat energy when the sun is shining on the ground surface. This stored heat energy may then be returned back to the soil when the incident solar energy reduces or the sun sets. This heat transfer may cause increased evaporation of water from the soil which may deter grass or other plant growth in the soil and potentially also crack and visually disfigure the soil surface.

Accordingly it may be desirable in some configurations to provide for a minimum soil depth. This minimum soil depth may be determined by a number of factors such as the volume and specific heat capacity of the subsurface pavers, the number and density of the subsurface pavers relative to any conventional pavers they are laid with, an amount of commonly received incident solar energy, a thermal conductivity of the soil, an amount of rainfall or watering expected to be received, and factors relating to any grass or plant to be grown in the soil including its soil temperature tolerance and soil humidity requirements.

By the use of the subsurface pavers a ground surface may be supported so as to increase its load carrying capacity and stability, while still allowing for a grassed rather than paved, concreted, or asphalted surface, and while also allowing for natural vertical drainage of surface water. This natural vertical drainage may have the effect of reducing surface runoff drainage requirements for a given land area, and consequently reducing associated costs for lateral surface drainage planning, installation, and any treatment and ultimate discharge of the drained water.

A method of preparing a supported surface may include preparation of a subsurface base to support the subsurface pavers. The subsurface base may be for example a compacted gravel to stably support the pavers and provide for drainage downwards into the ground from the subsurface paver voids.

Once the subsurface base is prepared a plurality of the subsurface pavers will be laid. These may be laid by themselves, or in combination with conventional pavers as has also herein been described.

The subsurface pavers are to be laid in engagement with each other, so the ribs of one paver are in contact with the ribs of an adjacent paver or pavers. This will provide shear support to the surface to stop relative sliding in a parallel to the ground surface of different parts of the ground.

Each of the subsurface pavers may preferably be a paver as described herein, such as a paver having a paver body with a pair of spaced apart elongate arms and two discrete bridging portions bridging the two arms, so that a void region and two end-voids are defined.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the preferred embodiments should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, and also the technical scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being comprised in the present disclosure.

Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. A paving stone for paving a ground area, the paving stone having a unitary paver body defining at least one inner void through the paver body, wherein in use the paving stone is supported by a subsurface and is in use wholly buried beneath a topsoil layer.

2. The paving stone of claim 1, wherein the paver body comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate arms having an elongate direction and at least two discrete bridging portions spanning between and joining the spaced apart elongate arms, such that the paver body defines: a) at least one inner void through the paver body and between the bridging portions, and b) a pair of opposed recesses to form end voids at and between the respective ends of the spaced apart elongate arms.

3. The paving stone of claim 1 or 2, wherein the peripheral extent of the paver comprises one or more recesses through a height of the paver body.

4. The paving stone of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the paving stone is for being buried beneath a topsoil layer.

5. The paving stone of claim 4, wherein the topsoil layer is at least half the depth of a maximum height of the paver in a direction perpendicular to a ground plane.

6. The paving stone of any one of claims 1-5, wherein each of the at least one inner void and the pair of end voids present a vertical void column extending from a or the paver supporting subsurface to a ground surface.

7. The paving stone of claim 6 when dependent on claim 4 or claim 5, wherein when the paver is buried under a topsoil layer the topsoil fills the vertical void columns such as to provide a vertical soil column extending from the subsurface to the topsoil surface.

8. The paving stone of claim 6 or 7, wherein the vertical void columns allow for permeation from the ground surface through to the supporting subsurface.

9. The paving stone of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the paver body comprises a plurality of ribs spaced about its outer perimeter for, in a paving system, engaging with the ribs of adjacent paving stones.

10. The paving stone of claim 9, wherein the ribs are of a dimension, in the direction of the height of the paver, less than the height of the paver, and at least some of the ribs are located towards a top surface of the paver so as to provide a visual distinction between two opposed ground-plane-parallel main faces of the paver.

11. The paving stone of claim 1, wherein the paving stone paver body comprises rectangular body and the inner void is a central void, and wherein at one of two opposed ground-plane-parallel main faces of the paving stone the perimeter of an interface between the central void and the unitary rectangular body comprises a chamfered region, such that the height of the paver decreases along the chamfer towards the central void.

12. The paving stone of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of the paving stones are provided as a set of paving stones, and each paving stone of the set of paving stones comprise a plurality ribs spaced about its out periphery in opposed offset pairs, such that a first elongate side of the paving stone is configured to mate with the ribs of the corresponding second elongate side of an adjacent paving stone.

13. The paving stone of claim 12, wherein each rib extends at least partially along a height the respective paving stone and each rib is chamfered such that it narrows as it projects outwardly from a remainder of its respective paving stone paver body.

14. The paving stone of claim 12 or 13, wherein adjacent paving stones of the set of paving stones when laid together as part of a paving system engage with each at their respective ribs.

15. The paving stone of claim 12 or 13, wherein adjacent paving stones of the set of paving stones when laid together as part of a paving system engage with each other only at their respective ribs.

16. A paving system for paving a ground area, the paving system comprising a subsurface for supporting a plurality of pavers, a plurality of subsurface pavers, each paver for engagement with adjacent pavers and each subsurface paver comprising both solid and void regions with respect to a direction perpendicular to a ground plane, and a topsoil layer, wherein each of the subsurface pavers are, in use, wholly buried beneath the topsoil layer.

17. The paving system of claim 12, wherein the ratio of the void regions to the solid regions along a plane parallel to the ground plane is between about 1:2 to about 1:4.

18. The paving system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the void regions extend fully through each subsurface paver in the direction perpendicular to the ground plane such that topsoil of the topsoil layer fills the void regions from the subsurface to a top of the topsoil layer.

19. The paving system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the plurality of subsurface pavers are buried beneath the topsoil layer to a depth, in the direction perpendicular to the ground plane, of at least half a height of each of the plurality of subsurface pavers, also in the direction perpendicular to the ground plane.

20. A set of pavers for a paving system, the set of pavers comprising: a plurality of subsurface pavers each having a subsurface paver body comprising a pair of spaced apart elongate arms having an elongate direction and at least two discrete bridging portions spanning between and joining the spaced apart elongate arms, such that the subsurface paver body defines: a) at least one inner void through the paver body and between the bridging portions, and b) a pair of opposed recesses to form end voids at and between the respective ends of the spaced apart elongate arms, and a plurality of conventional pavers, wherein the plurality of subsurface pavers have a subsurface paver height and the plurality of conventional pavers have a conventional paver height, both the subsurface pavers and conventional pavers are for laying on a substantially planar base surface, and the subsurface paver height is less than the conventional paver height.

21. A method of preparation of a supported ground surface, the method comprising the steps of preparing a subsurface base for supporting a plurality of subsurface pavers thereon, laying a plurality of the subsurface pavers on the subsurface base, and providing soil on top of the subsurface base and subsurface pavers, such that the subsurface pavers are entirely buried by the soil, wherein each subsurface paver comprises at least one void region through a height of the paver in a direction perpendicular to the subsurface base, and the step of providing soil comprises a filling of each at least one void region.

22. A paving stone for paving a ground area, the paving stone having a paver body which comprises a pair of spaced apart elongate arms having an elongate direction and at least two discrete bridging portions spanning between and joining the spaced apart elongate arms, such that the paver defines: a) at least one inner void through the paver body and between the bridging portions, and b) a pair of opposed recesses to form end voids at and between the respective ends of the spaced apart elongate arms.