WO2015097453A1

WO2015097453A1 - Panel, method of laying a trackway comprising such panel, method of laying a trackway comprising panels and method of replacing a section of such panel

Info

Publication number: WO2015097453A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/053769
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon David ADAMS
Original assignee: Groundtrax Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2013-12-24
Filing date: 2014-12-18
Publication date: 2015-07-02
Also published as: EP3090100A1; GB2521643A; GB201323006D0

Abstract

There is disclosed a panel (10) for use in a roadway or trackway. Specifically, there is disclosed a modular panel, wherein the panel may comprise one or more sections connected together. The trackway or roadway may be temporary. A method of laying the trackway comprising such panel, a method of laying a trackway comprising panels and a method of replacing a section of such panel are also contemplated.

Description

PANEL, METHOD OF LAYING A TRACKWAY COMPRISING SUCH PANEL, METHOD OF LAYING A TRACKWAY COMPRISING PANELS AND METHOD OF REPLACING A SECTION OF SUCH PANEL

[0001] There is disclosed a panel optionally for use in a roadway or trackway, specifically a modular roadway or trackway panel, wherein the panel may comprise more than one section connected together. The trackway or roadway may be temporary. A roadway or trackway

5 comprising panels disclosed herein and methods of laying a trackway or roadway comprising

panels disclosed herein are also contemplated.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Temporary trackways are used throughout the country on a wide range of sites. Users of such temporary trackways may be anyone wishing to have a stable and surefooted surface for the

10 conveyance of vehicles, people or animals where there is no such permanent surface or where there is no road. In addition, temporary trackways may be used anywhere that it may be desirable to protect grassed or sensitive areas from damage by vehicular, human or animal traffic.

Alternatively, temporary trackways may be used in muddy areas or areas with unstable footing to provide traction for vehicles and to protect human or animal traffic from injury due to falling or

15 slipping. Users of such temporary trackways may be, for example, power line installations, wind turbine installations, fairs, agricultural fairs, sporting events and music festivals.

[0003] The majority of temporary trackways are made of panels constructed in single extruded sheets of aluminium, each panel being 2.5m x 3.0m. Each panel has a cost price of about £1000. When a panel is no longer useable, whether through breakage or through wear, it can be recycled. 20 Such panels have a large scrap value, approximately £400. This is advantageous, as it represents some return in investment when a panel can no longer be used; however, it is also a major drawback of aluminium panels as they are prone to theft due to their high scrap value. This has led to the aluminium panels being virtually un-insurable and requiring 24 hour site security. Estimates suggest between 5% -10% of stock is replaced each year due to theft.

25 [0004] In addition to the propensity for aluminium trackway panels to be stolen, they are also highly conductive making them unsuitable for sites where live cables are a hazard, for example railway work sites.

[0005] The aluminium trackway panels are transported to site and installed with truck mounted cranes using chain slings. Chain slings are used throughout the trackway industry but not without 30 trepidation. If the chain slings swing they can cause injury to personnel installing the trackway. In addition, due to their height, the cranes needed to install aluminium trackways with chain slings are frowned upon when used next to any site with overhead obstacles, for example power lines or overhead power cables of train lines. Once manoeuvred into place each panel is bolted into position by way of a lipped end overlapping onto a neighbouring panel.

35 [0006] Alternative temporary trackways have been marketed, for example TuffTrak from Zigma Ground Solutions Ltd is a 2.5m x 3.0m solid one piece mat made from polyethylene. This polyethylene trackway overcomes certain disadvantages associated with the aluminium trackway system. However, if a panel is damaged it is almost impossible to repair and the whole panel is worthless if damage occurs. In addition there is no overlap on the connection between panels meaning that, when used in a muddy environment, mud can be pushed between the join reducing grip on the trackway. The panels are connected using flat steel joiners and protruding bolt heads which can lead to a trip hazard. These trackway systems are put in place in the same way as the aluminium trackways, using cranes with chain slings, and they suffer from the same disadvantages.

[0007] A similar temporary trackway developed by Terra Trak uses an overlapping flange to connect the panels. The overlapping flange introduces a weak point in the trackway at the point where lateral edges overhang. Such weak points are prone to breakage if vehicles turn off the side of the track.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a trackway that overcomes or mitigates at least one of the problems associated with the current temporary trackways.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a trackway panel comprising a body comprising one or more sections comprising a plastics material. The panel further comprising metal inter-panel fastening means for connecting the panel to one or more additional panels, wherein the inter-panel fastening means contact the body, optionally the inter-panel fastening means being attached to the body. The one or more sections may optionally be formed of a plastics material.

[0010] The body may comprise a top surface and/or the body may comprise a bottom surface. The body may comprise a top surface on which traffic travels and/or the body may comprise a bottom surface that comes into contact with the ground. Hence, in one embodiment the body is a ground covering and a surface for traffic to travel upon. The traffic may be industrial traffic (e.g. cranes, cement mixers, excavators, dozers, pipe-layers, loaders or tractors), heavy traffic (e.g. tractors, lorries, trucks or vans) medium/light traffic (cars, vans or motorbikes), pedestrian traffic or a combination thereof. Similarly, the one or more sections may comprise a top surface and/or the one or more sections may comprise a bottom surface, optionally as disclosed above.

[0011] Optionally, the top surface of the body or the one or more sections may have a grip profile, for example a texture or tread. The grip profile may be three dimensional protrusions to provide traction for traffic passing over the panel. Additionally, the bottom surface may have a texture or tread, for example three-dimensional protrusions. In certain circumstances the top and bottom surface may have a texture.

[0012] Optionally, the top surface and/or the bottom surface may have a grip profile, for example a texture or tread, selected from: a protruding strip extending the length of the panel (with or without additional texture on the strip), cubic protrusions, hemispherical protrusions, cylindrical protrusions, pyramidal protrusions or protrusions with triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, star-shaped, cross- shaped, diamond-shaped, arrow head-shaped or oval-shaped, cross section or any other shaped cross section. The grip profile may extend across substantially the whole body or the grip profile may have spaces where no grip profile is present. [0013] Where the body comprises one section the body may comprise or be a single piece. In embodiments where the body comprises or is a single section comprising a plastics material the body may be obtained by compression moulding.

[0014] In embodiments the body and sections are formed of a plastics material. The plastics material may comprise additives, modifiers and fillers. The plastics material may be or comprise a plastic, optionally polyethylene. The plastics material may be selected from: medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and any blend or combination thereof, for example a blend of medium density polyethylene and high density polyethylene.

[0015] The inter-panel fastening means contact the body. In embodiments the inter-panel fastening means may be in permanent contact or releasable contact with the body. The contact may be in the form of an attachment; hence, the inter-panel fastening means may be attached to the body. They may be permanently attached or releasably attached. The inter-panel fastening means may be extruded, i.e. formed by extrusion.

[0016] The provision of a panel with a plastic body advantageously provides a trackway system that has low, if any, scrap value. Hence, it is a lower theft risk than an all-metal panel. In addition, having metal inter-panel fastening means allows the composite panel to be used in conjunction with known trackway systems and used by trackway installation engineers who are used to dealing with metal connectors.

[0017] The inter-panel fastening means may comprise two inter-panel fasteners. The two inter- panel fasteners may be (and by extension the inter-panel fastening means may comprise) two members with cross sectional profiles configured to overlap and to allow the profiles to be fastened together. The two inter-panel fasteners of a panel might not interact with each other in use. The two inter-panel fasteners of the panel will preferably overlap and fasten to a complementary inter-panel fastener not attached to the same panel, for example to a different panel of the disclosure or a complementary fastener on a trackway or trackway panel not of this disclosure.

[0018] Inter-panel fastening means known in the art may be used.

[0019] A first member of the inter-panel fastening means (or a first inter-panel fastener) may comprise a cross sectional profile with a protrusion and a slot configured to allow insertion of a nut. A second member of the inter-panel fastening means (or a second inter-panel fastener) may comprise a cross sectional profile with a protrusion configured to overlap the protrusion of the first member of the inter-panel fastening means. The protrusion of the second member may comprise a top layer and a bottom layer arranged parallel to one another, wherein the top and bottom layer are interconnected, optionally at a proximal and/or distal end of the protrusion. The protrusion of the second member may be configured to allow a hole to be cut into the top layer to allow the head of a fixing, for example a bolt or a screw, to contact the bottom layer and for the top of the head of the fixing to be below the top layer. The protrusion of the second member may comprise one or more struts spaced along a length of the protrusion and extending from the bottom layer to the top layer. [0020] In embodiments the inter-panel fastening means comprises a single member (a single inter-panel fastener) for contacting two panels, the single member, referred to herein as a "H connector", may comprise a first and second parallel elongate piece and a third piece extending perpendicularly between the first and second piece. The first and second piece may be of about equal length. The first and second piece comprise a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of the first and second pieces may align. The third piece may extend from a point roughly equidistant from the ends of the first and second pieces. Optionally, the second piece may comprise a slot configured to allow insertion of a nut. The H connector may provide a cross section to receive the body of two panels. The cross section of the single member may take the shape of a H rotated 90° clockwise. In embodiments the inter-panel fastening means comprising a single member as described above is not attached to the body. In an alternative embodiment the H connector may be fastened to the body of a panel, for example by a bolt or a screw optionally with a nut.

[0021] A single panel may have both a first inter-panel fastener and a second inter-panel fastener attached to the body. In certain embodiments the first inter-panel fastener and the second inter- panel fastener are attached to opposite sides of the body. A panel of the invention may further comprise a single inter-panel fastener (H connector) contacting the body along a side of the body, preferably the H connector is along a different side to the first and second member of the inter-panel fastening means. A panel comprising the first and second inter-panel fastening means and a H connector may be advantageous for use in situation where multiple trackways are laid side by side to form a compound. The H connector provides connecting means between neighbouring trackways in a compound, for example, to prevent mud travelling in between the side by side trackways.

[0022] In embodiments the inter-panel fastening means may be one known in the art or may have a profile known in the art. In such embodiments the panel of the present invention

advantageously can be connected to known metal trackway systems. In addition the provision of a panel with metal inter-panel fastening means known in the art and a plastic body provides the advantages of connection means well understood by those installing trackways in combination with a body formed of plastic that advantageously has low if any scrap value; hence, is a lower theft risk than an all metal panel.

[0023] In embodiments the panel may comprise a body comprising two or more sections releasably connected by inter-section connectors. Hence, in an embodiment there is provided a trackway panel comprising a body and metal inter-panel fastening means for connecting the panel to one or more additional panels, wherein the inter-panel fastening means are attached to the body and the body comprises two or more sections formed of plastic and inter-section connectors attached to the sections and adapted to releasably connect the sections.

[0024] Each section may comprise a top surface and/or each section may comprise a bottom surface. Each section may comprise a top surface on which traffic travels and/or each section may comprise a bottom surface that comes into contact with the ground. Hence, in one embodiment each section is a ground covering and a surface for traffic to travel upon. The traffic may be industrial traffic (e.g. cranes, cement mixers, excavators, dozers, pipe-layers, loaders or tractors), heavy traffic (e.g. tractors, lorries, trucks or vans) medium/light traffic (cars, vans or motorbikes), pedestrian traffic or a combination thereof.

[0025] The inter-section connectors may be formed of metal. The inter-section connectors may be extruded, i.e. formed by extrusion.

[0026] The inter-panel fastening means and the inter-section connectors may be formed of metal. The metal may be aluminium.

[0027] The sections may be obtained by compression moulding.

[0028] In a particular embodiment there is provided a trackway panel comprising a body and metal inter-panel fastening means for connecting the panel to one or more additional panels, wherein the inter-panel fastening means are attached to the body and the body comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, further wherein the body comprises two or more sections formed of plastic and metal inter-section connectors attached to the sections and adapted to releasably connect the sections.

[0029] In embodiments the inter-section connectors comprise a slide fit connection. The slide fit connection allows for easy disconnection of connected sections; yet, it provides a connection resilient to separation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sliding.

[0030] In embodiments the inter-section connectors comprise a male connector attached to a first section and a female connector attached to a second section, optionally wherein the male and female connectors may comprise a slide fit connection.

[0031] In embodiments the inter-section connectors (specifically the male and female connectors) may be adapted to accommodate the installation of a fixing means, for example a pin, the fixing being configured to stop lateral movement of the connectors. The fixing may be held in position in the inter-section connectors by a second fixing for example by an R-clip.

[0032] In embodiments the inter-section connectors (or more specifically the male connector and the female connector) are attached to sides of the section, optionally the inter-section connectors are attached to the longest sides of the section. In certain embodiments the inter-section connectors extend along substantially the entire length of sides of the section.

[0033] In embodiments a section comprises:

an inter-section connector attached to a first edge of the section and an inter-panel fastener attached to a second opposing edge of the section; or

a first inter-section connector attached to a first edge of the section and a second inter-section connector attached to a second opposing edge of the section.

[0034] In embodiments a section comprises:

a male inter-section connector attached to a first edge of the section and a first inter-panel fastener attached to a second opposing edge of the section; or a male inter-section connector attached to a first edge of the section and a second inter-panel fastener attached to a second opposing edge of the section; or

a female inter-section connector attached to a first edge of the section and a first inter-panel fastener attached to a second opposing edge of the section; or

a female inter-section connector attached to a first edge of the section and a second inter-panel fastener attached to a second opposing edge of the section; or

a male inter-section connector attached to a first edge of the section and a female inter-section connector attached to a second opposing edge of the section.

[0035] The inter-panel fastening means and the inter-section connectors may be independently permanently or releasably attached to the sections. For example, the inter-panel fastening means and the inter-section connectors may independently be releasably attached using any suitable fixing known in the art, for example bolts, security bolts, e.g. with domed heads or bolts with custom heads for removal with specifically designed tools, or permanently attached using any suitable fixing known in the art, for example adhesives or permanent fixing bolts. Any bolt described herein may be a two portion bolt comprising a male portion and a female portion, wherein the male portion screws into the female portion. The fixing may generally comprise a head and an elongate body. The inter-panel fastening means and the inter-section connectors may comprise holes through which the body of a fixing may pass but that stops passage of the head of the fixing. The holes may be spaced along the length of the inter-panel fastening means and the inter-section connectors.

[0036] The body may comprise from one to five sections, for example one, two , three four or five sections. Optionally, the body may comprise two to five sections. Further optionally, the body comprises two three or four sections, preferably three sections.

[0037] In an embodiment the body comprises three sections:

a first section comprising an inter-panel fastening means on a first edge and an inter-section connector on a second opposing edge;

a second section comprising an inter-section connector on a first edge and an intersection connector on a second opposing edge; and

a third section comprising an inter-section connector on a first edge and an inter- panel fastening means on a second opposing edge.

[0038] In a more particular embodiment the body comprises three sections:

a first section comprising a first member of the inter-panel fastening means attached to a first edge and a male inter-section connector attached to a second opposing edge;

a second section comprising a female inter-section connector attached to a first edge and a male inter-section connector attached to a second opposing edge; and a third section comprising a female inter-section connector attached to a first edge and a second member of the inter-panel fastening means attached to a second opposing edge.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment the body comprises three sections:

a first section comprising a first member of the inter-panel fastening means attached to a first edge and a female inter-section connector attached to a second opposing edge;

a second section comprising a male inter-section connector attached to a first edge and a female inter-section connector attached to a second opposing edge; and

a third section comprising a male inter-section connector attached to a first edge and a second member of the inter-panel fastening means attached to a second opposing edge.

[0040] In embodiments where the body comprises more or less sections than three there will be more or less sections corresponding to the second section described above, i.e a section comprising an inter-section connector on a first edge and an inter-section connector on a second opposing edge. For example, a body comprising two sections may comprise a first section and a third section as described above and no second section, whereas a body comprising four sections may comprise a first section and a third section along with two second sections as described above.

[0041] The inter-section connectors may be formed to allow pivotal movement of the sections to which the inter-section connectors are attached about an axis of the inter-section connectors. The allowance for pivotal movement of the sections advantageously provides a panel that can follow ground contours. The inter-section connectors allow the sections to which they are attached to pivot about an angle of 50°, optionally 45°, 35°, 30°, 25°, 20°, 15° or 10°. The pivot angle defines the angle of an arc through which a first section can pivot relative to a second section to which the first section is attached.

[0042] The inter-section connectors and the inter-panel fastening means may comprise chain connection points. Whereby the chain connection points allow the panel to be lifted using a crane with a chain lifter. The chain connection points may be configured to accept standard 3.5 metre leg length chains with hooks attached to the end of the chain. The chain connection points may comprise a rectangular or circular void in the profile of the inter-panel fastening means and the inter-section connectors, suitable for receiving an chain attachment device, for example a hook, of a chain lifter.

[0043] In embodiments the panel is substantially a rectangle, for example a square. The panel may have a first side with a dimension of from 4.0 m to 2.0 m and a second side with a dimension of from 3.5 m to 1 .5 m. Optionally, the panel has a first side with a dimension in a range selected from: 4.0 m to 3.0 m, 3.7 m to 3.3 m, 3.5 m to 2.5 m, 3.3 m to 2.8 m and 3.1 m to 2.9 m. Optionally, the panel has a first side with a dimension of about 3.0 m. The second side may have a dimension in a range selected from: 3.0 m to 2.0 m, 2.8 m to 2.3 m and 2.6 m to 2.4 m. Preferably, the panel has a second dimension of about 2.5 m. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment the panel has a first side of about 3.0 m and a second side of about 2.5 m. In an alternative embodiment the panel has a first side of about 3.5 m and a second side of about 2.5 m.

[0044] In embodiments the body is substantially a rectangle, for example a square. The body may have a first side with a dimension of from 4.0 m to 2.0 m and a second side with a dimension of from 3.5 m to 1 .5 m. Optionally, the body has a first side with a dimension in a range selected from: 4.0 m to 3.0 m, 3.7 m to 3.3 m 3.5 m to 2.5 m, 3.3 m to 2.8 m and 3.1 m to 2.9 m. Optionally, the body has a first side with a dimension of about 3.0 m or 3.5 m. The second side may have a dimension in a range selected from: 3.0 m to 2.0 m, 2.8 m to 2.3 m and 2.6 m to 2.4 m. Preferably, the body has a second dimension of about 2.5 m. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment the body has a first side of about 3.0 m and a second side of about 2.5 m. In an alternative embodiment the body has a first side of about 3.5 m and a second side of about 2.5 m.

[0045] The inter-panel fastening means may be attached to a side of the panel with the longest dimension. Hence, the inter-panel fastening means may be attached to a side of the body with the longest dimension.

[0046] In embodiments the inter-panel fastening means extend substantially along the length of the panel. Hence, the inter-panel fastening means may extend substantially along the length of the body. In embodiments the inter-section connectors extend substantially along the length of the section to which they are attached.

[0047] In embodiments the body is from 60 mm to 10 mm thick. Optionally, the body may have a thickness of from: 60 mm to 30 mm, 40 mm to 10 mm or 60 mm to 40 mm. More particularly, the body may have a thickness of from 60 mm to 50 mm, 55 mm to 45 mm, 50 mm to 20 mm, 45 mm to 30 mm, 45 mm to 35 mm, 39 mm to 36 mm, 25 mm to 10 mm, 20 mm to 10 mm, 18 mm to 10 mm, 17 mm to 12 mm, or 15 mm to 13 mm. For example, the body may have a thickness of 55 mm to 40 mm, 40 mm to 35 mm or 20 mm to 10 mm. Optionally, the body has a thickness of 38 mm or 52 mm. The thickness measurement may be over-plane, i.e. not including the grip profile, or the thickness may include the grip profile, preferably the thickness of the body is over-plane, not including the grip profile.

[0048] The three dimensional protrusion may have a depth of from 1 mm to 15 mm, optionally from: 2 mm to 10 mm, 2 mm to 5 mm, 3 mm to 6 mm, 2 mm to 8 mm, 4 mm to 8 mm, 5 mm to 10 mm, 6 mm to 9 mm, or 7 mm to 10 mm.

[0049] In embodiments each section has the same dimensions. In which case the body may comprise two or more sections, wherein the sections are of equal size.

[0050] In an embodiment the section is substantially rectangular and the inter-section connectors and the inter-panel fastening means are on the longest side of the rectangular section.

[0051] In an embodiment the body comprises a surface profile to receive a vacuum lifter and to enable the panel to be lifted by a vacuum lifter. The surface profile to receive a vacuum lifter is preferably on the top surface of the body. [0052] Such a panel can advantageously be lifted using a vacuum lifter as opposed to a crane using chain slings. Vacuum lifters are shorter than the cranes needed for installing trackway using chain slings making them more suitable for use in areas with overhead obstacles, for example next to power lines, overhead power cables of train lines and in wooded areas. In addition they are safer to personnel installing the trackway and can be installed by a single person, as opposed to a two person team.

[0053] The surface profile may consist of one or more areas in the body that are capable of receiving a vacuum lifter, optionally two, three, four, five or six areas, preferably four areas. The areas may be characterised in that they are free of texture or do not have any three-dimensional protrusions. In other words the areas are substantially flat without any surface detail that would disrupt a vacuum.

[0054] The areas may be recessed or embossed on the surface of the body. Alternatively, the areas are in the same plane as the top surface. The areas may be any shape, for example circular or rectangular. However, the areas are preferably circular.

[0055] In a particular embodiment there is provided a trackway panel comprising a body and metal inter-panel fastening means for connecting the panel to one or more additional panels, wherein the inter-panel fastening means are attached to the body, wherein the body comprises a top surface and a bottom surface and further comprises two or more sections formed of plastic and inter-section connectors attached to the sections and adapted to releasably connect the sections, further wherein the top surface comprises a surface profile to receive a vacuum lifter and to enable the panel to be lifted by a vacuum lifter.

[0056] In embodiments the trackway is temporary. Hence, the trackway panels of the invention may be temporary trackway panels.

[0057] In another aspect there is provided the inter-section connectors as disclosed above, wherein the inter-section connectors are capable of being attached to the sections, as opposed to attached to the sections as disclosed above.

[0058] The inter-panel fastening means may have the cross sectional profile substantially as in Figure 5. The H connector may have the cross sectional profile substantially as in Figure 7. The inter-section connectors of any embodiment may have the cross sectional profile substantially as in Figure 9 or Figure 11.

[0059] In an aspect there is provided a method of laying a trackway comprising a panel of the invention. The method comprises placing a first panel of the invention on the ground, manoeuvring a further panel into place adjacent to the first panel and fixing the two panels together. The method may further comprise manoeuvring additional panels into place adjacent to the panels fixed together and fixing the additional panels to the panels already fixed together. The panels may be releasably fixed together.

[0060] In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a compound comprising four or more panels of the present invention. In any embodiment but preferably in an embodiment used in the compound of the invention, the panels comprise a first and second inter-panel fastening means and at least one H connector, optionally one or two H connectors (preferably one). In a preferred embodiment the panel comprises the first and second inter-panel fastening means along opposing sides of the body and a H connector along a different side. The compound is optionally a temporary compound.

[0061] The compound may comprise 6 or more panels 8 or more panels, 10 or more panels, or 20 or more panels.

[0062] In a further aspect there is provided a method of constructing a trackway comprising two or more panels, optionally the panels may be panels disclosed herein. The method comprises putting a first panel in place with a vacuum lifter and putting a second panel in place adjacent the first panel with a vacuum lifter. The method may further comprise putting one or more further panels in place with a vacuum lifter to continue the trackway. The method may be carried out by a single person.

[0063] The method may further comprise releasably fastening the panels together. The panels may be fastened together using a bolt or a screw with a nut.

[0064] In another aspect there is provided a method of replacing a section of a trackway panel of the invention, wherein the method comprises:

disconnecting two or more sections releasably connected by inter-section connectors;

disposing of one of the sections; and

connecting a replacement section to the disconnected sections that have not been disposed of.

[0065] In an alternative aspect the metal inter-panel fastening means may be formed of another material, for example plastic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top view of a panel of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a panel of the invention;

Figure 3 is a side view of a panel of the invention;

Figure 4 is a side view of a panel of the invention illustrating the pivotal movement of the sections about the inter-section connectors;

Figure 5 is a side view of the inter-panel fastening means, Figure 5A showing the inter- panel fastening means apart and Figure 5B showing them fastened together;

Figure 6A is a perspective view of a second member of the inter-panel fastening means;

Figure 6B is a perspective view of a first member of the inter-panel fastening means; Figure 7 is a side view of the H connector; Figure 8 is a top view of a panel comprising two H connectors and being suitable for use in a compound;

Figure 9 is a side view of inter-section connectors, Figure 9A showing inter-section connectors apart and Figure 9B showing the inter-section connectors connected together;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of inter-section connectors;

Figure 1 1 is a side view of further inter-section connectors, Figure 10A showing intersection connectors apart and Figure 10B showing the inter-section connectors connected together;

Figure 12 is a cut through side view of an attachment of an inter-section connector or an inter-panel fastening means to a section or to the body; and

Figure 13 is a flow chart showing the steps to lay a trackway with a vacuum lifter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] A trackway or compound that is said to be temporary is a non-permanent trackway or compound. By this it is meant that the trackway or compound is capable of being removed or is planned to be removed. The temporary compound or roadway is normally in place for the duration of a job, such as construction, drilling or fracking, or an event and the roadway or compound is normally removed once the job or event has been completed. Therefore, temporary can mean that a roadway or compound can be in place for 20 years or more, dependent on the job to be completed. Temporary thus refers to a roadway or compound that is in place for up to 20 years, up to 15 years, up to 10 years, up to 5 years up to 2 years, up to 1 year, up to 6 months, up to 4 months or up to 2 months. Evidently temporary can refer to trackways or compounds that are in place for shorter periods.

[0068] An embodiment of the invention shall now be discussed in more detail by reference to Figure 1 . Figure 1 shows a trackway panel (10) having a plastics body. The panel may comprise a one-piece plastics moulding or, by way of example, it may comprise a plurality of inter-connected plastics sections, each section optionally being a one-piece moulding. Accordingly, the "plastics body" referred to herein may be a unitary plastics moulding or it may be a plastics section. By way of illustration, the trackway panel (10) of Figure 1 has of three interconnected sections (16a, 16b and 16c) each being a one-piece plastics moulding. Sections (16a) and (16b) are connected by inter-section connectors (18a) that are attached thereto and sections (16b) and (16c) are connected by inter-section connectors (18b) that are attached thereto. The trackway panel may also comprise inter-panel fastening means (14) which are attached to the body. A plastics body, e.g. a trackway section (10), may have an area, for example two or four areas, which are capable of receiving a vacuum lifter, such areas being substantially flat and free of surface detail; conveniently such areas are circular. Thus, in Figure 1 , sections (16a) and (16c) both have two circular areas (20) which are capable of receiving a vacuum lifter. Areas (20) are substantially flat and free of surface detail to enable them to receive a vacuum lifter. The spacing of areas (20) may be determined based on the vacuum lifter intended to be used with the section or plastics body.

[0069] Figure 2 and Figure 3 show side perspective and side views of the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 . A trackway panel (10) may have an inter-panel fastening means and in particular the inter-panel fastening means may be constituted by two (or more) inter-panel fasteners, as depicted by way of example by a first inter-panel fastener (22) and a second inter-panel fastener (24) in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the side profile of the first inter-panel fastener (22), the first fastener (22) being attached to the section (16a) and the second fastener (24) being attached to the section (16c). A panel section may be attached to an inter-panel fastener, optionally by the system disclosed in Figure 12.

[0070] Where a panel comprises a plurality of sections, two adjacent sections may be interconnected by an inter-section connector and suitably by two inter-section connectors, each attached to a respective one of the adjacent sections, which connectors may be releasably mated (i.e. joined) together. A panel section may be coupled to an inter-section connector, optionally, by the system disclosed in Figure 12. Figures 2 and 3 illustrated a panel in which adjacent sections are joined together by mating of two inter-section connectors (18a) and (18b). The inter-section connectors (18a and 18b) are shown to have a male connector (28) attached to a respective section (16b and 16c) and a female connector (26) attached to a respective different section (16a and 16b). Figure 2 also depicts how the inter-panel connectors may be joined via a slide fit connection. The slide fit connection of the inter-section connectors (18a and 18b) may be accomplished by inserting a first end of the male connector (28) into a first end of the female connector (26) and causing the first end of the male connector (28) to move towards a second end of the female connector (26) by moving the male and/or female connectors laterally. Irrespective of the construction of the inter- section connectors (18a) and (18b), adjacent sections of a panel may be provided with intersection connectors (18a) and (18b) that are configured to allow pivotal movement between the connectors, as is more fully described later in this document.

[0071] Figures 2 and 3 also show an optional tread for the top and bottom surface of the body (12). In this embodiment the tread is a three-dimensional protrusion consisting of a protruding strip extending along the length of each section in a parallel to the inter-section connectors (18a and

18b). A single strip (30) of the tread is indicated in Figure 2 and Figure 3. Alternative configurations of tread may be provided, the body may be devoid of surface detail, or the body may be provided with a combination.

[0072] Figure 4 shows an embodiment as shown in Figures 1 -3 with a representation of pivotal movement between the male connector (28) and female connector (26) of the inter-section connectors (18a and 18b). As is apparent from Figure 4 the pivotal movement helps the panel conform to the contours of the ground on which the panel is placed.

[0073] Referring now to Figure 5, the inter-panel fasteners (22, 24) are shown aligned in Figure 5A and fastened together in Figure 5B. Figure 5 shows the first inter-panel fastener (22) to comprise a protrusion (32) and a downwardly opening slot (36). In figure 5, the first fastener (22) is attached to a first panel (80) and the second fastener (24) to a second panel (10); more particularly, the first fastener (22) is connected to a section (16d) of a panel (80) and the second fastener is attached to a section (16c) of the second panel (10). Hence the inter-panel fastening means of a panel may interact only with the inter-panel fastening means of another panel. The slot (36) may be shaped to accept a nut (33) and hold the nut in place as a screw or bolt (35) is inserted through the second fastener (24) and then the first fastener (22) and the nut (33) in order to fasten together the inter- panel fasteners (22,24), and thereby to fasten together the panels (10) and (80).

[0074] Still referring to Figure 5, the second inter-panel fastener (24) is shown. The second fastener may have a protrusion (34) that extends into a space above the protrusion (32) of the first fastener (22) as the two fasteners come into communication. The protrusion (34) of the second fastener (24) may comprise a cross sectional profile with a top layer (38) and a bottom layer (40) which are parallel to one another and interconnected via struts (37). In addition to struts (37) , the top layer (38) and bottom layer (40) are connected together at a proximal end (41) of the protrusion (34) and at a distal end (39) of protrusion (34). The struts (37) provide rigidity to protrusion (34) and allow a hole to be cut in the top layer (38) so that a fixing, for example a screw or bolt (35), may extend through the bottom layer (40) while a fixing head is accommodated within the protrusion (34) such that its top is no higher than the top layer (38). By having the fixing head no higher than the top layer (38) trip hazards from protruding heads are avoided. In any event, the protrusion (34), which may be referred to as a lip (34), has a top surface and preferably accommodates the head of a fixing extending through the lip (34), through a top wall of the slot (36) and into a nut (33) such that the head of the fastener (35) does not protrude above the lip or protrusion (34).

[0075] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the inter-panel fastening means (14) as described in relation to Figure 5.

[0076] As illustrated in Figure 5 and Figure 6, the inter-panel fastening means (14) may comprise a void (31) in the profile of the inter-panel fastening means (14), suitable for receiving a chain attachment device, for example a hook, of a chain lifter.

[0077] Figure 7 shows a further inter-panel fastening means (700), referred to herein as a H connector. Figure 7 shows H connector (700) as comprising a first elongate piece (702) and a second elongate piece (704) both of the equal length. A third piece (706) extends perpendicularly between the first piece (702) and the second piece (704) at a point roughly equidistant from ends (703) of the first piece (702) and the second piece (704). One of the first or second piece may comprise a slot to allow insertion of a nut. In Figure 7, the second piece (704) comprises slot (736) configured to allow insertion of nut (735). The H connector receives two sections (716c and 716d) from two panels respectively.

[0078] Figure 8 shows a further panel (1 1) suitable for use in a compound, as disclosed herein. Panel (1 1) comprises, by way of illustration, three interconnected sections (16a, 16b and 16c), each being a one-piece plastics moulding connected by inter-section connectors (18a and 18b). The panel also comprises inter-panel fastening means (14 and 15a and 15b). Inter-panel fastening means (14) are a set of a first member of the inter-panel fastening means (22) and second member of the inter-panel fastening means (24), as shown in Figure 5. Inter-panel fastening means (15a) and (15b) are both H connectors, as shown in Figure 7. A panel as shown in Figure 8 can engage four other panels: a first panel comprising a first member of the inter-panel fastening means (22) via the second member of the inter-panel fastening means (24) attached to panel (1 1); a second panel comprising a second member of the inter-panel fastening means (24) via the first member of the inter-panel fastening means (22) attached to panel (1 1); a third panel along a free edge of the third panel, with no inter-panel fastening means, via H connector (15a) attached to panel (1 1); and a fourth panel along a free edge of the fourth panel, with no inter-panel fastening means, via H connector (15a) attached to panel (1 1 ). Alternatively, a panel with only one of (15a) or (15b) is anticipated by the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 9 and Figure 10 show disconnected (Figure 9A) and connected (Figure 9B and Figure 10) inter-section connectors (18) of the type shown in Figures 2 and 3. In operation the intersection connectors are connected. Only when a section of a panel is to be replaced would the inter- section connectors (18) be disconnected. Inter-section connectors (18) comprise a male connector (28) and a female connector (26). Male connector (28) comprises a projection (42) and female connector (26) comprises a complementary recess (44) for accepting projection (42) by a slide fit. Projection (42) and recess (44) are configured to resist separation by pulling the connected male connector (28) and female connector (26) away from each other. Similarly, the projection (42) and recess (44) are configured to be non-engageable by pushing them together. A panel preferably comprises means to stop lateral (siding) movement between the male and female connectors: for example, a pin (46) may in use stop lateral movement of the inter-section connectors; the pin may be retained in position by a retention means, for example an R-clip (48) may keep pin (46) in place. Pin (46) is advantageously placed in a space (50) on the side of the trackway that is not anticipated to be subjected to traffic, avoiding any potential trip hazard associated with the head protruding from the surface of the trackway. Additionally, pin (46) is difficult to access whilst in use, hence difficult to dislodge, but can easily be accessed and removed when not in use. As illustrated in Figure 9 and Figure 10, the inter-section connectors (18) may comprise a void (51) in the profile of the intersection connectors (18), suitable for receiving a chain attachment device, for example a hook, of a chain lifter.

[0080] Figure 1 1 illustrates alternative inter-section connectors. Figure 1 1 A shows a

disconnected alternative inter-section connectors (18) and Figure 1 1 B shows connected alternative inter-section connectors (18). In operation the inter-section connectors would be connected. Only when a section of a panel is to be replaced would the inter-section connectors (18) be

disconnected. Inter-section connectors (18) comprise a male connector (28) and a female connector (26). Male connector (28) comprises a projection (1 142) and female connector (26) comprises a complementary recess (1 144) for accepting projection (42) by a slide fit. Projection (1 142) and recess (1 144) are configured to resist separation by pulling the connected male connector (28) and female connector (26) away from each other. Similarly, the projection (1 142) and recess (1 144) are configured to be non-engageable by pushing them together. As illustrated in Figure 1 1 , the inter-section connectors (18) may comprise a void (1 151) in the profile of the intersection connectors (18), suitable for receiving a chain attachment device, for example a hook, of a chain lifter.

[0081] The inter-section connectors (18) and the inter-panel fastening means (14) may be made of the same material as each other, or from different materials. The inter-section connectors (18) and the inter-panel fastening means (14) may be made of a metal, for example aluminium or steel. The inter-section connectors (18) and the inter-panel fastening means (14) may be secured to their attached plastics bodies by any suitable technique (or combination thereof), e.g. by crimping, adhesion and or a fastener.

[0082] Referring now to Figure 12, an exemplary means of attaching any of the inter-section connectors (26, 28) or inter-panel fastening means (22, 24) to the body or a section (16) is shown. In this example entity (54) depicts any of the inter-section connectors (18) or inter-panel fastening means (14). Entity (54) is attached to section (16) by a through fastener, for example a bolt, depicted in this case as domed headed security bolt (56) comprising a male portion (58) that is screw threaded into a female portion (60). Serrations (52) provide grip for entity (54) on the surface of section (16). Alternatively or additionally to serrations, an adhesive may be used to provide resistance to removal of the entity (54). The domed head of bolt (56) does not extend above the height of the textured surface of the entity (54).

[0083] The method of constructing a trackway comprising two or more panels of the invention with a vacuum lifter may be carried out following the flow chart depicted in Figure 13. Step (1308) can be repeated until the truck mentioned in (1300) is empty of panels or the desired trackway length has been reached. The truck may optionally be reloaded from a trailer carrying more panels. In the event that a single truck does not contain enough panels more trucks carrying panels can be employed to complete the desired length of trackway. This can be done by following the flow chart of Figure 10 with an additional step where the first panel off a subsequent truck is fastened to the laid trackway. This method may be carried out by a single person.

[0084] In an exemplary process, the body of the panel and the sections are formed from plastics, in particular a polyethylene material, optionally high density polyethylene (HDPE) or Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMWPE) polyethylene by compression moulding. Then the plastics bodies are compression moulded plastics, preheated plastics (e.g. HDPE or UHMWPE) is placed in a mould cavity with surface profile corresponding a top surface or bottom surface of the body or a section. The mould is closed with a lid with surface detail corresponding to the opposing surface to the mould cavity. The plastics material is subjected to pressure and heat until the body or section has cured. Any flashings that may have formed during the moulding process are removed.

[0085] In an exemplary process, the inter-panel fastening means and the intersection connectors are formed from aluminium by an extrusion process. Aluminium can be cold or hot extruded. Where aluminium is hot extruded the metal is heated to between 300 °C and 600 °C and forced at high pressure through a die corresponding to the desired profile of the connectors or fastening means.

[0086] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. [0087] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0088] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A panel comprising a body comprising one or more sections comprising a plastics material, wherein the panel further comprises metal inter-panel fastening means for connecting the panel to one or more additional panels, wherein the inter-panel fastening means contact the body.

2. A panel of claim 1 , wherein the inter-panel fastening means are attached to the body.

3. A panel of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more sections is formed of a plastics material.

4. A panel of any preceding claim, wherein the plastics material is or comprises polyethylene, optionally wherein the plastics material is selected from: medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and any blend or combination thereof.

5. A panel of any preceding claim, wherein the inter-panel fastening means extend substantially along the length of a side of the section to which they are attached.

6. A panel of any preceding claim, wherein the inter-panel fastening means comprise a first inter-panel fastener and a second inter-panel fastener, wherein the inter-panel fasteners comprise cross sectional profiles configured to overlap and to allow the profiles to be fastened together.

7. A panel of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inter-panel fastening means comprises a single inter-panel fastener for contacting two panels.

8. A panel of claim 6, wherein the first inter-panel fastener and the second inter-panel fastener are attached to opposite sides of the body.

9. A panel of claim 8, wherein the panel comprises a single inter-panel fastener.

10. A panel of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises two or more sections releasably connected by inter-section connectors.

11. A panel of claim 10, wherein the inter-section connectors are formed of metal.

12. A panel of claim 10 or claim 1 1 , wherein the inter-section connectors comprise a male connector attached to a first section and a female connector attached to a second section.

13. The panel of claim 12, wherein the male connector and the female connector may comprise a slide fit connection.

14. A panel of any preceding claim, wherein a section comprises: an inter-section connector attached to a first edge of the section and an inter-panel connector attached to a second opposing edge of the section; or

15. A panel of any preceding claim, wherein the inter-section connectors are permanently and/or releasably attached to the sections.

16. A panel of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises two to five sections.

17. A panel of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises three sections.

18. A panel of claim 17, wherein the body comprises three sections:

a first section comprises an inter-panel fastening means on a first edge and an inter-section connector on a second opposing edge;

a second section comprises an inter-section connector on a first edge and an intersection connector on a second opposing edge; and

a third section comprises an inter-section connector on a first edge and an inter- panel fastening means on a second opposing edge.

19. A panel of any of claims 10 to 18, wherein the inter-section connector is

permanently or releasably attached to the panel.

20. A panel of any of claims 10 to 19, wherein the inter-section connectors are formed to allow pivotal movement about the axis of the connector.

21. A panel of claim 20, wherein the inter-section connectors pivot about an angle of 40°.

22. A panel of any preceding claim wherein each section is substantially rectangular and the inter-section connectors and/or the inter-panel fasteners are on the longest side of the rectangle.

23. A panel of any preceding claim, wherein the inter-panel fastening means is permanently or releasably attached to the panel.

24. A panel of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a surface profile to receive a vacuum lifter and to enable the panel to be lifted by a vacuum lifter.

25. A panel of claim 24, wherein the surface profile consists of one or more areas in the sections that are capable of receiving a vacuum lifter.

26. A panel of claim 25, wherein the one or more areas are recessed or embossed on the surface of the sections, or are in the plane of the surface.

27. A compound comprising four or more panels of any preceding claim, wherein the panel comprises a first and second inter-panel fastener and at least one single inter-panel fastener.

28. A compound of claim 27, wherein the panel comprises the first and second inter- panel fastener along opposing sides of the body and the single inter-panel fastener along a different side.

29. A method of laying a trackway comprising a panel of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises placing a first panel of the invention on the ground, manoeuvring a further panel into place adjacent to the first panel and fixing the two panels together.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising manoeuvring additional panels into place adjacent to the two panels fixed together and fixing the additional panels to the two panels.

31. The method of claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the method further comprises releasably fastening the panels together.

32. A method of laying a trackway comprising two or more panels, wherein the method comprises putting a first panel in place with a vacuum lifter and putting a second panel in place adjacent the first panel with a vacuum lifter.

33. A method of claim 32, wherein the method further comprises putting one or more further panels in place with a vacuum lifter to continue the trackway.

34. A method of claim 33, wherein the method further comprises releasably fastening the panels together.

35. A method of replacing a section of a temporary trackway panel of any preceding claim, wherein the method comprises:

disposing of one of the sections; and