The present invention relates to apparatus and devices that can be applied to existing kerbs or other road or highway formations or furniture.

Although the following description refers exclusively to kerbs, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could be applied to steps, bollards and other road formations into which car wheels can be driven.

The protection of kerbs from damage from activities involved in construction by attaching a polymer cover is known. However, none of the present devices is suitable for protecting domestic vehicles from damaging their wheels by accidental contact with the kerb. As many domestic cars and commercial vehicles such as vans are fitted with alloy wheels, even relatively light contact with a hard kerb can cause considerable damage and be expensive to repair.

The above problem is exacerbated in situations where roads are particularly narrow, such as drive-throughs and similar where manoeuvring along narrow lanes or roads and around tight corners and bends is required.

A further common issue concerns the delineation arrow bollards found on traffic/ pedestrian refuges. These bollards are expensive and are frequently knocked down by motorists.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a device that address the above problems of wheel damage.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using or fitting a device that addresses the abovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a device that addresses the abovementioned problems. In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a device to at least partially cover a kerb or other road feature in use, said device including at least one formation configured to receive at least part of a fixing means to secure the device to a kerb or other road feature wherein said device includes at least one channel or recess means.

As such the device provides an outer surface or covering to a kerbstone or similar.

Typically the device is substantially elongate in form. Further typically the device is a unitary body. Further typically the at least one channel or recess means is formed on and inner and/ or rear surface of the device.

In one embodiment the device is formed from at least one polymer.

In a preferred embodiment the device is formed from rubber or primarily constructed from rubber polymer.

In a preferred embodiment the rubber is a synthetic rubber formed from ethylene and/ or propylene monomers. Further preferably the rubber includes at least one diene. Typically the diene is ethylidene norbornene.

In one embodiment the device is largely constructed or formed from EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber).

In a preferred embodiment at least one of the channel or recess means is shaped or adapted to receive one or more electrical cables. Typically the channel means is formed to receive a length of armoured cable. Further typically the channel means includes a substantially linear channel.

In such an arrangement cabling for signs, lights etc. can be laid around the road and protected with significant saving over remedial or retrofitting

In one embodiment the channel or recess means includes one or more cavity, spacer or cut out members. Typically said cavities, spacers or cut-out members improve the resilience and/ or impact resistance of the device. Further typically the channel or recess means also ensure the device is relatively lightweight whilst still providing impact protection.

In one embodiment a number of devices are aligned to at least partially cover a kerb or other road formation. Typically two devices are linearly aligned to cover a standard 914 mm kerb section.

In one embodiment the at least one formation member is an aperture, recess or hole through which the device can be bolted or screwed to the kerb or other road formation.

In one embodiment the device includes one or more notch or cut out members. Typically the cut out members are substantially V-shaped. Further typically the cut out members are formed in a top and/ or bottom edge of the device. Said notch or cut out members enable the device to be bent or formed around corners.

In one embodiment the device includes one or more receiving formations. Typically said receiving formations are adapted to receive or locate a glass bead reflector apparatus or similar. Further typically said reflector receiving formations are formed in the outer or outside surface of the device.

In one embodiment the receiving formations are adapted to receive or hold any one or any combination of lighting devices, LED lights, light projection units, sign projection units, and/ or floodlights.

In one embodiment the receiving formations are adapted to receive or hold any one or any combination of sensors including road temperature sensors, flood/ watercourse monitoring sensors, asphalt sensors, road weather sensors such as brightness, air temperature, humidity and air pressure, extensometer sensors pressure cells, inclinometers, smart parking sensors, noise pollution sensors, emission radar detection, ultrasonic proximity sensor, fibre-optic monitoring system, vehicle counters. In one embodiment the device includes a lip member. Typically the lip member is formed on a top edge of the device and overlaps onto the top surface of the kerb.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of applying a device to a kerb or other road formation to at least partially cover the same, said device including at least one formation configured to receive at least part of a fixing means to secure the device to a kerb or other road formation wherein said device includes at least one channel or recess means said method including the step of attaching said device to said kerb or other road formation using at least one formation.

Typically the fixing means includes a bolt, screw and/ or the like.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a device including at least one formation configured to receive at least part of a fixing means to secure the device to a kerb or other road formation wherein said device includes at least one channel or recess means said method including the step of moulding at least one polymer into the required shape.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a device for covering at least a section of kerb, said device including at least one recess and/ or notch formed in the same.

Preferably the device is constructed primarily from rubber.

In one embodiment the device includes one or more recesses configured to receive reflector and/ or lighting units.

In one embodiment the polymer is rubber. Typically one or more pigments or dyes are added to the polymer to colour the same.

Specific embodiments of the invention are now referred to with reference to the following figures wherein: Figure 1 shows a view of the outer surface of a device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a view of the inner surface of a device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 3a and 3b show views of a number of devices linearly arranged in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Rubberised Kerbing Overlay System: Our Rubberised Kerbing Overlay System is designed to improve road safety for road users and pedestrians by marking, outlining and reflecting the edge of the carriageway using colours and hi-intensity reflectors to distinguish key areas of the roadway psychologically and enable reflective visual navigation. Our kerb covers were designed with the understanding that our intended areas of application would be busy sites with heavy vehicular traffic; our product is incredibly fast and efficient to install. From start to finish, a metre of our product (which equates to two units) can be installed in as little as one minute twenty seconds.

Our kerb covers were designed with the understanding that our intended areas of application would be busy sites with heavy vehicular traffic; our product is incredibly fast and efficient to install. From start to finish, a metre of our product (which equates to two units) can be installed in as little as one minute twenty seconds.

As a result, our product causes minimal disruption to highways and allows the footpath to remain operational during installation.

Our kerb cover can absorb impact from wheels when vehicles navigate tight roadways such as drive-throughs, resulting in the protection of wheels from kerb damage.

By achieving the above, we have consequently created a product capable of protecting kerbing infrastructure from damage and cracks that result in an unpleasing aesthetic of the site and costly repairs. During our research stage, we discovered the need for an above ground ducting system; with that in mind, we have incorporated a cable duct into the design of our product. By utilising our product in association with existing kerbing infrastructure, the user will be able to substantially reduce civil works costs and significantly increase the speed of installation.

The product as a stand-alone is capable of accommodating a 10mm 5-core steel wire armoured cable; with the use of an extender section, the product is capable of accommodating a 16mm 5-core steel wire armoured cable.

Our Rubberised Kerbing Overlay System is made from an EPDM rubber compound that is eco-friendly, sustainable and 100% recyclable. EPDM is highly durable and non-toxic, meaning our product will withstand mother nature whilst protecting it. EPDM rubber has a lengthy life expectancy, with some manufacturers guaranteeing the material for 25 years when used in roofing applications. EPDM can be recycled after its use for things such as the rubber mats/granules used in children’s playgrounds or used as fuel to help reduce the dependence on fossil fuels.EPDM is the choice for the environmentally conscious; not only is it the healthiest option for the planet, but it’s also the choice for the financially savvy. Long lifespan and durability mean that replacement costs are far less than alternative compounds found in many other roadway products.

The core rubber component can be coloured in a varying range of colours:

• Black

• Concrete Grey

• White

• Red

• Blue

• Green

• Orange

• Brown

• Yellow Our Rubberised Kerbing Overlay System can be used to create Highways Safety Schemes and Safety Schemes, such as:

• Bus Stop Safety Scheme: The BSSS is where the product is affixed to the kerbing infrastructure directly adjacent to a bus stop. The product would be coloured yellow with yellow hi-intensity reflectors. The system is designed to raise the profile of bus stops as due to their intended use, bus stops allow the congregation of pedestrians near the roadside.

• Roundabout: The product can be affixed to the kerbing infrastructure around a roundabout, coloured in white and black. Both colour variations would incorporate white hi-intensity reflectors. Usage in this particular scenario is designed to raise awareness of the change of course in the route along the roadway.

• Pedestrian refuge: The product can be affixed to the kerbing infrastructure on pedestrian refuges, coloured in either yellow or white, and incorporate yellow or white reflectors. Usage in this particular scenario is designed to raise the profile of pedestrian refuges. Due to their nature, pedestrians are placed in a dangerous location, often close to traffic moving at 30MPH whilst awaiting the second half of their crossing.

• Bends: The product can be coloured in concrete grey to match the existing kerbing identically and simply incorporate white hi-intensity reflectors. Usage in this particular scenario is designed to enable reflective visual navigation around the bend.

• Working zones: The product can be affixed to the kerbing infrastructure around a working zone (loading bays, workshops, factory, forklift areas), coloured in yellow and black and incorporate either white or yellow reflectors. Usage in this particular scenario is intended to make persons aware immediately that they are in or entering a working environment, and extreme caution is needed.

• Pedestrian crossings: The product can be affixed to the kerbing infrastructure on the approach to the crossing. Utilising both concrete grey and white coloured products offers the opportunity to act as a countdown scheme (similarly to the countdown signs found on the approach to motorway exits). With three white products being placed at 30 yards, two white products being placed at 20 yards and one white product being placed at 10 yards.

• School zones: The product can be affixed to the kerbing infrastructure directly adjacent to the school's yellow markings - no parking zones, coloured in yellow using white reflectors. Usage in this particular scenario is designed to highlight the hazard (i.e. schoolchildren and parents) and raise the profile of the no parking zone.

• Red route: The product can be affixed to the kerbing infrastructure along red routes, coloured in red with either white or red reflectors. Usage in this particular scenario is designed to reinforce and raise the profile of the red route (No stopping under any circumstances).

• EV charging spaces: The product can be affixed to the kerbing infrastructure at the end of the EV charging parking space, coloured in either blue or green (EV industry colours) with either blue, green or white reflectors. Usage in this particular scenario is to reinforce and highlight that the particular space is for EV vehicles only.

• Cycle Safety Scheme: The product can be affixed to the kerbing infrastructure adjacent to driveway spurs and roadways spurs, coloured in red with either white or green reflectors. Usage in this particular scenario is designed to raise the profile of areas where vehicles could enter the roadway being travelled on by cyclists.

• Pedestrian spurs: Irrespective of colour, the product can be fitted with green reflectors next to pedestrian spurs. Usage in this particular scenario is to enable reflective visual navigation for active travel road users.

SMARTKERBS’. Our SMARTKERBS are designed to connect loT, Al, Smart- Road and connected vehicle technology developers with private and public roadway infrastructure. Some notable technologies worth mentioning, but only a few, are road temperature sensors, flood/ watercourse sensors, smart parking, and vehicle counters. Our SMARTKERBS enable organisations to reduce expenses, primarily gritting, and facilitate data-gathering amongst kerbing infrastructure. loT, Al, Smart-Road and connected vehicle technology developers have spent the past decade intensely developing systems, sensors and programmes to deliver a new generation of roadways; however, throughout all this research and development, a crucial element was overlooked; which was where do we house the technology components? The fast, efficient and cost-effectiveness of our SMARTKERBS makes them the ideal housing infrastructure device.

Where an uninterrupted power supply is needed, our SMARTKERBS work in tandem with our Rubberised Kerbing Overlay System to allow the end-user to run the necessary cables to the power source effortlessly.

• Road Temperature Sensors

• Flood/Watercourse Monitoring Sensors

• Asphalt Sensors

• Road Weather Sensors such as brightness, air temperature, humidity and air pressure.

• Extensometer Sensors

• Pressure Cells

• Inclinometers

• Smart Parking Sensors

• Noise Pollution Sensors

• Emission Radar Detection

• Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor

• Fibre- Optic Monitoring System

• Vehicle Counters

SMARTKERBS would enable both private and public customers in some circumstances to drastically reduce their spending on operational costs such as gritting. The RAC released a report stating that they estimated the overspend for local authorities to be as much as 29% in some cases, simply due to a lack of “on the road data”, meaning unknowledgeable actions were being taken.

Where viable SMARTKERBS offer the opportunity to connect with third party highways infrastructure devices such as roadside digital signage to:

• Install a flood/watercourse SMARTKERB in a flooding hotspot and affix a roadside digital sign 250 yards on either side of the flooding hotspot. When a flood occurs, the sign can simply read “Flood Ahead - 250 YRDS” this is an automated solution that can be taken by using the “on the road data” provided by the SMARTKERB.

• Install road temperature, flood/ watercourse, road weather and emission radar detection SMARTKERBS into a highway setting, and incorporate digital speed signage that can reduce the speed on the sections of road as and when active hazards/ situations are presented. Because we now have the ability to harness the “on the road data”, why not actively utilise this data to make meaningful changes to speed limits to prevent accidents prior to them happening.

Al Lighting Solutions'. Our Al Lighting Solutions utilise pedestrian and vehicular motion detection as its primary activation method. This unique solution offers organisations the potential to substantially reduce energy expenses by considerable percentages, increase the lifespan of LED bulkheads and aid in further reducing the organisations’ carbon footprint.

During our research, we quickly came to the realisation that many private organisations and local authorities have excessive energy wastage. This is a result of lighting particular roadways/locations for 12 hours a night, whereas in actual fact, the roadway/ location was only used a few times during the night by a passing vehicle or a passing pedestrian.

Why light a roadway/ footpath/ location when there isn't anyone using it?

A series of vehicular and pedestrian sensors housed within our Rubberised Kerbing Overlay System would allow that particular route to be illuminated only as and when it needs to be.

Our Al Lighting Solutions offer a wide array of benefits to end-users.

• Reduce energy expenses: By reducing the time the roadway/location is illuminated. On a less frequently travelled route, we may be able to reduce the total time lit to 1.5 hours, saving the end-user 10.5 hours of energy expenses. • Increased lifespan of LED bulkhead: Consequentially, by reducing the amount of time the bulkhead is active, we have potentially increased the lifespan of the LED bulkhead by seven times. By increasing the lifespan of the bulkhead by seven times, the customer is saving in the region of £1,750 per lamppost by not having to replace the bulkhead as frequently.

• Reduction in carbon footprint: Carbon emissions are reduced due to the decrease of time active.

FloodKerbs'. Our FloodKerbs incorporate a bespoke fitted LED Floodlight designed to light the roadway solely. This luminous solution eliminates the need for high wattage lights and light loss, reducing expenses and enabling customers to light what they need and when and offering end users a better and more visible experience whilst driving along the roadway.

There are three variations of FloodKerbs:

• 1. Lights the roadway directly adjacent to where the unit is affixed solely.

• 2. Has a tilted LED flood light intended to be placed on the kerbing infrastructure directly next to a pedestrian crossing, designed to raise the profile and illuminate the crossing.

• 3. Product is fitted with a coloured LED floodlight for use in private applications as an “architectural” unit. (Example: Red for KFC).

We have the option to install our Al Lighting Solutions which uses vehicular motion as their primary activation method. If there isn't a vehicle driving on the roadway, the lights aren’t on.

The cables needed to power our FloodKerbs will be run in our Rubberised Kerbing Overlay System to a local power supply, such as a lamppost. Delineation Kerbs'. Our DelineationKerbs incorporate a bespoke fitted LED strip light designed to mark, outline, and direct road users along their route.

We have the option to install our Al Lighting Solutions which uses vehicular motion as their primary activation method. If there isn't a vehicle driving on the roadway, the lights aren’t on.

This product can also be fitted with coloured floodlights for private organisations to light the roadway in a variety of colours. (Example Red for KFC).

The cables needed to power our DelineationKerbs will be run in our Rubberised Kerbing Overlay System to a local power supply, such as a lamppost.

The embodiment of the device or apparatus 2 shown herein is formed from moulded EPDM rubber. The device forms a resilient or rubberised kerbing overlay system primarily for commercial premises and properties such as takeaway food establishments and drive-throughs. The product can be coloured with one or more pigments or dyes to match the branding of the establishment.

The relatively soft overlay protects car wheels, particularly alloy wheels from being damaged or ‘kerbed’. Figure 1 shows a view of the outer surface 4 of a device 2. The device includes fixing apertures 6 through which the device can be bolted to secure the same against the kerb. An additional, optional, feature is the reflector sockets 8 into which reflectors, usually glass bead reflectors can be inserted to improve visibility of the device.

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the device 2 showing the features of the inner surface 10 of the same. Formed in the device 2 are a number of channels or recesses that can include other items whilst reducing the weight of the device. In this example a cable recess or channel 12 runs linearly along the bottom of the device and is configured to incorporate electrical cable, such as 10 mm armoured cable, although the skilled person will appreciate other cables could be incorporated, for example ethernet cable and/ or the like. Formed in the top surface 16 of the device are a number of notches 14. These notches 14 enable the device to be bent or formed around curves or corners without deforming the lip onto the top of the kerb that is formed by the top surface 16 of the device overlaying the same.

Turning to figures 3a and 3b which show a plurality of devices 2, 2’, 2”, 2”’ that are arranged linearly, end to end, along a kerb in use. The cable runner channel 12 runs along the length of the aligned devices which is a significantly more cost-effective way to lay cable compared to undertaking remedial works on or under the road. In addition, the linear arrangement of reflectors that can be formed around corners also improves safety as the kerbs can be seen more easily, particularly if high intensity glass bead reflectors are used that can reflect light and be seen from up to 800 m.

The skilled person will appreciate that powered light units could also be incorporated into the device. The cable runner channel could be used to supply the power making the installation of such lights easy and cost effective.