The present invention relates to structural surface enhancing panels for use in configuring a temporary roadway or artificial trackway, runway, landing pad, etc.

It is known to provide structural surface enhancing panels that can be connected or linked together in order to form a temporary surface of above-mentioned types.

Known technology includes cellular confinement systems or geocell technology which are mainly concerned with major civil engineering works typical of roads and airfields, whereby the cell webbing is used as a soil sublayer reinforcement aid. This is both time consuming and requires specific and specialist construction equipment and processes. Products are webb type, which is very light and flexible but requires filling with earth to become structurally stable.

Also known are trackway technologies which provide a structurally strong and rigid platform on which high loads and pressures can be supported. The stiffness of the platform allows the load placed on the trackway to be transfered to the ground to be spread at much lower pressures, hence greater bearing capacity. High load versions are typically made of aluminium, are interlinked to allow rolling and require mechanical means to deploy due to the very high weights involved. Low load versions also exist, however these are made of plastic. Although these are much more lightweight, the low stiffness of the material means they are either much less effective at spreading load or are relatively bulky, specifically in regarding the thickness of the track which means that they are not easily handled.

The present invention effectively combines the stiffness, reliability and zero ground preparation benefits of trackway technology with the stability effects of geocell technology. The invention avoids the high weight and large logisitcal footprint required to achieve high performance or low performance resulting from providing low weight and small logistical footprint, associated with trackway technologies. The invention avoids issues associated with geocell technologies such as: the zero performance without first filling in the cells with soils; the specific and large requirement for construction materials and equipment; the time consuming setup in the context of military operations and logistical movements; or the requirement with car parking type cell products which are laid in place before rolling over with construction equipment.

The claimed invention provides a rollable plastic (or castable low density alloy such as aluminium or magnesium) structure which contains open cells in a honeycomb arrangement. When these panels are driven upon, the panels are forced into the subbase. The cells and tappered walls enable the panel structure to be driven into the ground thereby causing compaction and compression of the subbase, giving rise to a geocell effect. The low weight and low bulk design avoids the trackway disadvantages, while the reliability and improved stiffness avoids the geocell disadvantages. The simplicity of the design and modularity also helps with maintenance, such that a faulty panel may be swapped out without tools.

Advantageously, the present invention provides for a much quicker deployment time compared with geocell systems, much less auxiliary materials and tools compared with geocell systems, a lower cost compared with trackway systems, less support equipment and logistical support required compared with both trackway and geocell systems, less weight per square meter for the same performance compared with trackway systems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided structural surface enhancing panel comprising: a body comprising a plurality of interconnected cells; a first plurality of arms which extend along a first side of the body and which are coupled at a proximal end thereof to the first side of the body, and a second plurality of arms which extend along a second side of the body and which are coupled at a proximal end thereof to the second side of the body; the arms of the first plurality of arms being separated along the first side to define a first plurality of receiving portions therebetween; the arms of the second plurality of arms being separated along the second side to define a second plurality of receiving portions therebetween; wherein a distal end of at least a portion of the first plurality of arms of the panel is arranged to locate within a respective receiving portion of a second plurality of receiving portions of a further panel.

In an embodiment, a distal end of the arms of the first and second plurality of arms comprise a bore.

In an embodiment, wherein the bores formed in the first plurality of arms are colinearly orientated along a first axis to define a first channel for receiving a connecting member. In an embodiment, the bores formed in the second plurality of arms are colinearly orientated along a second axis to define a second channel for receiving a connecting member.

In an embodiment, the first and second axis are substantially parallel.

In an embodiment, the connecting member comprises a substantially rigid elongate body.

In an embodiment, the panel body further comprises a first and second end, at least one of the ends comprises a pivotable closure means, the pivotable closure means configurable between a position closing the first or second channel and an open position allowing access for the connecting member to pass into the first or second channel.

In an embodiment, the plurality of interconnected cells are closed cells.

In an embodiment, the first and second plurality of arms define open cells, the open cells become closed when the panel is coupled with a further panel on a side adjacent to the cells.

In an embodiment, the plurality of interconnected cells are hexagonally shaped cells.

In an embodiment, the cells adjacent to a first and second end of the panel are of substantially semi-circular shape.

In an embodiment, the cells adjacent to the first and second ends of the panel are configured to receive a ground engagement member to releasably secure the panels to a surface.

In an embodiment, the cells extend from a top face of the panel to a ground face of the panel, the cells have a cell body which tapers from a greatest perimeter at the ground face of the panel to a narrowest perimeter at the top face of the panel.

In an embodiment, the panel is detachably coupled to one or more panels to form a deployable roadway.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular platform assembly suitable for use as a portable deployable roadway, the platform assembly comprising: at least a first and second structural surface enhancing panel according to the first aspect; and at least one connecting member for detachably coupling one panel with another. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising at least a first and second structural surface enhancing panel according to the first aspect and at least one connecting member for detachably coupling one panel with another, the panels configured to be moveable between a storage configuration, wherein said panels are detached from one another, and a surfacing configuration wherein said panels are coupled together at respective adjacent sides.

In an embodiment, the kit of parts, further comprising one or more ground engagement members to releasably secure the panels to a ground surface.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable deployable roadway comprising a plurality of structural surface enhancing panels according to the first aspect and a plurality of connecting members (300) for detachably coupling one panel with another, wherein the portable deployable roadway is reconfigurable between rolled configuration comprising a cylindrical bale and an unrolled configuration comprising an elongate roadway.

The invention may be produced in various ways and embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a structural surface enhancing panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 2A and 2B are side and end views respectively, of the structural surface enhancing panel as shown in Figure 1;

Figures 3A and 3B show respectively, a connecting member being inserted into a structural surface enhancing panel, and two structural surface enhancing panel coupled together;

Figure 4 is shows two structural surface enhancing panels aligned to receive a connecting member to couple the panels;

Figures 5A and 5B show zoomed and perspective views respectively, of a pivotable closure means for the structural surface enhancing panels; Figure 6 shows an exemplary deployment of the structural surface enhancing panels according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 7A and 7B shows an alternative exemplary deployment of the structural surface enhancing panels according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a ground engagement member coupled to the structural surface enhancing panels according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a portable deployable roadway comprising a plurality of structural surface enhancing panels according to an embodiment of the present invention in a partial deployed arrangement from a cylindrical bale storage configuration;

Figures lOAand 10B show a perspective view and end view respectively, of a portable deployable roadway comprising a plurality of structural surface enhancing panels according to an embodiment of the present invention in a cylindrical bale storage configuration;

Figures 11A and 11B show a perspective view and a plan view respectively, of multiple portable deployable roadways comprising a plurality of structural surface enhancing panel according to an embodiment of the present invention in cylindrical bale storage configurations;

Figure 12 shows an underside view of the structural surface enhancing panel according illustrated in figure 1 (with the connecting member removed);

Figures 13A and 13B show cut through views of the structural surface enhancing panel illustrated in figure 12, illustrating the tapered walls of the cell body; and,

Figures 14A, 14B and 14C are illustrations of the geocell effect of a structural surface enhancing panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 provides a plan view of an exemplary structural surface enhancing panel (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The panel is formed from an interconnected web (110) of a plurality of substantially hexagonal shaped cells (120) disposed adjacent one another between. The panel having a substantially rectangular shape comprising a first and a second opposing short ends (111, 112), and first and second longer sides (161, 162) which extend between the panel ends. Each cell includes a cell body (122) defining an aperture through the panel from a top surface to a bottom surface, and two extending arms (124), each arm extending toward a respective long side (161, 162). The arms (124) are connected at a proximal end to the cell bodies (122). Each cell further comprises a connecting member receiving part (126) at the distal end of each arm. A plurality of arms (1241) are separated along the first side (161) to define a first plurality of receiving portions (1251) therebetween and a second plurality of arms (1242) are separated along the second side (162) to define a second plurality of receiving portions (1252) therebetween. The sides thereby being discontinuous. The receiving portions and plurality of arms enable the detachable coupling of a first structural surface enhancing panel (101a) to a second structural surface enhancing panel (101b).

Additional end cells (130) are shown directly adjacent the ends (111, 112), which can act as handles for a user to manoeuvre an individual panel (100) or for receiving a ground engaging member to affix the panel to the surface it is deployed upon.

The panel (100) illustrated in Figure 1 comprises 180° rotation symmetry about an axis which extends substantially perpendicular to the panel, such that the receiving portions (1251, 1252) disposed along each long side (161, 162) of the panel and the free spaces therebetween, align suitably to receiving a connecting member and to detachably couple one or more panels together, as shown in Figures 3 to 11.

Figure 2A shows a side view of the panel (100) illustrated in Figure 1. The ends (111,112) are shown with one side (161 or 162) comprising receiving members (126) with a connecting member (300) engaged. The receiving part (126) at the distal end of the cell arm (124) comprises an axial bore (127) therethrough, which is substantially parallel to the long side. Figure 2B shows an end view of the panel (100) illustrated in Figure 1 and 2A, a single end (111) is shown with a first receiving part (126) of each side, the axial bores (127) extending through each of the receiving parts is shown and a connecting member (300) disposed within one of the bores of the receiving parts.

Figure 3A show a connecting member (300) partially engaged with the receiving parts (126) on one side of a panel (100). Figure 3B shows two panels (100a and 100b) that have been coupled together. A side of the first panel (100a) has been placed adjacent a side of the second panel (100b) such that the receiving parts (126) and free spaces (receiving portions 125) align, such that a connecting member (300) can be passed through the axial bores (127) of the connecting member receiving parts (126) and receiving portions (1251/1252) of both panels and thereby form a connection between them.

Additionally, side cells (140) can be seen formed between the connected sides and the connecting members; these provide further geocell type structures to improve the function of the panel.

Figure 4 shows two panels (100a and 100b) that have been aligned prior to receiving a connecting member (300) to engage them.

Figures 5A and 5B show a pivotable closure means (150) disposed at an end of a panel (100), the pivotable closure means is movable between a position closing the axial bore (127) of the connecting member receiving parts (126) and an open position allowing access for the connecting member (300) through the axial bores and receiving portions (125). There is a narrower bore (157) in the closure means allowing the connecting member to be viewed therethrough. Once a connecting member has been inserted the closure means can be positioned to locate over the axial bore, preventing the connecting member from being removed without the closure means being moved to an open position.

Figures 6 and 7 shows a plurality of structural surface enhancing panels (100a to lOOn+1) and connecting members (300) forming a modular platform assembly / portable deployable roadway (200). Figure 6 shows a roadway which has been configured to accommodate a turn, wherein the connecting member is removed between two panels (110a and lOOz). The plurality of panels can then be angled, the gap between panel may be filled with suitable load spreading medium (e.g., gravel or sandbag). Figure 7 shows an alternative method of deploying the roadway (200). In Figure 7A a number of panels of the roadway (200) may be buried under a surface and in Figure 7B the next number of panels, potentially form a separate roll may be placed over the buried panels at a different angle.

Figure 8 shows a means for anchoring the panels (100) to a surface. The panel (100) inherently provides lateral and compressional stability, when the cells (120, 130, 140) are filled with sand or other mediums the combined weight of track and infill minimises lateral displacement. Alternatively, a ground engagement member (400) may be provided to attach the panel to the surface. In the example shown, the ground engagement member is passed through the end cell (130) disposed adjacent the end of the panel. An example may be a "hex staple" anchor which provides lightweight anchoring, and which can be scaled to provide as many anchoring points as required, with the rounded anchor design minimising any risk to tyre damage.

Figure 9 shows a plurality of structural surface enhancing panels (100a to 100n+l) and connecting members (300) forming a modular platform assembly / portable deployable roadway (200). When the panels are coupled they may be rolled into a cylindrical bale. Beneficially, the bales do not require a spool, which improves the deployment capability. For example, a bale comprising a length of connected panels can be deployed by hand or via mechanical means. The deployable roadway provides initial stiffness and traction for wheeled vehicles and at higher pass levels (circa. 200+), the unique profile settles into surface terrain (e.g. sand) to provide a rigid geo cell roadway system. The deployable roadway may also be prefilled to provide for multiple vehicle transits, possibly greater than 10,000, over the roadway. Figures 10 and 11 show views of the cylindrical bales.

Figure 12 shows provides a view of the underside of an exemplary structural surface enhancing panel (100) illustrated in Figure 1. The same features have been referenced with the same numerals, and the view of the underside provides a clear representation of the unique profile of the cells (120, 130, 140). The surface panel has a depth between a top face and a ground face and the body of each cell (122) extends from the top face to the ground face of the panel forming an aperture within the panel. The body of each cell is tapered to improve the geocell effect, wherein when the panels are subject to load on the top face, such as from a vehicle, the cell body is driven into the ground.

Figures 13A and 13B show a close up and cut through view of the cell body (122) profile. The internal sides of the cell body taper from a larger perimeter at the ground face of the panel to a narrower perimeter at the top face of the panel. When the panel is subject to a load upon the top face, such as during the transit of a vehicle over the roadway, the panel becomes urged into the ground and the profile of each cell body encourages the loose sediment of the ground to be funnelled into the cell (120) to compact the ground surface and thus preserving the integrity of the terrain for supporting vehicles thereon, namely improving the geocell effect. Figures 14A to 14C show the progression of the cells (120) of a panel (100) in use giving rise to the geocell effect. Figure 14A shows the panel which has simply been placed upon a ground surface, but which has not been subject to a load upon its top face to urge the panel into the ground. Figure 14B, shows the panel where the top surface has been subject to a load as indicated with the dashed arrow, such as during a vehicle transit over the panel. The tapered shape of the cell body (122) shows how loose sediment from the surface (G) is forced into the cell (120), namely the space defined within the body, as the panel is compressed against the ground surface. The tapered surface imparts shear forces to the ground terrain to improve the compression of the surface sediment into the cell. Figure 14C, shows the panel where a greater level of compression has been applied to the panel, following repeated vehicle transits over the panel, for example. The tapered shaped of the cell body (122) shows how loose sediment from the surface (G) is forced into the cell (120) as the panel is compressed against the surface. The continuous taper of the cell body improves the geocell effect as the panel is subject to further compressive forces. The tapered feature can be applied to the body of each end cell (130) acting as a handle, and also the side cells (140) formed between the connected sides of adjacent panels.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the appended claims.