The present disclosure relates to a method for connecting structures in a side-by-side arrangement to one another for on a construction element forming a deck which can support a substrate. Such structures may in use host water that is kept on the construction element and that is useable for supply up to the substrate which is directly or indirectly supported by the deck.

The present disclosure also relates to a structure for placement on a supporting construction element and for connecting to another one of such a structure for forming a deck which can support a substrate and which can host water that is kept on the construction element and useable for supply up to the substrate.

The present disclosure also relates to a plug and/or a device for use in a method referred to above. The plug may also be part of an assembly that further includes structures referred to above.

Background of the first aspect of the disclosure

A construction element in the sense of this disclosure may be a flat roof on which rainwater has been collected. Structures that can form a deck on such roofs cannot be that large as these structures need to be transported from street level up to the top of the flat roof. Such transporting tends to be done either internally by means of an elevator or using stairways, or externally by means of a lift or a crane that lifts the structures up to the flat roof.

Once these structures are present on the flat roof, these are ideally connected up so that a deck is formed that can support a substrate. Such a substrate may be a layer of turf, as a layer of grass. The water that is kept - in general terms - on a construction element, thus for instance on top of a flat roof, can, by utilizing a capillary effect, be transported up to the vegetative layer so that the grass can grow. However, it is also not inconceivable that the water that is kept on top of the flat roof is used for the evaporation up to and through the deck as well as the grass layer, and in that way cools the grass layer. It is thought that when the water condenses onto the synthetic grass and then evaporates therefrom, the grass is being cooled. Particularly when the grass layer is a synthetic grass layer, cooling especially during warm days, may be needed, to prevent the grass layer from being too hot and to prevent the synthetic grass layer from being worn prematurely.

On any grass layer, be it a natural grass layer or a synthetic grass layer, sport activities may be undertaken. Especially on flat roofs in urban areas, sport fields, on top of for instance a car park, may provide a solution for the limited space that is available for playing sports which is due to the presence of exactly those many car park houses.

A vegetative layer or a synthetic layer is not limited to a grass layer, but may comprise any form of park, garden, space for keeping animals, including a zoo etc. Also a playground or an area for meditation, for a shrine, or for any other spiritual or ceremonial activity, may be formed on a substrate that is carried by a deck on a flat roof or any other construction element, not necessarily on a flat roof but in any case on a constructed flat surface.

A deck that supports such a substrate is preferably strong and stable enough to provide a field that does not give way when impacted as a result of a sport activity, a ceremonial processing, or a march that takes place on the grass field. The structures are necessarily in a side-by-side arrangement connected to end up with a large deck. The connections are typically at the sides of the structures, and as the structures are limited in size, there are in a deck a large number of positions where the connections take place. Often, the connections are made at the top end of the sides of the structures so that the top layer of the deck forms a well-connected surface area without gaps. When for instance a person is running over the substrate that is supported by the deck, the deck is impacted where the foot of the runner hits the ground. At the points of connection, the structures are nevertheless inevitably differently responding to impacting, as compared to points of the structure that are for instance away from the sides of a structure, such as in a central position relative to the sides of a structure. This varying response over a substrate to impacting, is to be reduced.

Summary of the first aspect of the disclosure The disclosure provides a structure for placement on a supporting construction element and for connecting to another one of such a structure for forming a deck which can at least support a substrate and which can host water that is kept on the construction element and that is useable for supply up to the substrate. The structure comprises columns for bearing load resulting at least from supporting the substrate and comprises a framework for interconnecting the columns. The structure comprises at least one connector which is configured as a part of a column or is configured to comprise a part of a column, and which allows for connecting to a connector part of another one of such a structure, so that the structure can by connecting to that other one of such a structure adopt a connected condition in which a column is composed.

In this disclosure, the term "another one of such a structure" refers to a structure that is identically defined as the structure. It is possible, though not preferable for the sake of legibility, to replace "another one of such a structure" by "another structure that is identically defined as the structure".

The composing of a column in the connected condition transforms an earlier disadvantage of connections between the structures into an advantage, in that exactly in that condition the deck is also at sides where the connection is formed supported by a column in a similar way as it is supported by a column in a more centrally situated part of the structure. Any impact on where the connection is formed will not result in a very different response of the deck, as compared to the response of the deck on impacting on a central part of a structure.

In one embodiment, the structure is stackable on top of a similarly oriented another one of such a structure and is then able to adopt a nested condition. Each column of an upper structure is partially placeable on a one-to-one basis in a column of a structure that is directly below the upper structure. Advantageously, the volume taken up by two structures in a nested condition is less than the total volume taken up by two individual structures which are not nested. The advantage of the structure being stackable, is especially important for structures which are to be stored, transported and to be placed on flat roof tops. Unlike a road, next to which often space is available for storing matters, very little space is available for temporarily storing on top of a roof structure for connecting up with the aim of making a deck on that roof. Advantageously, stacking the structure requires less surface area and also less volume for storing temporarily all those structures, keeping more space available for maneuvering around on the top of a roof when the deck is to be formed and installed.

In an embodiment, a cross section of each of the columns decreases in dimensions in a direction from a top of a respective column to a lower end of the respective column, or in a direction from a lower end of a respective column to a top of the respective column. Preferably the column has a conical shape. Advantageously, this very easily allows for more densily stacking structures as the respective columns can easily at least partially be placed into one another and adopt a nested condition. It is to be noted that a conical shape is not the same as a chamfer at an upper or lower edge of the plug. The conical shape may be in addition to a chamfer. A chamfer may be in addition to the conical shape.

In an embodiment, the framework extends between the columns at an upper part of each of the columns. Preferably, the framework extends between the tops of the columns, so that the framework also forms the upper deck. It is conceivable that the framework extends only between the tops of the columns, especially when the number of columns per surface area is large. This allows for densely stacking the structures in a nested condition.

In an embodiment, at least one of the at least one connector is configured to be a male connector or is configured to be a female connector. It is possible that each of the at least one connector is configured to be a male connector, or each of the at least one connector part is configured to be a female connector part. Alternatively, the at least one connector part comprises at least two connector parts of which at least one connector part is configured to be a male connector part and of which at least one connector part is configured to be a female connector part. Preferably, the number of male connector parts and the number of female connector parts are equal. These variations allow for making decks with slightly different mechanical proprties, and can be suitable for particular uses.

Preferably, the male connector part is insertable in the female connector part of another one of such a structure for obtaining the connected condition. Preferably, a male connector part of another one of such a structure is insertable in the female connector part for obtaining the connected condition.

In an embodiment, at least one of the connector parts comprises a circumferential wall that is closed in itself. Such a ring-shaped part of a connector part provides much stiffness and stability to the respective connector part. Preferably, the circumferential wall of the female connector part has cross sectional dimensions which are larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the male connector part. Preferably, in a connected condition the circumferential wall of the female connector part closely embraces the circumferential wall of a male connector part.

Such a connector part is hermaphroditic in nature in that the connector part can be male when that is suitable for connecting but can also be female when that is more suitable for connecting.

In an embodiment, each connector part is configured such that it is connectable with any connector part of another one of such a structure. This results in the possibility of connecting the structures without having to orient the structures for instance by rotating the structures, to allow for connecting the structures. Particularly, on top of flat parts of roofs, where space for manipulating the orientation of the structures may be limited, it is advantageous if not much space is needed for connecting the structures. Further, it saves time if no dependency on the orientation is present during connecting the structures and installing the deck.

In an embodiment, the connector is configured to be a male connector part or a female connector part, depending on the interaction of the connector part with a connector part of another one of such a structure. This facilitates the independency of the relative orientation of a structure when putting it in a connected condition. As will be explained below with reference to the drawing, the nature of the connector part - male or female - can depend on the way the connector part is put in the connected condition. For instance, where the connector part of concern is passive in that a connector part of another one of such a structure is inserted into the connector part, then the connector part will adopt a female nature. If, on the other hand, the connector part of concern is actively being inserted, then that connector part will adopt a male nature. This allows for connecting without a need for much space as no re-orientation of the structure(s) is required. This allows thus for connecting within a short space and within a short timeframe.

In an embodiment, the connector part comprises at least half a column. Preferably, this half a column is a segmental part that extends over a full length of a column of the structure.

In an embodiment, the connector part comprises two lips which can each flex inwardly and outwardly around an axial direction of the connector part. This conveniently allows for a straightforward implementation of the configuration as a male or female connector part, depending on the interaction of the connector part with another one of such a structure. Making such a connector part can easily be done using appropriate plastics and dimensioning for making the structure, including the connector.

In an embodiment, the lips can be flexed into a female position in which the lips are relatively wide apart from each other and be flexed into a male position in which the lips are relatively close to each other. Advantageously, not too much flexibility is required, so that the connector part can also still maintain the strength and stiffness for meaningfully functioning as a column once in the connected condition.

In an embodiment, the lips as flexed into the female condition can embrace the lips of another one of such a structure as flexed in the male condition. This further allows for optimizing the thickness of the parts of the materials and the mechanical properties, so as to meet all functional requirements in relation to connecting to other connector parts and supporting the deck, as well as for accommodating for the impact that is expected as a result of the envisaged activities that might take place on the substrate.

In an embodiment, the lips as flexed into the male condition can be inserted between the lips of another one of such a structure as flexed in the female condition. This also further allows for optimizing the thickness of the parts of the materials and the mechanical properties, so as to meet all functional requirements in relation to connecting to other connector parts and supporting the deck, as well as to meet the need to accommodate for the impacting that is expected as a result of the envisaged activities that might take place on the substrate.

In an embodiment, each lip is at a position relatively far away from a main part of the structure provided with an outwardly extending lip part and each lip is at a position relatively close to the main part of the structure inwardly provided with a groove, wherein in a connected condition the outwardly extending lip part of a lip of another one of such a structure is hosted into the groove for establishing positional stability of the connecting parts of the column that is formed, and the groove of another one of such a structure can host the outwardly extending lip part of the lip for establishing positional stability of the connecting parts of the column that is formed. This, advantageously, contributes to a lack of a need to apply a form of additionally stabilizing the connection with for instance a form of welding, gluing, fastening with additional components etc.

In an embodiment, the structure is configured to fixate the connected condition. Preferably, for that purpose, the groove is provided with a through hole for extending therethrough the outwardly extending lip part of another one of such a structure, so that when the structure is in the connected condition the positional stability can be latched. This allows for a more secured connected condition, that is potentially much more robust against any impacting and any deformation of the structure when brought in the connected condition.

In an embodiment, the groove is deeper than the thickness of a wall of the connector at a position of the groove, so that a ridge is formed on an outer surface of the wall, the wall and the ridge together comprising a female transition, and the lip and the rim together comprising a male angular transition, wherein the female transition allows in the connected condition for hosting the male transition, therewith providing stability of the connected condition. This, advantageously, contributes to a lack of a need to apply a form of additionally stabilizing the connection with for instance a form of welding, gluing, fastening with additional components etc. In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 23 and 24 the structure is provided with spacers, so that when the connected condition is almost reached and the column to be formed still has parts which have a slight axial offset relative to each other, the spacers prevent the development of a new axial offset to occur when the initial axial offset is being reduced to zero. This provides also stability of the connected condition and offers the use of the substrate which is in use supported by the structure in the connected condition, for activities that frequently lead to impacting the structure.

In an embodiment, each column has a bottom that is at an outer surface thereof provided with a relief which is configured to form fit with the relief that is provided at an outer surface of a bottom which a column of another one of such a structure has, so that the structure can be brought in a mirrored condition in which the bottom of each column is positioned on a one-to-one basis against the bottom of a column of another one of such a structure. In the mirrored condition, at least the decks and a part of the columns are mirrored. This allows for the use of the structure in a doubled-up fashion, so that the capacity for holding water under the substrate can, almost, if not exactly, be doubled.

In an embodiment, the structure is configured so that in the mirrored condition of the structure, an additional structure that is also in the mirrored condition, is connectable, so that a double structure is formed with decks on either side, and with columns coaxially positioned to have, as compared to a single column in unmirrored condition, almost, if not exactly, a double length of the columns in-between the decks. Advantageously, this allows for first doubling and then connecting doubled structures, so that workers do not need to first lay down a layer of structure and then somehow apply the second layer of structures whilst being careful not to damage the first layer.

In an embodiment, the structure is configured so that when the structure is in the connected condition, the structure can also be put in the mirrored condition by means of placing the bottoms of the columns of another one of such a structure that is also in the connected condition against the bottoms of the columns of the structure, so that a double structure is formed with decks on either side, and with columns coaxially positioned to have, as compared to a single column in unmirrored condition, almost, if not exactly, double length in-between the decks. Just in case this is perceived easier, it is thus also feasible to work on a layer-by-layer basis.

In an embodiment, each bottom is provided with elements of a latch, so that when the mirrored condition is reached, the elements of the latch engage with elements of the bottom of the respective additional or another structure, so that fixation of the mirrored condition takes place by latching. This adds to the stability of the structure in the mirrored condition.

The disclosure also relates to a stack of such structures, wherein the structures are in a nested condition.

The disclosure further relates to a plurality of such structures, wherein the structures are in the connected condition.

Background of a second aspect of the disclosure

A construction element in the sense of this disclosure may be a flat roof on which rainwater has been collected. Structures that can together with other of such adjacently placed structures form a deck on such a roof, cannot be that large as these structures need to be transported from street level up to the top of the flat roof. Such transporting tends to be done either internally by means of an elevator or using stairways, or externally by means of a lift or a crane that lifts the structures up to the flat roof.

Once these structures are present on the flat roof, these are ideally connected up so that a deck is formed that can support a substrate. Such a substrate may be a layer of turf, such as a layer of grass. The water that is kept - in general terms - on top of a construction element, thus for instance on top of a flat roof, can by utilizing a capillary effect be transported up to the vegetative layer so that the grass can grow. However, it is also not inconceivable that the water that is kept on top of the flat roof is used for the evaporation up to and through the deck as well as the grass layer, and in that way cool the grass layer. It is thought that when the water condenses onto the synthetic grass and then evaporates therefrom, the grass is being cooled. Particularly when the grass layer is a synthetic grass layer, the cooling, especially during warm days, is thought to prevent the grass layer from being too hot and to prevent the synthetic grass layer from being worn prematurely.

On any grass layer, be it a natural grass layer or a synthetic grass layer, sport activities may be undertaken. Especially on flat roofs in urban areas, sport fields on top of for instance a car park house, may provide a solution for the limited space that is available for playing sports due to the presence of car park houses.

A vegetative layer or a synthetic layer is not limited to merely a grass layer, but may comprise any form of a part of a park, a garden, a space for keeping animals, including a zoo, etc. Also a playground or an area for meditation, for a shrine, or for any other spiritual or ceremonial activity, may be formed on a substrate that is carried by a deck on a flat roof or any other construction element, not necessarily on a flat roof but in any case on a constructed flat surface.

The structures are necessarily in a side-by-side arrangement connected to end up with a large deck. The connections are thus at the sides of the structures, and as the structures are limited in size, there are in a deck a large number of positions where the connections take place. Often, the connections are made at the top end of the sides of the structures so that the top layer of the deck forms a well-connected surface area without gaps.

The structures are typically designed to be stackable and nestable into each other. Advantageously, the volume taken up by two structures in a nested condition is less than the total volume taken up by two individual structures which are not nested. The advantage of the structures being stackable and nestable, is especially important for structures which are to be stored, transported, and ultimately to be placed on flat rooftops. Unlike a road, next to which often space is available for storing matters, very little space is available for temporarily storing on top of a roof structure. The stacking and nesting of the structures requires less surface area and also less volume for storing temporarily all those structures. As a consequence, more space is available for maneuvering around on the top of a roof when the deck is to be formed and installed. Precisely aligning structures in a side-by-side arrangement may be time-consuming, particularly when only the exact alignment allows for connecting the structures. Any assistance offered by the structures and the way of connection for speeding up this activity of connecting is welcome.

Summary of the second aspect of the disclosure

Provided is a method for connecting structures in a side-by-side arrangement to one another for on a construction element forming a deck which can support a substrate, and which can host water that is kept on the construction element and that is useable for supply up to the substrate. The structures are before being connected in a side-by-side arrangement stackable and nestable into one another. Each of the structures has a side and is on an edge thereof provided with at most half a cone-like plug and/or at most half a cavity. The method comprises providing a placeable device having a cavity for embracing a complete cone-like plug. The complete cone-like plug is composed by combining of each of the neighbouring structures as placed in the side-by-side arrangement at most half a cone-like plug. The placeable device is dimensioned so as to be placed to embrace a part of each of the respective at most half a cone-like plug when the neighbouring structures are close to being in the side-by-side arrangement but are still misaligned relative to each other and/or at a distance from each other so that as yet completion of the respective cone-like plug still has to occur. The placeable device has an axial direction and is further provided with at least one abutment surface that is under an angle with the axial direction for abutment of a part of at least one of the respective at most half of a cavity when the structures are still misaligned relative to each other and/or at a distance from each other.

The method further comprises placing the placeable device over each of the respective at most half a cone-like plug of each of the structures that are close to being in the side-by-side arrangement but are still misaligned relative to each other and/or at a distance from each other. This method step is then followed by pushing the placeable device in the axial direction so that due to an interaction between a part of at least one of the respective at most half of a cone-like plug with the abutment surface the misalignment and/or the distance is at least reduced by the movement of the structures relative to each other up to completion of the cone-like plug and embracement of the completed cone-like plug.

Alternatively, or additionally, provided is a method for connecting structures in a side-by- side arrangement to one another for on a construction element forming a deck which can support a substrate, and which can host water that is kept on the construction element and that is useable for supply up to the substrate. The structures are before being connected in a side-by-side arrangement stackable and nestable into one another. Each of the structures has a side and is on an edge thereof provided with at most half a cone-like plug and/or at most half a cavity. The method comprises providing an insertable plug for reception in a complete cavity. The complete cavity is composed by combining of each of the structures as placed in a side-by-side arrangement the at most half a cavity. The insertable plug device is dimensioned so as to be inserted and to be received in each of the at most half a cavity when the respective structures are close to being in the side-by-side arrangement but are still misaligned relative to each other and/or at a distance from each other so that as yet completion of the respective cavity still has to occur. The insertable plug has an axial direction and is further provided with at least one abutment surface that is under an angle with the axial direction for abutment of a part of at least one of the respective at most half of a plug when the structures are still misaligned relative to each other and/or at a distance from each other. The method further comprises inserting the insertable plug into each of the respective at most half a cavity of each of the structures that are close to being in the side- by-side arrangement but are still misaligned relative to each other and/or at a distance from each other. This method step is then followed by pushing the insertable plug in axial direction so that due to an interaction between at least one of the respective at most half of a cavity with the abutment surface the misalignment and/or the distance is reduced by movement of the structures relative to each other up to completion of the cavity and insertion of the plug into the completed cavity.

Advantageously, the structures can be laid in a side-by-side arrangement that may be slightly misaligned in terms of features which are at the sides, and which face each other, and/or still at a distance of each other such that a gap is present between the structures. This way of somewhat inaccuratly positioning the structures relative to each other goes much faster than positioning the structures very accurately relatively to each other for enabling a connection, such as for instance by inserting a cylindrically shaped plug in a cylindrically shaped cavity that is formed when the structures are well-aligned in a side-by-side arrangement without a gap between the structures.

Further, it is possible to have the worker who is laying the structures to form the deck standing on one structure that is well positioned and should not be repositioned. Then another struture is laid in the side-by-side arrangement with the structure on which the worker is standing, allowing for slight misalignment and/or a slight distance of the sides. The structure that has been laid can then be connected to the structure on which the worker is standing, using the above described method. As the structure that has just been laid and on which the worker is not standing carries no load, the above described method will allow this structure to be drawn to the best position once the plug is inserted or the device having the cavity is placed. Once the connection has been carried out, the worker can step onto the structure that has just been connected to the growing deck and repeat the above described step of laying a connecting a structure to the deck of which the forming is in progress.

It is possible that the structures are such that both an inserable plug and a placeable device can be used for instance in an alternating manner along the sides of the structures. It is also possible to have at corners of the structures a quarter of a cavity or a quarter of a cone-like plug. The method remains the same.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises after embracing the completed cone-like plug or on embracing the complete cone-like plug fixating the placeable device to each of the at most half of a plug of which the complete plug is composed.

Alternatively or additionally the method further comprises after reception in the complete cavity or on reception in the complete cavity fixating the insertable plug to each of the at most half of a cavity of which the complete plug is composed.

This can be done using a click-connection as will be explained in the more detailed description of embodiments the disclosure. Advantageously, the connection will be secured so that side-by-side arrangement can be maintained, and the deck will not have gaps and/or structures that become unconnected again. Even though, it is to be expectd that the weight of the substrate will also keep the connection in place, such a fixation will still provide more certainty that also under locally impacting the deck, the connected structures of the deck are unlikely to loosen-up.

In an embodiment of this second aspect of the disclosure use is made of the following plug.

The disclosure thus also provides a plug having a leading end, a trailing end, and a circumferential outer shape for reception in a cavity having an inner shape that matches the outer shape of the plug. The plug is provided with at least two guiding tracks which are in circumferential direction of the plug distanced from each other and which each extend between the leading end and the trailing end of the plug. Each guiding track is dimensioned with a first width at the leading end and a second width at the trailing end. The second width is larger than the first width so that the respective guiding track allows for a misalignment of the plug relative to a part of the cavity when the plug is at most partly being received in that part of the cavity which matches the respective guiding track on the plug. One of the at least two guiding tracks allow for a linear misalignment of the plug that differs from a linear misalignment of the plug allowed for by another one of the at least two guiding tracks.

This allows for using each guiding track for bridging a different linear misalignment, and closing a gap between the structures and between two at most half of a cavity of which each is part of a different structure.

In an embodiment, different linear misalignments include misalignments which extend parallel to each other and/or linear misalignments of which the directions are across each other. The combination of different linear alignments allows for a large misalignment of the plug. Conversely, it allows in practice for a large misalignment of the structures which are more or less put in a side-by-side arrangement having two at most half of a cavity of those different structures more or less facing each other. It is possible to then better position the structures relative to each other by inserting the plug in the two at most half of a cavity that are not perfectly aligned, and by pushing the plug downward to cause a movement of at least one of the structures towards the other so that the aligment improves and connecting by inserting the plug fully in the completed cavity is possible. This speeds up the forming of the deck using adjacently situated structures.

In an embodiment, the at least two guiding tracks comprise four guiding tracks. The plug may be symmetric with respect to a first imaginary mirror plane that extends in an axial direction of the plug. The plug may also be symmetric with respect to a second imaginary mirror plane that extends in an axial direction of the plug and that is normal to the first mirror plane. This simplifies the use of the plug as there is no need to rotate the plug around its axis over a large angle for fitting in the parts of the cavity.

In an embodiment, a cross section taken of each guiding track across a longitudinal direction of the plug at a first position that is further away from the leading end is larger than the cross section taken at a second position that is closer to the leading end.

In an embodiment, each guiding track is provided with at least one abutment surface which is under an angle with the longitudinal direction of the plug.

These abutment surfaces may be referred to as slanted surfaces. However, these are not the same as chamfered edges. The slanted surface may be in addition to a chamfered edge.

In an embodiment, the plug is part of an assembly which further comprises two structures which each comprise at an edge of the structure at most half of a cavity having a shape that matches a corresponding part of the outer shape of the plug.

In an embodiment, the plug is a single monolithic product.

In an embodiment, the plug is essentially hollow, which allows for stacking and nesting plugs, saving space when storing, transporting, etc.

In an embodiment of this second aspect of the disclosure use is made of a structure as follows. Provided is a structure for placement on a supporting construction element and for connecting to another one of such a structure for forming a deck which can support a substrate, and which can host water that is kept on the construction element and that is useable for supply up to the substrate. The structure comprises columns for bearing load resulting at least from supporting the substrate. The structure comprises a framework for interconnecting the columns. Tthe structure further comprises at least one connector part which is configured as a part of a column and allows for connecting to a connector part of another one of such a structure, so that the structure can by connecting with that other one of such a structure adopt a connected condition in which a column is composed. The advantage is the same as mentioned above for the first aspect of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the structure is stackable on top of a similarly oriented another one of such a structure, and is then able to adopt a nested condition, wherein each column of an upper structure is partially placeable in at least one column of the structure which is directly below the upper structure. The advantage is the same as mentioned above for the first aspect of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, a cross-section of each of the columns decreases in dimensions in a direction from a top of a respective column to a lower end of the respective columns.

In an embodiment, the framework extends between the columns at an upper part of each of the columns.

In an embodiment, the framework extends between the tops of the columns.

In an embodiment, each connector part comprises at most half of a cavity, so that a complete cavity is composable by combination of at least two of the structures when placed in a side-by-side arrangement with at least two at most half a cavity facing each other.

In an embodiment, the structure is part of an assembly of at least two of such structures and at least one plug which is insertable for reception in one of the completed cavities. In an embodiment, the insertable plug is dimensioned so as to be inserted and to be received in each of the at most half a cavity when the respective structures are close to being in the side-by-side arrangement but are still misaligned relative to each other and/or at a distance from each other so that as yet completion of the respective cavity still has to occur, wherein the insertable plug has an axial direction and is further provided with at least one abutment surface that is under an angle with the axial direction for abutment of a part of at least one of the respective at most half of a cavity when the structures are still misaligned relative to each other and/or at a distance from each other.

In an embodiment, the insertable plug and each of the at most half a cavity are so configured that by inserting the plug into each of the respective at most half a cavity of each of the structures that are close to being in the side-by-side arrangement but are still misaligned relative to each other and/or at a distance from each other, and by pushing the insertable plug then in the axial direction, due to an interaction between at least one of the respective at most half of a cavity with the abutment surface, the misalignment and/or the distance is reduced by movement of the structures relative to each other up to completion of the cavity and insertion of the plug into the completed cavity.

In an embodiment, the insertable plug and each other at most half of a cavity is configured for fixation of the insertable plug to each of the at most half of a cavity, after reception of the insertable plug in the complete cavity.

In a further embodiment of a second aspect of the disclosure use may be made of a placeable device as referred to in claim 30-39.

Background of a third aspect of the disclosure

In general, it is difficult for structures that are for instance used for water storage to be aligned such that these structures can be connected, for instance by insertion of a cylindrically shaped plug into a cavity that has a matching cylindrically shape and dimension for hosting the plug in a tight fashion. For these structures there is a need for improving the alignment of the structures before connecting can take place. Summary of the third aspect of the disclosure

Provided is a method for accurately aligning at least two structures relative to each other on a flat surface such as a flat roof. The method comprises:

• providing structures so that these are laying flat on the surface, the structures requiring an accurate alignment relative to each other so that a structural feature of one of the at least two structures is well aligned with a structural feature of another one of the at least two structures for together as optimally performing a function, wherein the structures are provided with slanted surfaces such that upon simultaneously pressing downwards on a slanted surfaces of one of two adjacent but misaligned structures and on a slanted surface of another one of two adjacent but misaligned structures, the structures slide to each other and become accurately aligned;

• providing an alignment tool, wherein the alignment tool also has slanted surfaces which allow for pressing simultaneously the slanted surface of one of the two adjacent but misaligned structures and on the slanted surface of another one of the two adjacent but misaligned structures;

• pressing the tool down so that the sliding of the structures takes place till the adjacent structures are accurately aligned.

In an embodiment, the structures are configured for forming a deck which can support a substrate, and which can host water that is kept on the construction element and that is useable for supply up to the substrate, wherein the structure comprises columns for bearing load resulting at least from supporting the substrate, wherein the structure comprises a framework for interconnecting the columns.

In an embodiment, the structural features comprise the columns or connectors for connecting accurately aligned structures.

In an embodiment, the method comprises optimally performing a function, wherein the function comprises connecting the adjacent and accurately aligned structures and/or comprises providing continuation of the structure across adjacent and accurately aligned structures.

As part of the third aspect of the disclosure is also provided an assembly comprising an alignment tool and at least two structures which when laying flat adjacent to each other in a misaligned condition need to be accurately aligned for together optimally performing a function. The structures are provided with slanted surfaces such that upon simultaneously pressing downwards on a slanted surface of one of two adjacent but misaligned structures and on a slanted surface of another one of two adjacent but misaligned structures, the structures slide to each other and become accurately aligned. The alignment tool also has at least two slanted surfaces distanced from each other and oriented such that these can be pressed simultaneously on the slanted surface of one of the two adjacent but misaligned structures and on the slanted surface of another one of the two adjacent but misaligned structures, so that structures slide into accurate alignment relative to each other.

In an embodiment, the slanted surfaces are cone-shaped.

In an embodiment, the imaginary axial positions relative to the cone-shaped surfaces are at a predetermined or a predeterminable distance of each other, wherein the predetermined or a predeterminable distance corresponds to the distance between imaginary axial positions of a cone-shaped surface of one of the accurately aligned structures and a cone-shaped surface of another one the accurately aligned structures.

Further is provided an alignment tool as referred to above.

Short description of the drawing

The disclosure is further explained with reference to the drawing, in which in relation to the first aspect of the disclosure, Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a structure according to the disclosure;

Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a stack of such embodiments;

Fig. 3 shows two embodiments of Fig 1 close to being in a connected condition;

Fig. 4 shows in perspective an embodiment of a structure according to the diclosure;

Fig. 5 shows a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 shows the embodiment of Fig. 4 in a stack of such embodiments;

Fig. 7 shows the embodiment of Fig 4 when close to being in a connected condition;

Fig. 8 shows four embodiments of Fig. 4 in a connected condition in 2 x 2 arrangement;

Fig. 9 shows in perspective a part of an embodiment according to the disclosure in detail;

Fig. 10 shows in a perspective view part of two embodiments of Fig. 4 close to a situation in which each are in a connected condition and in accordance with the disclosure;

Fig. 11 shows the constellation of Fig. 10 viewed from a side;

Fig. 12 shows the constellation of Fig. 10 viewed from a top;

Fig. 13 shows parts of two embodiments of structures according to the disclosure, each in a connected condition;

Fig. 14 shows in perspective a part of an embodiment of a structure according to the diclosure;

Fig. 15 shows from another perspective the part shown in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 shows from another perspective the part shown in Fig. 14 and in Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 shows parts as shown in Fig. 14-16 interacting with another one of such an embodiment for getting close toward a connected condition;

Fig. 18 shows the constellation shown in Fig. 17 seen from another perspective;

Fig. 19 shows in perspective an embodiment of a structure according to the disclosure;

Fig. 20 shows in perspective embodiments as shown in Fig. 16 stacked on top of each other in a nested condition;

Fig. 21 shows in perspective two embodiments of a structure shown in Fig. 20 getting close to a connected condition;

Fig. 22 shows in perspective four embodiments of Fig. 19 in a connected condition in 2 x 2 arrangement;

Fig. 23 shows in perspective and in detail parts of two embodiments of a structure according to the disclsoure close to being in a connected condition;

Fig. 24 shows a side view of the constellation shown in Fig. 23 Fig. 25 shows the parts shown in Fig. 23 and in 24, now in the connected condition;

Fig. 26 shows in perspective an embodiment of a structure according to the disclosure;

Fig. 27 shows in perspective two embodiments of a structure shown in Fig. 26 getting close to a connected condition;

Fig. 28 shows in perspective embodiments of a structure shown in Fig. 26 stacked on top of each other in a nested condition;

Fig. 29 shows in perspective embodiments of a structure shown in Fig. 26 in a mirrored condition;

Fig. 30 shows in perspective embodiments of a structure shown in Fig. 26 in both a mirrored condition and a connected condition;

Fig. 31 shows in perspective two embodiments of a structure according to the disclosure, oppositely oriented;

Fig. 32 shows embodiments as shown in Fig. 31 in a stack in a nested condition;

Fig. 33 shows the two embodiments of Fig. 31 in a mirrored condition;

Fig. 34 shows four of the embodiments as shown in Fig. 31 of which two are in a mirrored condition as shown in Fig. 33 and the other two are also in a mirrored condition as shown in Fig. 33, wherein in the mirrored condition all blocks are getting close to also being in the connected condition;

Fig. 35 shows in perspective parts of two embodiments of a structure according to the disclosure, in the mirrored condition;

Fig. 36 shows in perspective parts as shown in Fig. 35 interacting with another one of such an embodiment for getting close toward a connected condition;

Fig. 37 shows the parts of four embodiments of as structure according to the disclosure in bith mirrored and connected condition;

Fig. 38 shows in perspective an embodiment of a structure according to the disclosure;

Fig. 39 shows in the embodiment of Fig. 38 in a different perspective;

Fig. 40 shows in perspective an embodiment of a structure according to the disclosure;

Fig. 41 shows in the embodiment of Fig. 40 in a different perspective;

Fig. 42 shows shows in perspective an embodiment of a structure according to the disclosure;

Fig. 43 shows in the embodiment of Fig. 42 in a different perspective;

Fig. 44 shows in perspective a part of an embodiment according to the disclosure; Fig. 45 shows in perspective a part of an embodiment according to the disclosure;

Fig. 46 shows in perspective two parts of an embodiment according to the disclosure, in mirrored condition

Fig. 47 shows in perspective a first plurality of a number of embodiments of a structure according to the disclosure in a connected condition, and a second plurality of a number of embodiments of a structure in a connected condition, wherein the first plurality and the second plurality is getting close for connecting to each other;

Fig. 48 shows in perspective shows a first plurality of a number of embodiments of a structure according to the disclosure in a connected and mirrored condition, and a second plurality of a number of embodiments of a structure in a connected and mirrored condition, wherein the first plurality and the second plurality is getting close for connecting to each other;

Fig. 49 shows in perspective an embodiment of a connector element according to the disclosure;

Fig. 50 shows in top view view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 49;

Fig. 51 shows in perspective two embodiments of a connector element as show in fig. 49, getting connected;

Fig. 52 show in perspective the two embodiments of a connector element as shown in Fig. 51, now in connected condition;

Fig. 53 shows a top view of the constellation that is shown in Fig. 52;

Fig. 54 shows in perspective an embodiment of a connector element according to the disclosure;

Fig. 55 shows in top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 54;

Fig. 56 shows in perspective two embodiments of a connector element as shown in Fig.54, getting connected;

Fig. 57 shows in perspective the two embodiments of a connector element as shown in Fig. 56, now in connected condition, and in which in relation to the first aspect of the disclosure, Fig. 58 shows schematically in perspective an example of the present disclosure;

Fig. 59 shows the example of Fig. 58 in a stack of such structures, in nested condition;

Fig. 60 shows how two of the structures shown in Fig 59, when placed adjacent each other may be aligned and connected, as an embodiment of a method of the disclosure;

Fig. 61 shows the end result of the method shown in Fig. 60; Fig. 62 shows a form of misalignment of two structures according to the disclosure;

Fig. 63 shows a form of misalignment of two structures according to the disclosure;

Fig. 64 shows a combination of the misalignment of two structures shown in Fig. 62 and shown in Fig. 63.

Fig. 65 shows another form of a misalignment of two structures according to the disclosure;

Fig. 66 shows a method and plugs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for three levels of insertion;

Fig. 67 shows an embodiment of a plug in more detail.

Fig. 68 shows a plug and structures as embodiments of the disclosure in unconnected condition;

Fig. 69 shows the plug and structures of Fig. 68 in connected condition;

Fig. 70 shows a plug and structures as embodiments of the disclosure in unconnected condition and in connected condition;

Fig. 71 shows three views of a plug according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 72 shows three views of a structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 73 shows a plug, two structures and a plug aligning and connecting the two structures according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 74 shows doubled-up structures and plugs according to embodiments of the present disclosure in different views;

Fig. 75 shows a method of connecting doubled-up structures according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 76 shows embodiments of plugs according to the disclosure in a nested condition;

Fig. 77 shows in three different views an alignment tool is used in an embodiment of a method according to the disclosure.

Detailed description of the drawing

In the drawing, like parts are labelled by like references.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of structure 1 for placement on a supporting construction element (not shown). Such a construction element may be a flat roof, or something like that. Such an element may be supporting when on top of that flat roof other load generating entities are placed and/or certain activities take place on top of such a flat roof, like for instance a tennis match. Structure 1 is suitable for connecting to another one of such a structure for forming a deck. Structure 1 is in any case able to support a substrate (not shown), like for instance a layer of turf that provides a grass field. The structure 1 can host water that is kept on the construction element. Most likely the water is rainwater that has fallen onto the roof and/or has been collected on the flat roof as a result of rain. That water may be useable for the supply of it up to the substrate, for instance by evaporation or a capillary effect. The structure 1 may thus be such that water may find its way through the structure 1. The structure 1 comprises columns 2 for bearing load resulting at least from supporting the substrate. The structure 1 comprises a framework 3 for interconnecting the columns 2. The structure further comprises at least one connector part 4 which is configured as a part of a column and allows for connecting to a connector part 4 of another one of such a structure 1, so that the structure can connect with that other one of such a structure 1 adopt a connected condition in which column 5 is composed (see for instance Fig. 8, 13, 22, 25, and 37).

The structure 1 is in an unconnected condition stackable on top of a similarly oriented other one of such a structure 1, and is then able to adopt a nested condition, as shown in Fig. 2. Each column 2 of an upper structure 1 is partially placeable in at least one column 2 of the structure 1 which is directly below the upper structure 1.

A cross-section of each of columns 2 decreases in dimensions in a direction from a top of a respective column 2 to a lower end of the respective column 2.

The framework 3 extends between the columns at an upper part of each of the columns 2. It is possible that the framework 3 extends between the tops of the columns 2. It is even possible that the framework extends only between the tops of the columns 2, which is particularly attractive when the density of columns is high, and the distance between the columns 2 thus short, to have good mechanical properties for load bearing and sufficient stiffness of the deck. When the density of columns per surface area of the deck is low, then the framework may need to extend over a larger axial direction of the columns to enhance the stiffness of the deck. Thus will be at the expense of the density of stacking in a nested condition. Although not shown, it is possible that each of the at least one connector part 4 is configured to (permanently) be a female connector part 4 or is configured to (permanently) be a male connector part 4. This would require two different structures 1 - one with female connector parts 4 and one with male connector parts 4 - for forming a deck by bringing structures 1 in a connected condition. This would result in two different stacks.

Although also not shown, it is also possible that the connector parts 4 of a structure comprises at least two connector parts 4 of which at least one connector part is configured to (permanently) be a male connector part 4 and of which at least one connector part is configured to (permanently) be a female connector part 4. This would allow for one type of structure having the male and the female connector alternating each other. For connecting, the structures need to be carefully oriented relative to each other, so all male connectors of a side of the structure that is in a side-by-side arrangement with another structure faces a female connector of that other structure.

In general, the male connector part 4 is insertable in the female connector part 4 of another one of such a structure 1 for obtaining the connected condition. A male connector part 4 of another one of such a structure 1 is insertable in the female connector 4 part for obtaining the connected condition.

For embodiments with more or less well defined female connector parts 4a and male connector parts 4b at least one of the connector parts 4, and preferably each of the connector parts 4 comprises a circumferential wall that is closed in itself.

The circumferential wall of the female connector part will have cross-sectional dimensions which are larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the male connector part, or one of the female or male connector parts is such that it can enlarge respectively decrease its cross sectional diameter whilst the cross-sectional diameter of the respective opposite counterpart has a constant cross-sectional diameter. As shown in Fig. 3, in a connected condition the circumferential wall of the female connector part 4a embraces the circumferential wall of a male connector part 4b. Fig. 4 - 48 show embodiments of a structure wherein at least one of the at least one connector parts 4 is configured to be a male connector part 4 or a female connector part 4, depending on the interaction of the connector part 4 with a connector part 4 of another one of such a structure. Such connector parts are thus configured to adopt the configuration of a female connector part, but also to adopt the configuration of a male connector part. Which configuration the connector part adapts into depends on the interaction the parts experience when maneuvered into a mating position or a position close to a mating position. Ideally, each connector part 4 is identical to any other connector part. Potentially, this allows for only one type of stuctures which are deliverable in a dense stack of structures, from which a deck of such structures is formed without being dependent on a directionality of the structures. Fig. 4-8 display examples of a structure and its possibilities in that regard. The connector parts can be described as hermaphroditic, due to the possibility to be seen to have both female and male features. The feature into which a transformation takes place is a result of the type of interaction that occurs when the features are forced upon each other in an attempt to connect the connector parts.

Fig. 9 shows in more detail an example of a connector part 4, that is hermaphroditic in nature. Each of the connector parts 4 comprises at least half a column. Each of the connector parts 4 further comprises two lips 6 which can each flex inwardly and outwardly around an axial direction of the respective connector part 4. The lips 6 can be flexed into a female position in which the lips 6 are relatively wide apart from each other and be flexed into a female position in which the lips 6 are relatively close to each other. The lips 6 flexed into the female condition can embrace the lips 6 of another one of such a structure 1 that are flexed in the male condition. The lips 6 flexed into the male condition can be inserted between the lips of another one of such a structure that are flexed in the female condition. Each lip 6 is at a position relatively far away from a main part of the structure 1 provided with an outwardly extending lip part 7 and each lip 6 is at a position relatively close to the main part of the structure inwardly provided with a groove 8, wherein in a connected condition the outwardly extending lip part 7 of a lip 6 of another one of such a structure 1 is hosted into the groove 8 for establishing positional stability of the connecting parts 4 of the column 5 that is formed, and the groove 8 of another one of such a structure 1 can host the outwardly extending lip part 7 of the lip 8 for establishing positional stability of the connecting parts 4 of the column 5 that is formed (see Fig. 19 - 25).

Preferably, and as is most clearly shown in Fig. 23-25, the groove 8 is deeper than the thickness of a wall 9 of the column 5 that is to be composed so that a corresponding ridge 10 is formed on an outer surface of the wall 9. The wall 9 and the ridge 10 together comprising a female transition 11, and the lip 6 and the outwardly extending lip part 6 together comprising a male transition 12. The female transition 11 allows in the connected condition for hosting a male transition 12, therewith contributing to stability of the column 5 as composed.

The structure 1 is preferably configured to fixate the connected condition. Fig. 9-13 illustrates how this can be implemented. The groove 8 is provided with a through hole 13 for extending there through the outwardly extending lip part 7 of another one of such a structure 1, so that when the structure 1 is in the connected condition the positional stability can be latched, as shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 14 - 17 show an embodiment that facilitates the interacting of structures with one another so that reaching the connected condition is relatively easy, especially for structures having the hermaphroditic connector parts 4. The framework 3 adjacent a top end of the connector part 4 is provided with a guiding trajectory 14 for railing the lips 6 and preferably, if present, also the outwardly extending lip parts 7 of the other one of such a structure under an angle relative to the axial direction of the connector part into which the lips 6 need to be inserted. The guiding trajectory 14 is sloping down from a top end of a structure 1 toward the connector part of that structure and narrows as it slopes down. Preferably, the guiding trajectory comprises, as shown in Fig. 14-17, two rails 15, each sloping down and narrowing down. One rail 15 ends at one side of the connector part 4 and the other rail 15 ends at another side of that connector part 4. This facilitates the connecting of the structures.

As shown in Fig. 26-48, each column 2 has a bottom 16 that is at an outer surface thereof provided with a relief which is configured to form fit with the relief that is provided at an outer surface of a bottom 16 which a column 2 has of another one of such a structure, so that the structure can be brought into a mirrored condition in which the bottom of each column 2 is positioned on a one-to-one basis against the bottom 16 of a column 2 another one of such a structure. Consequently, in the mirrored condition the framework and the decks are mirrored. The columns 2 are only mirrored up to a point where some overlap in axial direction may occur between bottom parts of the respective columns 2.

As shown in each of the Fig. 26-48, also the connector parts 4 may be provided with at least a part of a bottom 16, so that also in the connected condition, structures can be brought into the mirrored condition.

As shown in Fig. 30, 34-37, 46 and 48 for some embodimenst the structure is configured so that in a mirrored condition of the structure, an additional structure that is also in the mirrored condition, is connectable, so that a double structure is formed with decks on either side, and with columns coaxially positioned to have, as compared to a single column in unmirrored condition, almost, if not exactly, a double length of columns in-between the decks.

Although not explicitly shown, the structure 1 may also be configured so that when the structure 1 is in the connected condition, the structure 1 can also be put in the mirrored condition by means of placing the bottoms 16 of the columns 2 of another one of such a structure that is also in the connected condition against the bottoms 16 of the columns 2 of the structurel, so that a double structure is formed with decks on either side, and with columns 2, 5 coaxially positioned to have, as compared to a single column 2 in unmirrored condition, almost, if not exactly, a double length in-between the decks.

Each bottom 16 may also be provided with elements 17 of a latch, so that when the mirrored condition is reached, the elements 17 of the latch engages with elements of the bottom 16 of the respective additional or another structure 1, so that fixation of the mirrored condition takes place by latching.

As shown in Fig. 23 and 24, the structure may be provided with spacers 18, so that when the connected condition is almost reached and the column 5 to be formed still has parts which have a slight axial offset relative to each other, the spacers 18 prevent the development of a new offset to occur when the initial axial offset is being reduced to zero. The spacer 18 may thus act as a stopper.

Fig. 42-46 show an embodiment that facilitates swiftly correctly "doubling up" of structures and putting them in the mirrored condition by marking structures 1 to let these markings guide the manipulation of the same structures in the correct orientation. In this embodiment, the correct doubling up is achieved by ensuring that the letters A are in axial direction of the columns above each other and by ensuring that the letters B are in axial direction of the columns above each other.

The intended use will also determine the dimensions. Embodiments are envisaged to be for non-traffic use, such as for green roofs, for non-trafficable podium decks, etc. Other embodiments will be for trafficable podium decks and/or for trafficable subsurface use. The height of the columns may be decisive for the use in terms of the load, as well as the capacity of water that can be hosted by the structures. Embodiments of the structures have a width and length of each about 110 centimeters and a height of about 8 centimeters. This width and length allow for optimally using space in a container for shipping out the structures.

The framework 3 can be chosen as suitable, stiffness and capacity for water being the main parameters for designing an optimal framework for the intended use.

In the scope of this disclosure, a function of the framework is to provide a structure that allows for the interconnection of a number of equally oriented columns or parts of columns. So far, the column or the part of the column that is used as a connector part have provided a solution for a perceived problem.

A framework less structure having only one column is also considered part of the disclosure. The following presents by means of four statements insights which are independent of the context of the foregoing.

Figures 49-57 show an assembly of two identical connectable parts for making a column. The following conceptual statements provide further disclosure of what is shown in Fig. 49- 57:

Statement 1:

Provided is an assembly of two identical connectable parts 21 for providing in an assembled condition a column 22 of which the cross-sectional dimensions decrease along an axial direction toward a bottom 23 of the column 22, wherein each connectable part 21 comprises a part 24 of a circumferential wall 25 of the column and a bottom 26 part of the column 22 that is to be made using the two connectable parts 21, wherein each part of a circumferential wall 25 is in circumferential direction by means of wall extensions 27 larger than half the circumferential wall of the column 22 that is to be made, wherein each connectable part 21 has two of such wall extensions 27 of which one is provided at each end 28 in circumferential direction of the circumferential wall part 24, wherein the wall extensions 27 can elastically flex outwardly to widen the distance in between and can elastically flex inwardly to shorten the distance in between, wherein the wall extensions 27 of one of the connectable part 21, when flexed inwardly, can be inserted between the wall extensions 27 of the other connectable part 21.

Statement 2:

Provided is an assembly according to statement 1, wherein each wall extension is provided with an outwardly extending tongue 29, and each circumferential wall has a groove 30 at an inner side 31 extending in an upward direction, wherein in the assembled condition each tongue 29 of one of the connectable parts 21 is held in a groove 30 of the other connectable part 24.

Statement 3:

Provided is an assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each connectable part comprises in the circumferential wall at least two angular transitions 32 extending in an upward direction, wherein the angular transitions 32 in the assembled condition interact and provide stability of a fixed relative positioning of the circumferential walls 24 of the connectable parts 21. Statement 4:

Provided is an assembly according to statement 1, 2 or 3, wherein each connectable part in at least one of the wall extensions is provided with at least one opening 33 for hosting an end of a pipe positioned such that in the assembled condition an axis of at least one opening 33 of one connectable part 21 coincides with an axis of at least one opening 33 of the other connectable part 21 so that the connectable parts 21 can in the assembled condition be latched by inserting a pipe end in the respective opening 33.

In the assembled condition the column may form at least a part of a manhole or at least a part of a pillar which is generally conically shaped.

The disclosure continues with structures that need to be connected for forming a deck, as referred to above.

Fig. 58 shows schematically in perspective a structure 1 having a connector part which comprises at most half of a cavity 40. In this example the cavity 40 has the form of half a cone having its top truncated at the narrower side down in the cavity. The framework 3 of this structure 1 is shown to comprise plate-shaped connections between the columns 2, which is mainly for the purpose of showing the principles of the further disclosure, which are not related to the framework, and for the purpose of keeping the focus on parts other than the framework. In the half cavity 40 is half a cone-shaped plug 41 provided, as part of the structure 1.

As can be seen in Fig 59, such structures 1 are also stackable into a nested condition. It is imaginable (and visible in Fig. 60) that a complete cavity 40 is composable by a combination of at least two of the structures 1 when placed in a side-by-side arrangement with the two halves of a cavity 40 facing each other. In the cavity 40 is then situated a complete cone- shaped plug 41.

Fig. 60 shows an assembly of two of such structures and one plug or placeable device 42 or a which is insertable for reception in one of the completed cavity 40. From Fig. 60 is clear that for placing the plug or placeable device 42, the structures do not need to be aligned up to a point that the two halves of a cone-shaped plug form together a single truncated cone. A misalignment of the structures, for instance in terms of a distance between the structures does not prevent the placeable device or insertable plug from being positioned. In fact, as can be seen from Fig. 61, the distance between the structures disappears upon pushing down the insertable plug or placeable device 42 over the two halves of the cone-shaped plug 41.

Fig. 62 shows in a top view on two structures a form of misalignment in terms of a distance between the two structures that is larger than the distance between the structures in the connected condition.

Fig. 63 shows in a top view a form of misalignment of the two structures in terms of a shift along the two structures so that the parts which are to be connected to obtain a connected condition are not facing each other.

Fig. 64 shows a combination of these two misalignments of the two structures shown in Fig. 62 and shown in Fig. 63.

Fig. 65 shows another form of a misalignment of two structures, in which the structures are at a different height.

Fig. 66 shows when viewed from (a) to (b) to (c), how a plug 42 can be inserted in parts of a cavity and how as a result of pushing down the plug 42, the structures 1 are drawn to each other. The insertable plug 42 is dimensioned so as to be inserted and to be received in the two halves of a cavity 40 which will allow for making a completed cavity 40 when the respective structures 1 are close to being in the side-by-side arrangement but are still misaligned relative to each other and/or at a distance from each other so that as yet completion of the respective cavity still has to occur. The insertable plug 42 has an axial direction L and is further provided with at least one abutment surface 43 that is under an angle with the axial direction L for abutment of a part of at least one of the respective at most half of a cavity when the structures are still misaligned relative to each other and/or at a distance from each other. The abutment surfaces 43 may also be referred to as slanted surfaces. The distance in Fig. 66 (a) between the structures 1 is for instance 1 centimeter; in Fig. 66 (b) only 0.5 cm and in Fig. 66 (c) no longer present. Based on this description, a person skilled in the art can design the plug and the structures such that bringing the structures together can also be possible for larger initial distances and/or misalignments between the structures.

Fig. 67 shows the plug 42 (or the placeable device) in more detail. Shown is that the draft allows for 0.5 cm misalignment. When the structures are thus initially shifted along each other over 0.5 cm, the insertion of the plug will still, on pushing down the plug, undo that misalignment and draw the structures along each other so that the cavity 40 is properly formed and the insertable plug can be fully inserted.

Fig. 68 shows a plug and structures as embodiments of the disclosure in an unconnected condition and Fig. 69 shows the plug and structures of Fig. 68 in a connected condition; Also Fig. 70 shows a plug and structures as embodiments of the disclosure in (a) unconnected condition and (b) connected condition.

Fig. 71 shows three views of a plug according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Arrow CF points to a feature for fixating the plug 42 along a vertical direction relative to the structures 1. The structures are not drawn to each other, but the upper structure may be pushed down to the lower structure when the plug 42 is inserted. The structures may be a bit flexible and may bend facilitating that the misalignment in the vertical direction at least at the point of connecting the structures disappears.

Fig. 72 shows three views of a structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Arrow CP points to a position where fixation may occur for instance by clicking click finger CF into a recess, most preferably a through-recess.

Fig. 73 shows (a) a plug 42 and two structures 1 and (b) a plug aligning and connecting the two structures according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The plug 42 has a leading end LE, a trailing end TE, and a circumferential outer shape for reception in a cavity having an inner shape that matches the outer shape of the plug 42. The plug is provided with at least two guiding tracks GT which are in circumferential direction of the plug distanced from each other and which each extend between the leading end LE and the trailing end TE of the plug 42. Each guiding track GT is dimensioned with a first width at the leading end LE and a second width at the trailing end TE. The second width is larger than the first width so that the respective guiding track allows for a misalignment of the plug relative to a part of the cavity when the plug is at most partly being received in that part of the cavity which matches the respective guiding track on the plug. One of the at least two guiding tracks GT allows for a linear misalignment of the plug that differs from a linear misalignment of the plug allowed for by another one of the at least two guiding tracks GT. The different linear misalignments may include misalignments which extend parallel to each other and/or linear misalignments of which the directions are across each other. As shown, at least two guiding tracks comprise four guiding tracks. The plug is preferably symmetric with respect to a first imaginary mirror plane that extends in a longitudinal direction of the plug. The plug is preferably also symmetric with respect to a second imaginary mirror plane that extends in a longitudinal direction of the plug and is normal to the first mirror plane. The correct orientation for inserting the plug is therefore very clear.

A cross section taken of each guiding track across a longitudinal direction of the plug at a first position that is further away from the leading end LE is larger than the cross section taken at a second position that is closer to the leading end LE. Each guiding track GT is provided with an abutment surface 43 which is under an angle with the longitudinal direction L of the plug. Such abutment surfaces 43 may also be referred to as slanted surfaces.

The plug 42 is essentially hollow, so that it can be stackable in a nested condition (see Fig. 76).

The plug 42 is ideally part of an assembly which further comprises two structures which each comprise at an edge of the structure at most half of a cavity having a shape that matches a corresponding part of the outer shape of the plug. To keep the number of parts low, and the production straightforward, the plug is ideally a single monolithic product.

It may from the above have become clear how a method for connecting structures in a side- by-side arrangement to one another for a construction element forming a deck which can support a substrate, and which can host water that is kept on the construction element and that is useable for supply up to the substrate, could be carried out. Note that the structures may before being connected in the side-by-side arrangement be stackable and nestable into one another. With reference to Fig. 73, each of the structures has a side and is on an edge thereof provided with at most half a plug. The method comprises: providing a placeable device 42 having a cavity for encapsulation of a complete plug as composed by the at most half a plug 41 of each of the structures as placed in the side-by-side arrangement. The placeable device 42 is dimensioned so as to be placed to encapsulate or surround each of the at most half a plug 41 when the respective structures are close to being in the side-by- side arrangement but are still misaligned relative to each other so that as yet completion of the respective plug still has to occur.

The placeable device 42 has an axial direction and is further provided with at least one abutment surface that is under an angle with the axial direction for abutment of a part of at least one of the respective at most half of a cavity when the structures are still misaligned relative to each other.

The method further comprises placing the placeable device over each of the respective at most half a plug of each of the structures that are close to being in the side-by-side arrangement but are still misaligned relative to each other so as to fully encapsulate or surround with the placeable device a completable plug. The method further comprises pushing the placeable device in axial direction so that due to an interaction between at least one of the respective at most half of a plug with the abutment surface the misalignment is at least reduced by movement of the structures relative to each other up to the completion of plug and encapsulation or surrounding of the completed plug. The method may further comprise after embracing, encapsulating or surrounding the completed plug or on embracing, encapsulating or surrounding the completed plug, fixating the placeable device to each of the at most half a plug of which the completed plug is composed and/or wherein the method further comprises after reception in the complete cavity or on reception in the complete cavity fixating the insertable plug to each of the at most half of a cavity of which the completed cavity is composed. For this purpose, the insertable plug and each other at most half of a cavity may be configured for fixation of the insertable plug to each of the at most half of a cavity, after reception of the insertable plug in the complete cavity (see Fig. 72 and Fig. 73).

The deck can be completed by repeating steps when more structures are connected up with each other.

The method may include the placement of a substrate so that the deck directly or indirectly supports the substrate. The method may also include the placement of wicking material, on top of the deck, preferably so that the wicking material extends into the deck.

The method may also include providing the placeable device in a stacked and nested condition and/or providing the insertable plug in a stacked and nested condition.

Similarly, where an insertable plug 42 is used, a method for connecting structures in a side- by-side arrangement to one another for a construction element forming a deck which can support a substrate and which can host water that is kept on the construction element and that is useable for supply up to the substrate, can be carried out as follows. The structures may before being connected in the side-by-side arrangement stackable and nestable into one another. Each of the structures has a side and is on an edge thereof provided with at most half a cavity, the method comprises providing an insertable plug for reception in a complete cavity as composed by the at most half a cavity of each of the structures which are placed in a side-by-side arrangement. The insertable plug is dimensioned so as to be inserted and to be received in each of the at most half a cavity when the respective structures are close to being in the side-by-side arrangement but are still misaligned relative to each other so that as yet completion of the respective cavity still has to occur. The insertable plug has an axial or longitudinal direction and is further provided abutment surfaces (slanted surfaces) which are under an angle with the axial direction for abutment of a part of at least one of the respective at most half of a cavity when the structures are still misaligned relative to each other.

The method further comprises inserting the insertable plug into each of the respective at most half a cavity of each of the structures that are close to being in the side-by-side arrangement but are still misaligned relative to each other so as to fully insert the plug into a completable cavity, and pushing the insertable plug in axial direction so that due to an interaction between at least one of the respective at most half of a cavity with the abutment surface the misalignment is reduced by movement of the structures relative to each other up to completion of the cavity and insertion of the plug into the completed cavity.

Fig. 74 shows doubled-up structures DS and plugs 42 according to embodiments of the present disclosure in different views, indicating that the structures may also in doubled-up condition easily be aligned and connected by inserting the plugs 42.

The wordings "mirrored conditions" are "doubled-up conditions" are intended to mean the same and are interchangeable in this disclosure.

Fig. 75 shows a variation of a method of connecting doubled-up structures in which first the insertable plugs are placed in half of another cavity of the lower structure that rests on a surface, to then place the half of a cavity of a doubled-up structure over that part of the plug that is still projecting laterally of the doubled-up structures which are resting on a surface. It is conceivable that first the plugs are positioned on the surface of a construction element and that then the doubled-up structure (or a single structure "upside down") are placed over these plugs, so that the respective cavities embrace the plugs. For the doubled-up structures the plugs can be inserted at the top in the respective cavities. For the single structure, the upper structure can be placed to end up with a doubled-up structure. Then the plugs can be placed in the upper cavities for connecting the upper structures.

Fig. 77 shows in three different views an alignment tool is used in an embodiment of a method according to the disclosure. Shown is an assembly comprising an alignment tool AT and at least two structures which when laying flat adjacent to each other in a misaligned condition need to be accurately aligned for together optimally performing a function. The structures are provided with slanted surfaces such that upon simultaneously pressing downwards on a slanted surface of one of two adjacent but misaligned structures and on a slanted surface of another one of two adjacent but misaligned structures, the structures slide to each other and become accurately aligned. The alignment tool also has at least two slanted surfaces distanced from each other and oriented such that these can be pressed simultaneously on the slanted surface of one of the two adjacent but misaligned structures and on the slanted surface of another one of the two adjacent but misaligned structures, so that structures slide into accurate alignment relative to each other. The slanted surfaces are preferably cone-shaped.

Imaginary axial positions of the cone-shaped surfaces are at a predetermined or a predeterminable distance of each other. The predetermined or a predeterminable distance corresponds to the distance between imaginary axial positions of a cone-shaped surface of one of the accurately aligned structures and a cone-shaped surface of another one of the accurately aligned structures. Also for this method it applies that the cones of the alignment tool AT and the cones which are embraced by the cones of the alignment tool, may be oriented such that the truncated cones are at the lower ends of the respective cones.

The alignment tool may also have more cones for aligning and for instance, a handle that facilitates manipulating the tool.

Where the above reference is made to two halves forming one, it should be borne in mind that also for quarter forming one may be possible. This applies to both plugs and to cavities.

The embodiments and examples shown are intended to illustrate and explain the concepts disclosed herein. Many variations and modifications are conceivable all covered by those concepts. The actual intended use of the structure will largely determine which dimensions and which materials are best for implementing the concepts. Embodiments of the concepts are preferably made of plastic, preferably recycled plastic, and/or recyclable plastic. Those embodiments can be made by, for instance, injection molding.