GB2569385A

GB2569385A - Non-slip surface assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2569385A
Application number: GB1721168.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Molesworth Richard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-12-18
Filing date: 2017-12-18
Publication date: 2019-06-19
Also published as: GB201721168D0

Abstract

The assembly 10 comprises at least one panel 12. The panel includes at least one channel comprising an opening at the upper surface of the panel. A non-slip element is housed in the channel and part of the non-slip element protrudes above the upper surface of the panel. The assembly may comprise two different non-slip elements with different properties such as height or Shore hardness rating. A non-slip element may comprises a flexible upper part 28 and a foot part 26 made of a different material. The panel may include a channel for receiving electrical elements such as lighting. The panel may include a number of drainage channels. The panels may have a mechanism for connecting adjacent panels together.

Description

The present invention relates to a non-slip surface assembly. In particular the invention relates to a non-slip surface assembly for pedestrians and vehicles. Aspects of the invention include the non-slip surface assembly and method of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Pedestrian and vehicular surfaces are used both internally and externally to create safe and convenient surfaces for pedestrians and vehicles. Examples of pedestrian surfaces include decking, walkways, stairways, fire escapes, industrial floors (such as kitchen floors) and roll-out pavements. Examples of vehicular surfaces include portable roadway systems, such as roll-out roads. Pedestrian and vehicular surfaces can become slippery when wet, which causes a health and safety issue.

Known methods for creating non-slip surfaces for pedestrians and vehicles include creating a textured profile by raising sections, for example ribs, of material by way of extrusion, addition, machining or pressing. These methods are expensive to achieve; furthermore the raised ribs reduce slipping in only one direction (i.e. perpendicular to the direction of the ribs).

Another known method for creating non-slip surfaces for pedestrians and vehicles is the composite solution of bonding a non-slip surface to a structural element, such as the use of anti-slip paint and textured surfaces. However, these are expensive and not easily repaired or upgraded.

Wet pedestrian and vehicle surfaces are particularly problematic, as the provision of drainage does not resolve the issue of the slippery surface. Water retained on the surface is still slippery and wet surfaces can encourage the growth of algae, lichens, liverworts and moss, which themselves are slippery. Mud accumulating on surfaces can also cause them to become slippery. However constant cleaning of pedestrian and vehicle surfaces is impractical or impossible.

It is the object of the invention to address disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention provides a non-slip surface assembly, comprising:

at least one panel having an upper face, a lower face and at least one channel therein, the channel comprising a channel body within the panel and a channel opening at the upper surface;

a non-slip element housed in the channel body and extending through the channel opening, wherein at least a part of the non-slip element protrudes above the upper face of the at least one panel.

The non-slip surface assembly simple to manufacture and is easily repaired by replacing the non-slip element.

The non-slip surface assembly may comprise a non-slip flooring, a non-slip ground covering, a non-slip floor covering or steps. The non-slip surface assembly may form a non-slip tread, for example on steps, walkways and ramps.

The non-slip element may comprise a foot portion retained in the channel body and a protruding portion, wherein at least part of the protruding portion protrudes above the upper face of the at least one panel.

The channel may comprise at least one retaining feature to retain the foot portion of the non-slip element in the channel body. The at least one retaining feature may comprise first and second retaining features projecting from opposite sides of the channel body. The first and second retaining features may be configured such that the distance between them is less than the width of the widest section of the foot portion. The first and second retaining features may comprise first and second projections, for example in the form of first and second ridges. The first and second ridges may substantially extend the length of the channel.

The first and second retaining features may be located at the channel opening, at the level of the upper face of the panel. The first and second retaining features may be located below the level of the upper face of the panel, creating a recess at the upper face of the panel. The recess may act as a support for the protruding portion of the non-slip element. The support reduces the likelihood of the protruding portion being pulled away from the panel as a result of lateral forces exerted on the protruding portion by pedestrians and vehicles. By providing support to the protruding portion, the support reduces stress exerted both on the foot and on the joint between the foot portion and the protruding portion. This helps prevent the foot being pulled out of the channel and/or damage to the non-slip element.

The recess may comprise opposite walls, which in use contact the sides of the protruding portion. The opposite walls may be provided with a textured profile, such as horizontal ribs. The textured profile improves the stability of the protruding portion and reduces its excessive movement. The opposite sides may be vertical or angled. The recess may be elongate. The width of the recess may be greater than the width of the channel. The wide recess provides a strong support for the protruding portion, making it less likely for the non-slip element to be pulled out of the channel.

The panel may comprise an extruded material. In this case, the panel will be provided with the channels during the extrusion process. Alternatively, in nonextruded panels the channels may, for example, be cast or machined (for example routed). The panel material may be selected from aluminium, plastics, aluminium I plastics composite and wood. The plastics material may comprise uPVC.

The panel may be elongate. The elongate panel may have a longitudinal axis, with the channel being parallel to the longitudinal axis. The channel may be elongate. The panel may comprise multiple channels, positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis.

The panel may have a width in the range of from about 20mm to about 2.5m, or from about 100mm to about 500mm. The panel may have a length of from about 0.5m to about 8m.

The channel may be open at one or both ends. This enables the non-slip element to be slid in and out of the channel. A cover may be provided to cover the opening when in use. The channel may extend the full length or width of the panel. The end of the channel may be at an edge of the panel.

The non-slip surface assembly may comprise fixing means to enable adjacent panels to be joined together. Suitable fixing means comprise nuts and bolts, tongue and groove and other known fixings. The fixing means may comprise flexible fixing means, enabling relative movement between adjacent panels. Suitable fixing means include hinges. Flexible mixing means enables the non-slip surface assembly to be rolled up for storage. The panel may comprise a fixing channel to house the fixing means. The fixing channel may comprise a fixing channel body within the panel and adjacent to an edge of the panel.

The non-slip element may be elongate. In use, the non-slip element may be slid into the channel ofthe panel, with the foot portion retained in the channel body. The non-slip element may be extruded. The foot portion and protruding portion may be coextruded.

The protruding portion may protrude above the upper face of the panel a distance in the range of from about 0.5mm to about 15mm, or from about 3mm to about 10mm or from about 5mm to about 10mm. A distance from about 1mm to about 5mm has the advantage of providing a non-slip surface whilst avoid trip hazards. Longer distances may be advantageous in some circumstance, for example for vehicles.

The foot portion of the non-slip element may comprise a first material and the protruding portion ofthe non-slip element may comprise a second material, the first and second materials comprising different materials. The non-slip surface may comprise a resilient material. The first material may have a higher Shore rating than the second material. This provides a harder foot portion to hold the non-slip element in position and enable it to slide into the channel, and a softer protruding portion to effectively provide some grip. The first material may have a Shore rating in the range of from about 65 to about 90 Shore D and the second material may have a Shore rating in the range of from about 40 to about 95 Shore A. The material of the foot portion may be selected from uPVC, polypropylene and thermoplastic rubber. The material of the protruding portion may be selected from uPVC, PVC-Nitril and thermoplastic rubber. In one embodiment, the foot portion comprises uPVC and the non-slip surface may comprise PVC-Nitril. In another embodiment, the foot portion comprises uPVC and the non-slip surface may comprise thermoplastic rubber (TPR). In a further embodiment, both the foot portion and the protruding portion comprise TPR.

The foot portion may have an inverted T shape. The panel may comprise first and second retaining features projecting from opposite sides of the channel body, wherein the first and second retaining features may be configured such that the inverted T shape is trapped by the retaining features. The first and second retaining features may engage the base of the inverted T shape. The first and second retaining features may project inwards, towards each other.

The foot portion may be deformable. This enables the foot portion to be inserted into the channel body via the channel opening. The foot portion may be configured, for example in an arrow shape, so that it can deform sufficiently to enter the channel body via the opening but which resists being pulled out of the channel opening. In this embodiment, the foot portion and the protruding portion may comprise a single material.

The at least one channel may comprise at least two channels, the first having a first non-slip element and the second having a second non-slip element, the first and second non-slip elements having different properties. In one embodiment, the first and second non-slip elements have different Shore ratings. In another embodiment the first and second non-slip elements have different heights above the panel surface. In a further embodiment, the first and second non-slip elements have different widths. The first and second non-slip elements may be optimised for different conditions. For example the first non-slip element may be optimal for surface water and the second non-slip element may be optimal for snow and/or ice.

The non-slip element may comprise one foot retaining portion attached to two or more protruding portions. This enables protruding portions of different materials to be used for each non-slip elements and/or different heights of protruding portions for each non-slip elements, enabling optimum performance in different conditions, as discussed above.

The non-slip element may comprise a protruding portion attached to two or more foot portions. This enables a larger non-slip element to be secured in multiple channels. For example, the protrusion portion may comprise a mat, covering the whole panel.

The panel may comprise an auxiliary channel to house an electrical and/or electronic component or wiring to an electrical and/or electronic component. The auxiliary channel may comprise a channel body within the panel. In one embodiment, the channel may have an opening at the upper surface of the panel. A cover may be provided for this channel. In another embodiment, the channel does not have an opening at the upper surface of the panel. The electrical and/or electronic component is selected from lighting components, heating components and audio components. The use of heating components (such as heating elements) is particularly useful to keep an external surface free of ice and snow. The use of lighting components (such as lighting fixtures) is particularly useful for fire escapes, emergency exits, outside spaces, and for aesthetic purposes. The use of audio components (such as speakers) is particularly useful for providing an audio signal to the visually impaired and for providing verbal messages or music. Therefore, the non-slip surface assembly of the present invention is provided with integral sound, heating and/or lighting.

The panel may be provided with a lighting channel, comprising a lighting channel body within the panel and a lighting channel opening at the upper surface, a transparent cover covering said lighting channel opening and lighting fixtures disposed within the lighting channel body.

The panel may be provided with at least one drainage channel. The drainage channel may comprise a drainage channel body within the panel and a drainage channel opening at the upper surface of the panel. The drainage channel may comprise openings at either end, to allow water within the drainage channels to disperse.

The non-slip surface assembly may comprise industrial flooring (including factory flooring and kitchen flooring), walkway, garden decking, boat deck, ladder, fire escape, pavement, and roadway system. The walkway may comprise a roll-out walkway and the roadway system may comprise a roll-out roadway.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a non-slip surface assembly, comprising:

forming at least one panel, the panel having an upper face, a lower face and at least one channel therein, the channel comprising a channel body within the panel and a channel opening at the upper face;

forming a non-slip element;

sliding the non-slip element into the channel of the panel, such that the nonslip element is housed in the channel body and extends through the channel opening, wherein at least a part of the non-slip element protrudes above the upper face of the at least one panel.

The non-slip element may comprise a foot portion, wherein sliding the non-slip element into the channel of the panel comprises sliding the foot portion into the channel of the panel.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a non-slip surface assembly, comprising:

extruding at least one panel, the panel having an upper face, a lower face and at least one channel therein, the channel comprising a channel body within the panel and a channel opening at the upper face;

extruding a non-slip element;

sliding the non-slip element into the channel of the panel, such that the nonslip element is housed in the channel body and extending through the channel opening, wherein at least a part of the non-slip element protrudes above the upper face of the at least one panel.

The at least one panel may be extruded from aluminium or plastics material.

The non-slip element may be extruded from a first material for the foot portion and a second material for the second material. The first and second materials may be co-extruded.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a non-slip surface assembly for pedestrians and/or vehicles, comprising:

at least one panel having an upper face, a lower face and at least one channel therein, the channel comprising a channel body within the panel and an channel opening at the upper face;

a non-slip element housed in the channel body and extending through the channel opening, the non-slip element comprising a foot portion retained in the channel body and protruding portion, wherein at least part of the protruding portion protrudes above the upper face of the at least one panel.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words comprise and contain and variations of the words, for example comprising and comprises, mean including but not limited to, and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. Moreover the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A and IB show a perspective view and a cross-section respectively of a first embodiment of the non-slip surface assembly;

Figure 1C is a cross section of a double non-slip element shown in Fig 1A; Figure ID is a cross-section of a single non-slip element shown in Fig 1A; Figure IE is a cross-section of a double channel shown in Fig 1A;

Figure IF is a cross-section of single channel shown in Fig 1A;

Figures 2A and 2B show a perspective view and a cross-section respectively of a second embodiment of the non-slip surface assembly;

Figure 3 is a cross section of a third embodiment of the non-slip surface assembly;

Figure 4A-4F shows a cross sectional views of channel profiles according to different embodiments; and

Figure 5 is a cross section of a fourth embodiment of the non-slip surface assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1A and IB show a perspective view and a cross-section respectively of a first embodiment of the non-slip surface assembly 10. A panel 12 is provided with a series of channels 14 within the body of the panel. The panel 14 has an elongate shape, with the channels also being elongate. Fig 1A shows multiple parallel elongate channels 14. Non-slip elements 16 are housed within the channels 14.

Figure IF is a cross-section of one channel 14. The channel has a channel body 18 within the panel 12 and a channel opening 20 at the upper face of the panel. Retaining features, in the form of ridges 22,24 are located on either side of the channel to retain a non-slip element in position.

Figure ID is a cross-section of a non-slip element 16, which in use fits into the channel 14 of Fig IE. The non-slip element 16 is made up of a foot portion 26 and a protruding portion 28. In use, the foot portion 26 slides into the channel body 18, with the protruding portion 28 protruding through channel opening 20.

Ridges 22, 24 hold the foot portion 26 in the channel body 18. The foot portion 26 has an inverted-T shape, which fits into the channel body 18 and is retained by ridges 22,24.

Figures 1A and IB also show double channels 30 and double non-slip elements

32. The double channel 30 is shown in more detail in Fig IE and is made up of two parallel channels 34,36 arranged close together. The double non-slip element 32 is shown in more detail in Fig 1C and is made up of two feet 38,40 attached to a single protruding portion 42. In use, the two feet 38,40 are housed in adjacent channels 34,36. This arrangement provides a much wider non-slip element than using a single channel, which might be preferable for certain conditions.

Both the panel and non-slip elements are manufactured by extrusion. The nonslip elements are located in place by sliding the foot portions into the channels, with the optional use of a lubricant. The panel is extruded aluminium and the non-slip element is a combination of uPVC for the foot portion and uPVC nitrile for the protruding portion, which are co-extruded. The use of different materials for the non-slip element has the advantage of providing a rigid foot portion to provide a strong anchor and a more resilient protruding portion for optimum non-slip properties. The upper surface of the protruding portion has a textured surface, in this case ridges, to increase the non-slip properties.

A second embodiment of the non-slip surface assembly 10 is shown in Figures 2A to 2B, with the same references numbers used for similar features. As with the previous embodiment, the panel 12 is provided with single channels 14 and double channels 30, with corresponding single non-slip elements 16 and double non-slip elements 32. In this embodiment, the panel 12 has a thinner profile, with the bottom face 44 of the panel 12 having a castellated surface. This profiles has the advantage that less material is required, whilst maintaining strength.

A third embodiment of the non-slip surface assembly 10 is shown in Figure 3, with the same reference numbers used for similar features. The panel 12 is provided with multiple single channels 14, arranged in parallel. The non-slip element is provided by multiple feet 46 attached to a single protruding portion 48, in the form of a mat.

The channels may have different profiles, as shown in Figures 4A to 4F, in which similar features are identified by identical reference numerals. Fig 4A shows a channel 14 having a predominately rectangular channel body 18 with a rounded depression at the centre of its lower surface. First and second ridges 22,24 are in line with the upper face 50 of the panel. In use, the rounded depression provides some vertical movement of the foot portion in response to downward pressure, for example when the non-slip element is stood on or driven over.

Figure 4B has a similar arrangement to that of Fig 4A, but the first and second ridges are positioned slightly below the upper face of the panel, creating recess 52 above the first and second ridges 22,24. The width of the recess 52 is substantially the same as the width of the channel body. In use, the body of the protruding portion sits in the recess. Thus whilst the channel body supports the foot portion, the recess supports the protruding portion. Figure 4C has a similar arrangement to that of Fig 4B, but with a much deeper recess 52, providing more support for the protruding portion. Figure 4D has a similar arrangement to that of Figure 4C, but with the width of the recess 52 being wider than the width of the channel housing 18, suitable for non-slip elements with wider protruding portions. Figure 4E has a similar arrangement to that of Figure 4D but with the recess 52 having a different cross-sectional profile. Instead of having a rectangular profile, the side edges 54,56 are angled so that the middle portions of the side edges are closer together than the top and bottom portions. This arrangement is shown in the embodiment of Fig 5, with the angled shape of the side walls enabling the protruding portion to be captured in the recess. Figure 4F has a similar arrangement to that of Figure 4D but with the side walls of the recess being provided with a textured profile in the form of ribs 58, which assist in supporting the protruding portion in the recess.

Figure 5 is a cross section of a fourth embodiment of the non-slip surface assembly 10. As with previous embodiments, a panel 12 is provided with channels 14 housing non-slip elements 16. The panel is also provided with an auxiliary channel 60 to house electrical/electronic devices and/or wiring to electrical/electronic devices. The auxiliary channel 60 is provided with a transparent cover 62 and is specifically designed to house lighting (not shown). The auxiliary channel may alternatively be closed (i.e. without an opening at the top face of the panel), which is particularly suitable for wiring and electrical/electronic devices such as heating.

The non-slip surface assembly of the present invention provides several advantages. The assembly can be upgraded or renewed by the simple replacement of the non-slip element, without having to replace the panels. The foot portion is configured so that it can slide into and out of the channel (from the ends) but is prevented from being pulled out of the channel opening.

The height and width of the protruding portion of the non-slip element can be chosen for different situations (for example whether vehicle or pedestrian, indoor or outdoor use, and/or weather conditions).

The non-slip element provides a non-slip surface in all directions of travel, due to the resilience of the protruding portion. By contrast, a conventional extruded panel having a ridged surface will only have non-slip properties in the direction transverse to the ridge.

When used where noise may be an unpleasant irritant, for example aluminium flooring (decking), the non-sip element may help to prevent the noise associated with the hard flooring and/or hollow flooring.

The non-slip assembly of the present invention is suitable for mounting on an existing structure, for example a fire escape, stairs, existing flooring or garden decking. In this case, the panels are not required to be structurally supporting and so may be low profile. The panels may be mounted over the whole of the existing structure. Alternatively, the panels may be mounted over sections of the existing structure, for example in areas of high use to creating non-slip walkways, allowing the aesthetic appearance of the existing structure to be maintained.

Claims

1. A non-slip surface assembly, comprising:

2. A non-slip assembly according to claim 1, wherein the non-slip element comprising a foot portion retained in the channel body and protruding portion, wherein at least part of the protruding portion protrudes above the upper face of the at least one panel.

3. A non-slip surface assembly according to claim 2, wherein the channel comprises at least one retaining feature to retain the foot portion of the non-slip element in the channel body.

4. A non-slip surface assembly according to claim 3, wherein the at least one retaining feature comprises first and second retaining features projecting from opposite sides of the channel body.

5. A non-slip surface assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first and second retaining features are located at the channel opening, at the level of the upper face of the panel.

6. A non-slip surface assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first and second retaining features are located below the level of the upper face of the panel, creating a recess in the upper face.

7. A non-slip surface assembly according to claim 6, wherein at least a section of the protruding portion is supported in the recess.

8. A non-slip surface assembly according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the protruding portion comprises a resilient material.

9. A non-slip surface assembly according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the foot portion comprises a first material and the protruding portion comprises a second material, the first and second material comprising different materials.

10. A non-slip surface assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first material has a higher Shore rating than the second material.

11. A non-slip surface assembly according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein the foot portion and protruding portion are coextruded.

12. A non-slip surface assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first material has a Shore rating of 65-90 Shore D and the second material has a Shore rating of 40-95 Shore A.

13. A non-slip surface assembly according to any of claims 2 to 12, wherein the foot portion comprises uPVC and the protruding portion comprises PVC-Nitril.

14. A non-slip surface assembly according to any of claims 2 to 12, wherein the foot portion comprises uPVC and the protruding portion comprises thermoplastic rubber (TPR).

15. A non-slip surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one channel comprises at least two channels, the first having a first non-slip element and the second having a second non-slip element, the first and second on-slip elements having different properties.

16. A non-slip surface assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first and second non-slip elements have different Shore ratings.

17. A non-slip surface assembly according to any of claims 15 to 16, wherein the first and second non-slip elements have different heights above the upper face of the panel.

18. A non-slip surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel comprises an extruded material.

19. A non-slip surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel material is selected from aluminium, plastics, aluminium / plastics composite, aluminium I wood composite, plastics / wood composite and glass reinforced plastic.

20. A non-slip surface assembly according to claim 19, wherein the plastics material comprises uPVC.

21. A non-slip surface assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising an auxiliary channel to house an electronic and/or electrical component or wiring to an electronic and/or electrical component.

22. A non-slip surface assembly according to claim 21, wherein the electronic and/or electrical component is selected from lighting, heating and audio components.

23. A non-slip surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel is provided with a lighting channel, comprising a lighting channel body within the panel and a lighting channel opening at the upper surface, a transparent cover covering said lighting channel opening and lighting fixtures disposed within the lighting channel body.

24. A non-slip surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel is provided with at least one drainage channels.

25. A non-slip surface assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising fixing means to enable adjacent panels to be joined together.

26. A non-slip surface assembly according to claim 25, wherein the fixing means comprises flexible fixing means, enabling relative movement between adjacent panels about the join between the adjacent panels.

27. A non-slip surface assembly according to any of claims 25 to 26, comprising a fixing channel to house the fixing means.

28. A non-slip surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-slip surface assembly comprises comprise industrial flooring (including factory flooring and kitchen flooring), walkway, garden decking, boat deck, ladder, fire escape, pavement, and roadway system. The walkway may comprise a roll-out walkway and the roadway system may comprise a roll-out roadway.

29. A method of manufacturing a non-slip surface assembly, comprising:

forming a non-slip element;

30. A method according to claim 29, wherein forming the at least one panel comprises extruding the at least one panel.

31. A method according to any of claims 29 to 30, wherein forming the non10 slip element comprises extruding the non-slip element.