GB2281573A

GB2281573A - Composite structure comprising pipes

Info

Publication number: GB2281573A
Application number: GB9416532A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Charles Sykes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-09-02
Filing date: 1994-08-16
Publication date: 1995-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2014-08-16
Also published as: GB2281573B; GB9416532D0

Abstract

A composite structure is made from a plurality of pipes (1), each of which has arranged therein a flexible skin (5) containing a packing material (3). Each pipe (1) is provided externally with means interconnecting adjacent pipes. In one embodiment, a cover (13) extends across at least two of the pipes (1), the interconnecting means comprising a first coupling material (7) provided externally of the at least two pipes and a second coupling material (11) provided on the cover, the pipes being interconnected by way of the cover. In another embodiment, a base (9) alternatively or additionally extends beneath at least two of the pipes (1), with the interconnecting means being the same as when a cover is provided. In a further embodiment, a connector alternatively or additionally extends between two adjacent pipes, with the interconnecting means being the same as when a cover is provided. As a further alternative the first and second coupling materials (7, 11) may be provided on adjacent pipes (1). <IMAGE>

Description

COMPOSITE STRUCTURE This invention relates to a composite structure which can be used, for example, to provide a temporary or permanent structure with the majority of the materials required for the structure either being light and readily transportable or being readily available at the construction site.

According to the present invention there is provided a composite structure comprising a plurality of pipes, wherein each pipe has arranged therein a flexible skin containing a packing material, and wherein each pipe is provided externally thereof with means interconnecting adjacent pipes.

In one embodiment of the invention, a cover extends across at least two of the pipes, the interconnecting means comprising a first coupling material provided externally of the at least two pipes and a second coupling material provided on the cover, the pipes being interconnected by way of the cover.

The cover may be formed with a recess for receiving each of the at least two pipes, which recess is provided with the second coupling material. The recess may be substantially semi-circular in cross-section.

The cover may be provided with an upstanding kerb along at least one longitudinal edge thereof. If desired, the cover may be provided with an upstanding kerb along opposing longitudinal edges thereof. In such case, that side of each kerb remote from the edge of the cover may be formed with a recess. To provide a non-slip surface, a material may be laid on the upper surface of the cover, the edges of the material extending into the recesses in the kerbs.

In another embodiment of the invention, a base may additionally or alternatively extend beneath at least two of the pipes, the interconnecting means comprising a first coupling material provided externally of the at least two pipes and a second coupling material provided on the base, the pipes being interconnected by way of the base.

The base may be formed with a recess for receiving the at least two pipes, which recess is provided with the second coupling material. The recess may be substantially semicircular in cross-section.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a connector may additionally or alternatively extend between two adjacent pipes, the interconnecting means comprising a first coupling material provided externally of the at least two pipes and a second coupling material provided on the connector, the pipes being interconnected by way of the connector.

The connector may be formed with a first recess for receiving one of the adjacent pipes and with a second recess for receiving the other of the adjacent pipes, the first recess being opposed to the second recess, which recesses are each provided with the second coupling material. The first and second recesses may be substantially semi-circular in cross-section. The connector may comprise substantially parallel side walls interconnected by the first and second recesses. The side walls may be curved.

The connector may include a land area between each of the side walls and the recesses. The land areas adjoining one end of the side walls may be provided with lugs and the land areas adjoining the other end of the side walls may be provided with complementary recesses to permit the lugs of one connector to engage with the recesses of an adjacent connector.

The connector may be secured to the cover and/or the base where either or both of these are present. The connector may be provided with at least one recess and the cover and/or the base may be provided with a lug for engaging with the at least one recess of the connector.

Additionally or alternatively, the connector may be welded to the cover and/or the base.

A bore may be provided in the packing material of at least one of the pipes, the bore extending in the axial direction of the at least one pipe. Ideally, the bore extends substantially along the axis of the at least one pipe.

In another embodiment of the invention, the interconnecting means comprises a first coupling material and a second coupling material, the first and second coupling materials being provided on adjacent pipes.

The composite structure may include means for securing at least one of the pipes to a supporting surface. The securing means may comprise a staple or a two-armed securing pin, the arms of the pin engaging over adjacent pipes.

The first and second coupling materials may incorporate loops in one of the first and second coupling materials and hooks in the other of the first and second coupling materials, the hooks being adapted to engage in a removable manner with the loops.

The packing material may comprise soil, coal dust or a thermal insulation material.

The composite structure may include bracket means for interconnecting the ends of the pipes.

The bracket means may comprise a 'T'-shaped bracket, the two opposing arms of the bracket each being adapted to engage with an end of a pipe. The leg of the 'T'-shaped bracket may be adapted to engage with an end of a pipe.

Alternatively, the leg of the 'T'-shaped bracket may be adapted to engage with a post, for example for a fence.

The 'T'-shaped bracket may be engaged by way of a thread formed thereon or by way of an adhesive.

Alternatively, the bracket may comprise two arms disposed substantially at right angles to each other for engaging with the ends of the pipes. The arms may be dimensioned to fit within the pipes.

The composite structure may include a hollow upright post secured in the ground. The hollow upright post may be provided with a cylindrical cutter at the lower end thereof for removing soil and the like from beneath the wall of the post on rotation thereof when the post is urged against the ground. The cutter may comprise three coaxial blades. In this case, the intermediate blade of the cutter may have a greater axial length than either the external or internal blade.

The interconnecting means may extend over substantially the entire surface area of each of the pipes.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a structure incorporating the present invention in which a plurality of pipes are joined together to form a rigid platform or foundation; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of part of another embodiment of the present invention in the form of a walkway; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe for use in the present invention and showing a bore for the supply of services; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fixing bracket for use in the present invention to enable one pipe to be joined to another pipe at right angles thereto; ; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a connector for use in the present invention to enable a plurality of side-byside pipes to be joined together; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a bracket for use in the present invention to enable one plurality of side-by side pipes to be joined to another plurality of side-byside pipes; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating part of a building; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing part of Figure 7 on a larger scale; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment illustrating the use of the present invention for ditch maintenance; and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of inserting a hollow pipe into the ground.

Figure 1 shows a plurality of generally horizontal pipes 1 laid side-by-side. The pipes may be made, for example, of plastics, metal or ceramic material, and may be of any suitable length and diameter. The diameter may, for example, be in the range from 60 to 100mm. The pipes 1 enclose packing material 3 which is itself compressed into a flexible skin 5. The packing material 3 may comprise any suitable material such as soil, coal dust or a thermal insulating material. If desired, a gelling agent may be incorporated into the packing material to bond the same together. The flexible skin 5 may be made of any suitable material such as a plastics material. The packing material 3 is inserted into the pipes to add weight, and the insertion can be effected on site or at any convenient location.The pipes 1 are surrounded with a coupling material 7, for example one part of a hook and loop material such as that sold under the Registered Trade Mark VELCRO. The coupling material 7 extends around the circumference and along the length of each pipe, enabling each pipe to be coupled to other pipes on either side of it. The pipes are arranged in a base 9 which is shaped to receive the pipes and which is covered with a coupling material 11 which co-operates with the coupling material 7 to secure the pipes 1 to the base 9. For example, the coupling material 11 may comprise the other part of a hook and loop material such as that sold under the Registered Trade Mark VELCRO.It should be noted that the base 9 is optional and that the pipes 1 may be supported on the ground without any coupling material or may be coupled to strips or straps (not shown) of the coupling material which extend beneath the pipes 1. A cover 13 is shaped to engage over the pipes 1 and is lined with coupling material 11 which co-operates with the coupling material 7 to secure the pipes to the cover 13. For example the coupling material 11 may comprise the other part of a hook and loop material such as that sold under the Registered Trade Mark VELCRO. The upper side of the cover 13 may be substantially planar to form a rigid platform, a foundation, a floor, a pathway or the like.

It may not always be necessary for the coupling material to extend over the entire surface area of the pipes and/or the base and/or the cover. The extent to which the surfaces should be covered with the coupling material to provide the required strength and rigidity can readily be determined by simple experiments and requires no invention. The various components can, of course, be of any suitable colour.

Figure 2 illustrates a modified form of cover 13 to shown in Figure 1. For clarity, only the cover 13, the base 9 and the coupling material 11 provided thereon are shown in Figure 2. The cover of Figure 2 is intended for use as a walkway and is formed with a raised kerb 15 at each side thereof, which kerb is provided with an optional recess on that side of the kerb remote from the edge of the cover 13 to receive the edges of a material 17 which is laid on the upper surface of the cover. The material 17 has a non-slip surface for the safety of pedestrians and may be, for example a carpet, plastics or rubber material. The edge of the cover 13 and/or the edge of the base 9 is formed with a V-shaped recess 19 to facilitate engagement with the side of a building or the like against which the walkway is to be arranged.

Figure 3 shows that the packing material 3 may be formed with a bore 21 extending in the axial direction thereof, the bore extending along the axis of the pipe 1 in the illustrated embodiment. The bore may be defined by a duct, for example for the supply of services such as water and/or electricity. An electricity cable, for example, may or may not be arranged within a separate duct.

Figure 4 illustrates a fixing bracket 23, generally in the form of a 'T'. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the axis of the arms of the 'T' and looking in the direction of the leg thereof. The fixing bracket may be made of any suitable material, for example plastics. The ends of two generally horizontal pipes (not shown) can be secured to opposing arms of the bracket 23, for example by way of a screw thread 25 or by means of adhesive (not shown). A further pipe, for example extending generally vertically, can then be secured to a leg of the bracket, for example by way of a screw thread or by way of adhesive, thereby joining the further pipe to the two generally horizontal pipes.The bracket 23 enables a plurality of upright posts to be spaced along a run of generally horizontal pipes, which uprights can be interconnected laterally in known manner by means not shown to provide a fence or the like.

Figure 5 illustrates a connector 27 for interconnecting pipes (not shown) in a side-by-side configuration as an alternative to the cover 13 and base 9. The connector 27 is an elongate member, for example of plastics material, having two parallel side walls interconnected by semicircular recesses for receiving the pipes. Each recess is lined with coupling material 11 to co-operate with the coupling material provided around the pipes. Where the recesses adjoin the side walls there is a small land area, the land areas being provided with means 29 which enables one connector 27 to engage with an adjacent connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging means 29 comprises lugs provided at the land areas adjoining one end of the side walls and complementary recesses provided at the land areas adjoining the other end of the side walls.The connector 27 is particularly adapted to enable a plurality of generally horizontal pipes to be stacked on top of one another to form, for example, an upright wall. A connector 27 fits over the top half of one pipe and is secured to the lower recess of the pipe by the coupling material on the pipe and the coupling material 11 which lines the recesses of the connector. A further pipe is then laid in the upper recess of the connector and the two components are interconnected by the coupling materials. A further connector 27 can then be positioned over the top half of the further pipe and the further pipe and the further connector are interconnected by the coupling materials. To provide additional stability, the adjacent connectors are also held together by the interengagement of their complementary lugs and recesses, thereby maintaining the stack of pipes in position.

Figure 6 illustrates one way in which the ends of two adjoining perpendicular walls, each of which is in the form of a plurality of side-by-side pipes, can be joined. A bracket comprises two tubular arms 31, 33 interconnected at right angles, the arms being dimensioned to fit within the pipes 1. The pipes 1 are cut at their ends to substantially 45 degrees in order that the pipes of the two walls should butt against each other. One arm 31 of a bracket is then inserted into the end of each of the pipes of one of the walls and the pipes of the other wall are then urged onto the other arm 33 of each of the brackets to complete the join between the two walls. Clearly, however, other means can be provided for joining two walls together and also more complex brackets can be provided to enable more complex wall structures to be built.

Figure 7 shows part of a building constructed in accordance with the invention, the building comprising a floor in the form of a plurality of pipes 1 which are not shown in detail and which are disposed between and connected to a base 9 and a cover 13 in the manner illustrated in Figure 1. A wall is formed of a further plurality of pipes 1 stacked on top of each other and interconnected by connectors 27 in the manner illustrated in Figure 5. In this embodiment the pipes will generally contain a packing material in the form of an insulating material. As shown in Figure 7, one or more of the pipes 1 can carry services, such as water and/or electricity, in the manner illustrated in Figure 3. Having regard to the manner in which the building is constructed, it may be desirable for the building to be restricted to a single storey.

Figure 8 shows in more detail one way in which the junction between the floor and the wall is formed. The base 9 of the floor is formed with a lateral projection 35 which engages with a complementary recess formed in a connector a the bottom of the wall. Where the materials of the base and the connector are suitable, the base and the connector may be permanently secured together, for example by welding.

As an alternative to the wall being upright, it may be curved so as to join with the opposite edge of the floor, for example by being formed over a curved supporting frame, to provide a unitary wall and roof structure.

Figure 9 illustrates how the present invention can be utilised in ditch maintenance. Generally horizontal pipes 1, containing packing material 3 in a flexible skin 5, are laid in the longitudinal direction of the ditch and are placed side-by-side so as to follow the profile of the ditch. The pipes 1 are secured in position by fastening means, such as a staple 37 or a two-armed fixing pin 39, positioned around the pipe and pushed into the ground. A cover 13, similar to that previously described in relation to Figure 1, is then placed over at least some of the pipes to facilitate ditch maintenance, for example by preventing the sides of the ditch collapsing and by reducing the likelihood of debris lodging in the ditch.

Figure 10 illustrates a method of inserting a hollow pipe into the ground, the pipe being arranged in an upright manner. For clarity, the soil within the pipe is not shown. A cutter 41 is mounted, for example by way of a securing flange, at the lower end of the pipe, the cutter comprising three concentric tubular blades 43, 45, 47, with the intermediate blade 45 extending to a greater depth than either the external blade 43 or internal blade 47. When the pipe is rotated about its axis and urged against the ground, the cutter 41 removes soil and the like beneath the wall of the pipe and enables the pipe penetrate the ground to at least part of the axial length thereof to enable the substantially vertical pipe to be used, for example, as a fixing post or other component of a structure according to the present invention.

It is clear that the present invention can be applied to a large number of different applications to provide temporary or permanent structures. Such structures can be erected in a quick and simple manner with the majority of the materials either being light and readily transportable or being available at the construction site. If desired, the cover 5 may be omitted and the coupling material 4 employed to interconnect the pipes 1 directly. However, the use of such a structure will be limited.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A composite structure comprising a plurality of pipes, wherein each pipe has arranged therein a flexible skin containing a packing material, and wherein each pipe is provided externally thereof with means interconnecting adjacent pipes.

2. A composite structure as claimed in claim 1 and including a cover extending across at least two of the pipes, the interconnecting means comprising a first coupling material provided externally of the at least two pipes and a second coupling material provided on the cover, the pipes being interconnected by way of the cover.

3. A composite structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cover is formed with a recess for receiving each of the at least two pipes, which recess is provided with the second coupling material.

4. A composite structure as claimed in claim 3, wherein the recess is substantially semi-circular in cross-section.

5. A composite structure as claimed in claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the cover is provided with an upstanding kerb along at least one longitudinal edge thereof.

6. A composite structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cover is provided with an upstanding kerb along opposing longitudinal edges thereof.

7. A composite structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein that side of each kerb remote from the edge of the cover is formed with a recess.

8. A composite structure as claimed in claim 7 and including a material laid on the upper surface of the cover, the edges of the material extending into the recesses in the kerbs.

9. A composite structure as claimed in any preceding claim and including a base extending beneath at least two of the pipes, the interconnecting means comprising a first coupling material provided externally of the at least two pipes and a second coupling material provided on the base, the pipes being interconnected by way of the base.

10. A composite structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the base is formed with a recess for receiving the at least two pipes, which recess is provided with the second coupling material.

11. A composite structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein the recess is substantially semi-circular in cross-section.

12. A composite structure as claimed in any preceding claim and including a connector extending between two adjacent pipes, the interconnecting means comprising a first coupling material provided externally of the at least two pipes and a second coupling material provided on the connector, the pipes being interconnected by way of the connector.

13. A composite structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein the connector is formed with a first recess for receiving one of the adjacent pipes and with a second recess for receiving the other of the adjacent pipes, the first recess being opposed to the second recess, which recesses are each provided with the second coupling material.

14. A composite structure as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first and second recesses are substantially semicircular in cross-section.

15. A composite structure as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the connector comprises substantially parallel side walls interconnected by the first and second recesses.

16. A composite structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the side walls are curved.

17. A composite structure as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the connector includes a land area between each of the side walls and the recesses.

18. A composite structure as claimed in claim 17, wherein the land areas adjoining one end of the side walls are provided with lugs and the land areas adjoining the other end of the side walls are provided with complementary recesses to permit the lugs of one connector to engage with the recesses of an adjacent connector.

19. A composite structure as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, when dependent on claim 2 or claim 9 or any claim dependent thereon wherein the connector is secured to the cover and/or the base.

20. A composite structure as claimed in claim 19, wherein the connector is provided with at least one recess and the cover and/or the base is provided with a lug for engaging with the at least one recess of the connector.

21. A composite structure as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the connector is welded to the cover and/or the base.

22. A composite structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a bore is provided in the packing material of at least one of the pipes, the bore extending in the axial direction of the at least one pipe.

23. A composite structure as claimed in claim 22, wherein the bore extends substantially along the axis of the at least one pipe.

24. A composite structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interconnecting means comprises a first coupling material and a second coupling material, the first and second coupling materials being provided on adjacent pipes.

25. A composite structure as claimed in any preceding claim and including means for securing at least one of the pipes to a supporting surface.

26. A composite structure as claimed in claim 25, wherein the securing means comprises a staple or a two-armed securing pin, the arms of the pin engaging over adjacent pipes.

27. A composite structure as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 26, wherein the first and second coupling materials incorporate loops in one of the first and second coupling materials and hooks in the other of the first and second coupling materials, the hooks being adapted to engage in a removable manner with the loops.

28. A composite structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the packing material comprises soil, coal dust or a thermal insulation material.

29. A composite structure as claimed in any preceding claim and including bracket means for interconnecting the ends of the pipes.

30. A composite structure as claimed in claim 29, wherein the bracket means comprises a 'T'-shaped bracket, the two opposing arms of the bracket each being adapted to engage with an end of a pipe.

31. A composite structure as claimed in claim 30, wherein the leg of the 'T'-shaped bracket is adapted to engage with an end of a pipe.

32. A composite structure as claimed in claim 30, wherein the leg of the 'T'-shaped bracket is adapted to engage with a post, for example for a fence.

33. A composite structure as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the 'T'-shaped bracket is engaged by way of a thread formed thereon or by way of an adhesive.

34. A composite structure as claimed in claim 29, wherein the bracket comprises two arms disposed substantially at right angles to each other for engaging with the ends of the pipes.

35. A composite structure as claimed in claim 34, wherein the arms are dimensioned to fit within the pipes.

36. A composite structure as claimed in any preceding claim and including a hollow upright post secured in the ground.

37. A composite structure as claimed in claim 36, wherein the hollow upright post is provided with a cylindrical cutter at the lower end thereof for removing soil and the like from beneath the wall of the post on rotation thereof when the post is urged against the ground.

38. A composite structure as claimed in claim 37, wherein the cutter comprises three coaxial blades.

39. A composite structure as claimed in claim 38, wherein the intermediate blade has a greater axial length than either the external or internal blade.

40. A composite structure as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the interconnecting means extends over substantially the entire surface area of each of the pipes.

41. A composite structure as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.