GB2439735A

GB2439735A - Construction element

Info

Publication number: GB2439735A
Application number: GB0606768A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Herring
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-05
Filing date: 2006-04-05
Publication date: 2008-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-05
Also published as: GB2439735B; GB0606768D0

Abstract

A construction element suitable for ground coverage, comprising: <UL ST="-"> <LI>a base having an upper surface and edge portions suitable to be laid on a surface to be covered; and <LI>an array of blocks of different shapes and/or sizes provided on the upper surface of the base in a visually appealing pattern </UL> wherein no blocks are positioned in predetermined areas of the edge portions such that when two elements are arranged side-by-side, the predetermined area of one block is positioned adjacent to the predetermined area of its neighbour to define an edge joint space of a predetermined minimum size and shape. A system comprises a number of construction elements and link pieces.

Description

-2439735

CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT

[0001] This invention relates to construction elements and systems suitable for covering surfaces, such as floors, pathways, etc. The elements and systems of the invention can be used for decorative purposes indoors or outdoors and can form parts of garden features, amongst other uses.

[0002] Covering surfaces such as pathways, walkways, patios, etc. either outside in gardens or indoors has traditionally been achieved in a number of ways. In one, the surface in question is covered in loose material such as gravel, possibly with kerbs or edges to limit the spread of the material. Another way to cover such surfaces is to lay tiles, slabs or paviours, often held in place with cement or grout.

While the tiling/paving solution is relatively easy and can cover relatively large areas easily, there is little opportunity to present anything other than the design of the tile or slab as a visual feature.

Attractive arrangements can be achieved by using a combination of slabs or tiles but these are usually confined to relatively simple geometric designs. More complex designs can be achieved using a large number of relatively small elements (blocks, bricks, cobbles etc.) but this can be very time consuming to lay.

[0003] One proposal to simplify the laying of a large number of small blocks is known as carpet stone, in which the blocks are connected together by flexible mat. The mat allows the blocks to be held in a *: :: :* predetermined arrangement while they are placed over the surface in question. Individual blocks or sections of block can be cut out to leave spaces or provide sections to fill unusual shapes. EP0655530 and WO02084047 describe aspects of such a system.

: * [0004] None of the known techniques offer an easy way in which to cover large areas with complex arrangements of small blocks, especially if it I..

is desired to give a random appearance.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a system that combines the efficiency of a slab or tile approach with the flexibility of using large numbers of small blocks.

[0006] This invention resides in the recognition that a pleasing effect can be obtained by providing multiple blocks on a slab or base while leaving predetermined areas on edges or corners by which joints can be concealed.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention provides a constwction element suitable for ground coverage, comprising: -a base having an upper surface and edge portions suitable to be laid on a surface to be covered; and -an array of blocks of different shapes and/or sizes provided on the upper surface of the base in a visually appealing pattern wherein no blocks are positioned in predetermined areas of the edge portions such that when two elements are arranged side-by-side, the predetermined area of one block is positioned adjacent to the predetermined area of its neighbour to define an edge joint space of a predetermined minimum size and shape.

[0008] In one preferred embodiment, the base is solid. In this case, the base and blocks can be formed from the same material (e.g. concrete or a similar composite material), and the blocks can be integrally formed with the base.

[0009] In another embodiment, the base is flexible. In this case, the flexible base can comprise a flexible net structure to which the blocks are attached.

[00010] The blocks can be selected from a defined set of blocks of various : sizes and/or shapes. For example, a set of nine elliptical blocks of S IS * different sizes and shapes can be used. The number of different :. blocks, the sizes and the shapes can be selected according to * : requirements. S.

[00011] In one particularly preferred embodiment, the base has a polygonal * shape (typically a square), the arrangement of blocks being such as * :, to leave predetermined corner portions free of blocks such that when a number of elements are arranged corner-to-corner, the predetermined corner portion of one block is positioned adjacent to the predetermined corner portion of its neighbour or neighbours to define a corner joint space of a predetermined minimum size and shape.

[00012] The base in the predetermined area of the edge portions can be provided with a cut-out which can be used as a hand-hold to ease laying of the elements, especially when several are arranged side-by-side.

[00013] A second aspect of the invention comprises a surface coverage system comprising construction elements as defined above and link elements comprising one or more blocks of different sizes and/or shapes arranged so as to fit within a perimeter corresponding to the predetermined minimum size and shape of the joint spaces such that, when construction eJements are laid adjacent to each other so as to define joint spaces, link elements can be placed into the joint spaces and overly the edge portions of the adjacent elements in the joint spaces.

[00014] The link elements are preferably formed from blocks corresponding to those on the construction elements.

[00015] It is particularly preferred that the arrangement of blocks on the link elements is such as to continue the pattern of the blocks on the construction elements across the boundary between two construction elements and conceal the joint.

[00016] When cut-outs are provided in the construction element base, the link elements can be provided with base sections shaped so as to fit in the cut-outs. S..

[00017] A particularly preferred form of the system has a number of different construction elements and link elements which can be combined together to provide the desired effect. For example, three square S..

* constriction elements and five link elements can be used to provide a : **, large number of different effects, merely by rotating the construction * : elements in the arrangement and selecting different link elements. It will be appreciated that the number of different forms of each element can be selected according to requirements.

[00016] A third aspect of the invention provides a method of laying a system as defined above, comprising: -arranging a number of construct ion elements at least approximately edge-to-edge in a tiled arrangement; and -placing link elements in the joint spaces formed by the arrangement.

[00019] Preferably, the method further comprises applying a grout to the arrangement to at least partially fill spaces between blocks.

[00020] Additional single blocks can be laid around the arrangement to continue the pattern beside or between construction elements.

[00021] The elements and system according to the invention can be provided in many different specific forms. The shapes, size and number of blocks can be varied, the actual material used to make the base and or blocks, or the texture applied to the block to give an impression of a specific material can also be varied.

[00022] In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows four construction elements and four link elements according to embodiments of the invention; Figure 2 shows the four construction elements of Figure 1 in a typical arrangement for covering a surface; Figure 3 shows the arrangement of Figure 2 with the link elements in place; Figure 4 shows a side view of a construction element according to the invention; Figure 5 shows two construction elements according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of one of the slabs of Figure 5; * ** S * * S...

Figure 7 shows a side view of a link piece for use with the slabs of : Figure 5. *5*

* [00023] Figures 1-3 show one particular embodiment of the invention. It will * be appreciated that many changes may be made to this embodiment * while still staying within the scope of the invention.

[00024] Figure 1 shows four construction elements A, B, C, D. Each element comprises a square base 10 having an arrangement of blocks 12 provided on the upper surface thereof. In each of the elements A-D, the blocks are selected from a set of nine ellipsoid shapes (the number and shapes can be selected according to requirements). In Figure 1, the block 12 are formed from a concrete-like material and are affixed to a separate base. It is particularly preferred that the base and block are formed integrally. This can be done easily by forming one or more moulds and casting the elements in one piece using concrete or other composite materials.

[00025] The arrangement of the blocks 12 on the elements A-D is selected to give a pleasing visual effect. However, the arrangement is such that there are no blocks in predetermined areas of edge portions 14 and corner portions 16. The arrangement of blocks is such that there is always a minimum predetermined size and shape of these portions left uncovered. The edge portions 14 are centred on each side of the base 10.

[00026] Figure 1 also shows four link elements 18. These are formed in a similar way to the construction elements A-D with a base section carrying blocks. However, in this case the base is much thinner. An alternative and preferred construction is for the blocks to be connected to each other along their sides.

[00027] In Figure 1, there are three different arrangement of blocks on the bases, elements A and C being the same but element C being rotated 90 anti-clockwise with respect to element A. More or less different elements can be used. Four different arrangements of the link elements 18 are shown in Figure 1. Again, more or less could be : *** used. e

* [00028] Figure 2 shows the four elements A-D of Figure 1 arranged in a :. square tiled arrangement. In this arrangement, the edge portions 14 * : of adjacent elements are aligned to define edge joint spaces 20. The four adjacent corner portions 16 together form a corner joint space 22.

* The edge joint spaces 20 are all more or less identical in size and * shape. In this case, the ends are wider than the middle giving them a dumb-bell' shape but any other suitable shape could be used. The link elements 18 have a corresponding shape to the spaces 20. The corner joint space 22 in this example is approximately circular.

[00029] In Figure 3, the four link elements 18 have been placed in the edge joint spaces 20 and a single block 24 placed in the corner joint space 22. In this arrangement, the edges of the elements are no longer seen, the block of the link elements continuing the pattern of block across the joint in an uninterrupted way. By rotation of the various elements, a random' pattern can be achieved in view of the large number of permutations of rotation position of elements and link elements used.

[00030] Once laid in this manner, large areas can be easily covered. Edges can be finished by laying individual blocks which can be selected in size and shape to fit the space or surface available. The size and shape of the base can be varied as can the number of elements, blocks and link pieces.

[000311 Aspects of a further embodiment of the invention are shows in Figures 5-7. Figure 5 shows a partial plan view of two construction elements laid side-by-side. In this embodiment, the edge portions 114 have been modified by providing a cut-out portion 115. While Figure 5 shows only one such portion, similar cut-outs are provided in each of the other three edge portions. Figures 6 and 7 show a perspective view and a side view of one of the construction elements of Figure 5.

[00032] The cut-outs 115 allow easy gripping of the construction element for laying one the ground or any other surface. They can also be used for lifting the elements after they have been laid, avoiding the S...

* ... problems common to typical slabs where it can be difficult to maintain a proper grip when trying to make a close side-by-side arrangement.

: [00033] When cut-outs are provided, the link elements 118 preferably have a construction similar to the construction elements. However, in this : ** case, the base portions 119 of the link elements are thicker and are * shaped so as to fit into the cut-outs 115. This allows better location *S of the link elements and allows the link elements to improve the linking effect between the two construction elements.

[00034] It will be appreciated that various changes can be made. In the example shown here, the blocks have a rock pattern on the surface.

This can be changed to be any patterns desired. The heights of the blocks can be varied as can their material of construction. * *** **** * * S. * S * SS* * ** 0* * S * S..

Claims

Claims 1. A construction element suitable for ground coverage,

comprising: -a base having an upper surface and edge portions suitable to be laid on a surface to be covered; and -an array of blocks of different shapes and/or sizes provided on the upper surface of the base in a visually appealing pattern wherein no blocks are positioned in predetermined areas of the edge portions such that when two elements are arranged side-by-side, the predetermined area of one block is positioned adjacent to the predetermined area of its neighbour to define an edge joint space of a predetermined minimum size and shape.

2. A construction element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base is solid.

3. A construction element as claimed in clam 2, wherein the base and blocks are formed from the same material.

4. A construction element as claimed in claim 2, wherein the blocks are integrally formed with the base.

5. A construction element as claimed in claim 4, wherein the blocks and base are formed from concrete.

6. A construction element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base is flexible.

7. A construction element as claimed in claim 6, wherein the flexible base comprises a flexible net structure to which the blocks are attached.

8. A construction element as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the * . blocks are selected from a defined set of blocks of various sizes and/or I...

shapes.

9. A construction element as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the * base has a polygonal shape, the arrangement of blocks being such as : * to leave predetermined corner portions free of blocks such that when a *:: number of elements are arranged corner-to-corner, the predetermined corner portion of one block is positioned adjacent to the predetermined corner portion of its neighbour or neighbours to define a corner joint space of a predetermined minimum size and shape.

1O.A construction element as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base in the predetermined area of the edge portions is provided with a cut-out.

11. A surface coverage system comprising construction elements as claimed in any preceding claims and link elements comprising one or more blocks of different sizes and/or shapes arranged so as to fit within a perimeter corresponding to the predetermined minimum size and shape of the joint spaces such that, when construction elements are laid adjacent to each other so as to define joint spaces, link elements can be placed into the joint spaces and overly the edge portions of the adjacent elements in the joint spaces.

12.A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the link elements are formed from blocks corresponding to those on the construction elements.

13.A system as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the arrangement of blocks on the link elements is such as to continue the pattern of the blocks on the construction elements across the boundary between two construction elements and conceal the joint.

14.A system as claimed in any of claims 11-13, comprising at least three square construction elements and at least five link elements.

15. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the arrangements of blocks on the different construction elements are such that the edge joint spaces align when bases are placed side-by-side irrespective of which edge portions are adjacent to each other.

: 16. A system as claimed in any of claims 11-15, wherein the construction S 55S elements are provided with cut-outs in the predetermined area of the edge portions, the link elements being provided with base sections : shaped so as to fit in the cut-outs.

17.A method of laying a system as claimed in any of claims 11-16, comprising: *:. -arranging a number of construction elements at least approximately edge-to-edge in a tiled arrangement; and -placing link elements in the joint spaces formed by the arrangement.

18.A method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising applying a grout to the arrangement to at least partially fill spaces between blocks.

19.A method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, further comprising laying additional single blocks around the arrangement to continue the pattern beside or between construction elements. * * S... S... 0* * . * S.. S..

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