GB2549505A

GB2549505A - Wall and/or edging support member and wall and/or edging

Info

Publication number: GB2549505A
Application number: GB1606830.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Watson Jon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-19
Filing date: 2016-04-19
Publication date: 2017-10-25

Abstract

A wall including at least one wall forming member (11, Fig. 2), preferably a panel or board such as a railway sleeper, and at least two support members 12 each having a ground engaging portion, preferably a spike 14, and a receiving portion 16 having two elongate parts 18 forming an open topped slot receiving part of the or each wall forming member. The support member may be a fork like or prong like member having a planar base 20. The length of the elongate parts 18 may be shorter than the height, or combined height, of the one or more wall forming members in use. The total height of the wall may be less than 630mm. The wall may be for used as a retaining wall in a garden to retain earth on one side at a higher level to earth on the other. There is a separate independent claim for a support member only with a receiving portion height of at least 125mm. Also claimed is a kit of parts and a method comprising driving the ground engaging portions into the earth and positioning a wall forming member into each slot.

Description

Title: Wall and/or edging support member and wall and/or edging Description of Invention

This application relates to a wall and a support member. In particular, although not exclusively, this application relates to a wall and a support member used to hold the wall in position which is used for retaining earth on one side thereof. Such walls are often referred to as “retaining walls”, “edging”, or “edging walls”.

There is provided a wall including: at least one wall forming member; and at least two support members for supporting the wall forming member, wherein each support member includes: a ground engaging portion; and a receiving portion formed from two generally elongate parts which form a generally upward facing slot having an open top, which receives a part of the wall forming member.

The at least one wall forming member may have a first end and a second end generally opposite the first end, and the receiving portion may be positioned entirely inwardly of both ends.

The two elongate parts of each receiving portion may be connected only by a base of the support member. A surface of the at least one wall forming member may abut a surface of the base.

The at least one wall forming member may be a single wall forming member and the height of the receiving portion of the support member for receiving the single wall forming member may be less than the height of the single wall forming member. A total height of the wall may be at least: -230mm; or 330mm; and/or a total height of the wall may be at most: -630mm; or 530mm. A total height of at least one of the at least two support members may be at least: - 150mm; or 250mm; and/or a total height of at least one of the at least two support members may be at most: - 550mm; or 450mm. A total height of the receiving portion may be at least: -75mm; or 125mm; and/or a total height of the receiving portion may be at most: -250mm; or 225mm.

The first and second wall forming members may abut each other so one rests on top of the other.

The at least one wall forming member may include a first wall forming member and a second wall forming member, and the height of the receiving portion of the support member may be less than a combined height of the first and second wall forming members. A total height of the wall may be at least: -550mm; or 750mm; and/or a total height of the wall may be at most: -1150mm; or 950mm. A total height of at least one the at least two support members may be at least: 470mm; or 670mm; and/or a total height of at least one of the at least two support members may be at most: - 1070mm; or 870mm. A total height of the receiving portion may be at least: -220mm; or 320mm; and/or a total height of the receiving portion may be at most: -620mm; or 520mm. A space between the generally elongate parts of each receiving portion may be at least: - 2mm; or 5mnn wider than the at least one wall forming member; and/or a space between the generally elongate parts of each receiving portion may be at most: - 10mm; or 8mm wider than the at least one wall forming member. A space between the generally elongate parts of each receiving portion may be at least: - 50mm; 75mm; or 100mm; and/or a space between the generally elongate parts of each receiving portion may be at most: - 200mm; 175mm; or 150mm.

The total length of the wall may be at least: -1.8m; 2.0m; or 2.2m; and/or the total length of the wall may be at most: -2.6m; 2.8m; or 3.0m.

Surfaces of the at least two support members that face each other may be at least: - 1.3m; 1.4m; or 1.5m apart; and/or surfaces of the at least two support members that face each other may be at most: - 1.9m; 2.0m; or 2.1m apart.

The wall may be a retaining wall.

The wall may be an edging wall.

There is also provided a support member for use in a wall according to the first aspect of the invention, including a ground engaging portion; and a receiving portion for receiving a part of a wall forming member, the receiving portion formed from two generally elongate parts which form a generally upward facing slot having an open top, wherein a total height of the receiving portion is at least 125mm. A total height of the receiving portion may be at most: -250mm; or 225mm. A total height of the receiving portion may be at least: -220mm; or 320mm; and/or a total height of the receiving portion may be at most: -620mm; or 520mm. A total height of the support member may be at least: -150mm; or 250mm; and/or a total height of the support member may be at most: -550mm; or 450mm. A total height of the support member may be at least: -470mm; or 670mm; and/or a total height of the support member is at most: -1070mm; or 870mm.

The two generally elongate parts of the receiving portion may be connected only by a base of the support member. A space between the generally elongate parts of the receiving portion may be at least: - 50mm; 75mm; or 100mm; and/or a space between the generally elongate parts of the receiving portion may be at most: - 200mm; 175mm; or 150mm.

There is also provided a kit for making a wall, including at least two support members; and at least one wall forming member.

Instructions may be included for making a wall. A kit may also include at least two support members and instructions for making a wall.

There is also provided a method of making a wall, including the steps of driving the ground engaging portion of each support member into a surface in which the wall is to be positioned; and positioning the at least one wall forming member to extend through each portion of each support member.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the support member of the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the support member of the invention.

Referring to figure 1, there is shown an embodiment of a wall 10. The wall 10 includes a single wall forming member 11 and two support members 12 for supporting the wall forming member 11. A wall may also include more than one wall forming member 11. For example, in a second embodiment of a wall, shown in figure 2, two wall forming members 30’, 32’ are provided. Both embodiments include at least one wall forming member. A wall may also include more than two support members 12. For example, three or more support members 12 may be used. However, it is necessary to use, or include, at least two support members 12 to support the at least one wall forming member 11.

Referring to figure 3, the support member 12 includes a ground engaging portion 14 and a receiving portion 16 formed from two generally elongate parts 18 which form a generally upward facing slot having an open top, which receives a part of the wall forming member 11. By “ground engaging”, we mean that the portion is used to anchor, or hold, the wall in position in the ground. “Upward” and “open”, in relation to the slot described above, are intended to have their normal meanings as they would commonly be understood. The generally elongate parts 18 extend in a generally opposite direction to the ground engaging portion 14.

The provision of a generally upward facing slot may be advantageous. Prior art support members hold wall forming members at their ends, meaning that someone constructing a wall is required to precisely measure the distance between the two support members to ensure that the wall forming member will fit and be held securely. The upward facing slot of the support member 12 and wall 10 embodying the current invention may permit a user to easily position the support members 12 in the ground without needing to measure the distance between them. A user may also be able to more easily offer up the wall forming member 11 to determine whether the wall forming member 11 fits correctly. The wall forming member 11 may then be altered accordingly. A user may also be able to more easily move the wall after it has been constructed. The wall forming member(s) 11 may be removed from the receiving portion 16 of the support members 12 and the support members 12 removed from the ground and reinserted into a desired position for the wall 10 to then be reconstructed by positioning the wall forming member(s) 11 in the receiving portions 16 of the support members 12.

The generally elongate parts 18 are connected by a base 20 of the support member 12. More specifically, the two generally elongate parts 18 of each receiving portion 16 are connected only by a base 20 of the support member 12.

The base 20 is substantially flat, or planar. However, the base 20 may instead by curved. This may be to assist with proper fitment of the wall forming member 11, which could be any shape. The base 20 may be a complementary shape to that of the wall forming member 11. For example, the base may be rectangular or square (as shown) to correspond to a wall forming member 11 formed from a railway sleeper, or alternatively it may be a curved shape, e.g. a quarter circle shape, to complement the shape of a log. Providing the base 20 as a complementary shape to the wall forming member 11 may be advantageous. Better fitment of the wall forming member 11 in the support member 12 can provide a sturdier, more robust wall.

As shown in figure 3 in the present embodiment the ground engaging portion 14 is a spike. The ground engaging portion 14 anchors the wall 10 to the ground to prevent the wall 10 from moving. Spike 14 can be used to drive the support member 12 into the ground and hold the wall 10 in position, once formed.

The at least one wall forming member 11 has a first end 22 and a second end 24 generally opposite the first end 22. The receiving portion 16 of the support member 12 is positioned entirely inwardly of both ends 22, 24. However, this need not necessarily be the case. The receiving portion 16 may be positioned partly inwardly of the first and second ends 22, 24. Such a configuration would permit a further wall forming member to be positioned adjacent the at least one wall forming member within the slot provided by the support member 12. A surface 28 of the at least one wall forming member 11 abuts a surface 26 of the base 20 of the support member 12. Alternative embodiments are envisaged where the wall forming member 11 does not abut the surface 26 of the base 20 but instead rests on the inwardly facing surfaces, or faces, 28 of the support member 12.

As shown in figure 1, a first embodiment of the invention includes a single wall forming member 11, which may be formed as a single integral part. The height of the receiving portion 16 of the support member 12 for receiving the single wall forming member 11 is less than the height of the single wall forming member 11. This may be advantageous. If the height of the receiving portion 16 is less than the height of the single wall forming member 11 a person may be less likely to trip over on the receiving portion 16. Similarly a person may be less likely to become snagged on a receiving portion 16 that may otherwise extend over the top of the wall forming member 11. The height of the receiving portion 16 being less than the height of the single wall forming member 11 may also provide a more aesthetically pleasing wall 10. A second embodiment of the invention is shown in figure 2. Like numbered numerals are intended to refer to similar features as those described in the first embodiment. Only the differences between the first and second embodiments are described. At least two wall forming members 30’, 32’ form the main body of the wall 10’, which are supported by at least two support members 12’. The first and second wall forming members 30’, 32’ abut each other so one rests on top of the other. That is to say that the downwardly facing surface 36’ of the first wall forming member 30’ abuts, or engages with, the upwardly facing surface 34’ of the second wall forming member 32’.

In the second embodiment the wall 10’, including a first wall forming member 30’ and a second wall forming member 32’, includes at least one support member 12’ where the height of the receiving portion 16’ of the support member 12’ is less than a combined height of the first and second wall forming members 30’, 32’. The first and second wall forming members 30’, 32’ may be substantially the same size. A range of heights and widths are provided for the following dimensions of the wall and support member:- • a total height of the wall 10; • a total height of at least one of the at least two support members 12; • a total height of the receiving portion 16; and • a space, or width, between the generally elongate parts 18.

Each dimension is discussed in detail below.

The total height of a wall 10 may be at least 230mm or 330mm. The total height of the wall 10 may be at most 530mm or 630mm. Alternatively, the total height of the wall 10 may be 550mm or 750mm. The total height of the wall 10 may be at most 1150mm or 950mm. A wall 10 may be any range of heights in between these values. Indeed a wall 10 may vary in height within these ranges and may be of different heights where necessary. For instance the wall 10 may have a total height of 400mm at a first point, and may have a total height of 1000mm at a second point. A total height of the support member 12, or at least one of the at least two support members 12, is at least 150mm or 250mm. A total height of the support member 12, or at least one of the at least two support members 12, may be at most 450mm or 550mm. Alternatively a total height of the support member 12, or at least one of the at least two support members 12 may be at least 470mm or 670mm. Also, a total height of the support member 12, or at least one of the at least two support members 12, may be at most 870mm or 1070mm. At least one of the at least two support members 12 may be any range of heights in between these values. Indeed at least one of the at least two support members 12 may vary in height within these ranges and may be of different heights where necessary. For instance, at least one of the at least two support members may have a total height of 200mm, and another may have a total height of 970mm. A total height of the receiving portion 16 is at least 75mm or 125mm. A total height of the receiving portion 16 may be at most 225mm or 250mm. Alternatively, a total height of the receiving portion 16, as shown in figures 3 and 4, may be at least 220mm or 320mm. Also, a total height of the receiving portion 16 may be at most 520mm or 620mm. The receiving portion 16 may be any range of heights in between these values. Indeed the receiving portion 16 may vary in height within these ranges and may be of different heights where necessary. For instance the receiving portion 16 may have a total height of 100mm, or alternatively may have a total height of 230mm.

There is a space between the generally elongate parts 18 which forms the slot into which at least a portion of the wall forming member 11 is received. A degree of tolerance may be beneficial, to accommodate for variations in size of the wall forming member 11 and to avoid the wall forming member 11 becoming stuck on the faces 38 of the generally elongate parts 18. It has been found that having a space between the generally elongate parts 18 of each receiving portion 16 at least 2mm, or 5mm wider than the at least one wall forming member 11 may be beneficial. Also, it has been found that a space between the generally elongate parts 18 of each receiving portion 16 of at most 8mm, or 10mm wider than the at least one wall forming member 11 may ease fitment of the wall forming member 11 into the support member 12.

In some embodiments, the space between the generally elongate parts 18 of each receiving portion 16 may be at least 50mm, or 75mm or 100mm. The space between the generally elongate parts 18 of each receiving portion 16 may also be at most 150mm, or 175mm, or 200mm. The space between the generally elongate parts 18 of each receiving portion 16 may also be any range of widths in between these values. Indeed the space between the generally elongate parts 18 may vary in width within these ranges and may be of different widths where necessary. For instance, one space between the generally elongate parts 18 may have a total width of 90mm, and another may have a total width of 165mm. A range of lengths have also been considered for the total length of the wall 10. For instance, the total length of the wall 10 may be at least 1.8m, or 2.0m, or 2.2m. The total length of the wall 10 may also be at most 2.6m, or 2.8m, or 3.0m. The wall 10 may also be any range of lengths between these values. For instance the total length of the wall 10 may be 1.9m, or 2.4m without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The positioning of the at least two support members 12 relative to the at least one wall forming member 11 is important. The surfaces of the at least two support members 12 that face each other may be at least 1.3m, or 1.4m, or 1.5m apart. The surfaces of the at least two support members 12 that face each other may be at most 1.9m, or 2.0m, or 2.1 m apart.

In the current embodiments the wall 10 is substantially vertical. For instance, the wall 10 may be at an angle between: - • -5- and +5- to a vertical axis, or • -10- to +10- to a vertical axis; or • -15- to +15- to a vertical axis; or • -25- to +25- to a vertical axis; or • -35- to +35- to a vertical axis; or • -45- to +45- to a vertical axis.

In the first and second embodiments the surfaces, or faces, 38 of the generally elongate parts 18 that face each other are substantially flat, or planar. The outwardly facing surfaces, or faces, of the generally elongate parts 18 are also substantially planar. Flowever, this need not be the case. The surfaces 38 may be convex to reduce frictional engagement of the faces 38 with the wall forming member 11, or may be concave without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the current embodiments the support members 12 include, or are formed from, aluminium. However, the support members 12 could be formed from another metal, such as steel, or could be formed from plastic. The support members 12 may also be injection moulded, or die cast.

The wall forming member 11 may be formed from a railway sleeper. Alternatively, the wall forming member 11 may be formed from pre-treated timber. This may be advantageous. Railway sleepers and pre-treated timber are readily available and may be easy to obtain. Both railway sleepers and pre-treated timber come in standard sizes which may help aid construction of the wall to a desired size. Railway sleepers are also relatively cheap, thus possibly making it relatively cheap to construct the wall.

Whilst it should be appreciated that the wall of the current invention could be used for many purposes, it has been found to be particularly suited for use as a retaining wall and/or as an edging wall (commonly referred to as edging).

In use as a retaining wall, earth may be positioned adjacent to one side of the wall 10 in order to “backfill” the space on one side of the wall 10. This results in the ground being at different levels either side of the wall 10, with the wall 10 “retaining” the earth on the one side.

In use as an edging wall, or edging, the wall 10 may be used for a similar purpose as it is when used as a retaining wall and/or for aesthetic purposes. For instance, the wall 10 may be used as edging around a feature in a garden, for instance a lawn or a flower bed, to “elevate” it above the surrounding ground. This is achieved by the wall 10 retaining the feature on one side of the wall 10. This results in the ground being at different levels either side of the wall 10. The wall may form a perimeter around the feature to enclose it. This may be advantageous in allowing the feature to receive more sunlight. Having the ground at different levels either side of the wall 10 may also be advantageous in making the feature more prominent within the garden. The wall 10 may also reduce certain garden pests (such as slugs) ability to reach the feature and thus may provide protection from the pests. The edging may also provide a distinct line up to which a gardener may work, for instance when cutting grass at the edge of the lawn. This can help to provide a sharp clean finish and clearly separate the different areas of the garden. This can assist in the prevention of the merging together or blurring of features of the garden.

The wall 10 may be provided as a kit for making a wall 10 including at least two support members 12 and at least one wall forming member 11. The kit may also include instructions for making a wall 10. The kit need not necessarily include the at least one wall forming member. In other words, a kit making a wall including at least two support members 12 and instructions for making a wall could be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention. A method of making a wall as described above has also been considered. The method includes the steps of: driving the ground engaging portion of each support member into a surface in which the wall is to be positioned; and positioning the at least one wall forming member to extend through each portion of each support member.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A wall including: at least one wall forming member; and at least two support members for supporting the wall forming member, wherein each support member includes: a ground engaging portion; and a receiving portion formed from two generally elongate parts which form a generally upward facing slot having an open top, which receives a part of the wall forming member.

2. A wall according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wall forming member has a first end and a second end generally opposite the first end, and the receiving portion is positioned entirely inwardly of both ends.

3. A wall according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two elongate parts of each receiving portion are connected only by a base of the support member.

4. A wall according to claim 3, wherein a surface of the at least one wall forming member abuts a surface of the base.

5. A wall according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one wall forming member is a single wall forming member and the height of the receiving portion of the support member for receiving the single wall forming member is less than the height of the single wall forming member.

6. A wall according to any preceding claim, wherein a total height of the wall is at least: - 230mm; or 330mm; and/or a total height of the wall is at most: -630mm; or 530mm.

7. A wall according to any preceding claim, wherein a total height of at least one of the at least two support members is at least: - 150mm; or 250mm; and/or a total height of at least one of the at least two support members is at most: - 550mm; or 450mm.

8. A wall according to any preceding claim, wherein a total height of the receiving portion is at least: - 75mm; or 125mm; and/or a total height of the receiving portion is at most: -250mm; or 225mm.

9. A wall according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second wall forming members abut each other so one rests on top of the other.

10. A wall according to any of claims 1 to 4 or claim 9, wherein the at least one wall forming member includes a first wall forming member and a second wall forming member, and the height of the receiving portion of the support member is less than a combined height of the first and second wall forming members.

11. A wall according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein a total height of the wall is at least: - 550mm; or 750mm; and/or a total height of the wall is at most: -1150mm; or 950mm.

12. A wall according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein a total height of at least one the at least two support members is at least: - 470mm; or 670mm; and/or a total height of at least one of the at least two support members is at most: - 1070mm; or 870mm.

13. A wall according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein a total height of the receiving portion is at least: - 220mm; or 320mm; and/or a total height of the receiving portion is at most: -620mm; or 520mm.

14. A wall according to any of claims 3 to 13, wherein a space between the generally elongate parts of each receiving portion is at least: - 2mm; or 5mm wider than the at least one wall forming member; and/or a space between the generally elongate parts of each receiving portion is at most: - lOmm; or δίτΐίτι wider than the at least one wall forming member.

15. A wall according to any of claims 3 to 14, wherein a space between the generally elongate parts of each receiving portion is at least: - 50mm; 75mm; or 100mm; and/or a space between the generally elongate parts of each receiving portion is at most: - 200mm; 175mm; or 150mm.

16. A wall according to any preceding claim, wherein the total length of the wall is at least: - 1.8m; 2.0m; or 2.2m; and/or the total length of the wall is at most: -2.6m; 2.8m; or 3.0m.

17. A wall according to any preceding claim, wherein surfaces of the at least two support members that face each other are at least: - 1.3m; 1.4m; or 1.5m apart; and/or surfaces of the at least two support members that face each other are at most: - 1.9m; 2.0m; or 2.1m apart.

18. A wall according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall is a retaining wall.

19. A wall according to any preceding claim, wherein the wall is an edging wall.

20. A support member for use in a wall according to any preceding claim, including: a ground engaging portion; and a receiving portion for receiving a part of a wall forming member, the receiving portion formed from two generally elongate parts which form a generally upward facing slot having an open top, wherein a total height of the receiving portion is at least 125mm.

21. A support member according to claim 20, wherein a total height of the receiving portion is at most: - 250mm; or 225mm.

22. A support member according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein a total height of the receiving portion is at least: - 220mm; or 320mm; and/or a total height of the receiving portion is at most: -620mm; or 520mm.

23. A support member according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein a total height of the support member is at least: - 150mm; or 250mm; and/or a total height of the support member is at most: -550mm; or 450mm.

24. A support member according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein a total height of the support member is at least: - 470mm; or 670mm; and/or a total height of the support member is at most: -1070mm; or 870mm.

25. A support member according to any of claims 20 to 24, wherein the two generally elongate parts of the receiving portion are connected only by a base of the support member.

26. A support member according to claim 25, wherein a space between the generally elongate parts of the receiving portion is at least: - 50mm; 75mm; or 100mm; and/or a space between the generally elongate parts of the receiving portion is at most: - 200mm; 175mm; or 150mm.

27. A kit for making a wall according to any of claims 1 to 19, including: - at least two support members; and at least one wall forming member.

28. A kit for making a wall according to claim 27, including instructions for making a wall according to any of claims 1 to 19.

29. A kit for making a wall according to any of claims 1 to 19, including: - at least two support members; and instructions for making a wall according to any of claims 1 to 19.

30. A method of making a wall according to any of claims 1 to 19, including the steps of: driving the ground engaging portion of each support member into a surface in which the wall is to be positioned; and positioning the at least one wall forming member to extend through each portion of each support member.

31. A wall substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

32. A support member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

33. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.