GB2515140A

GB2515140A - Apparatus for use in ground works

Info

Publication number: GB2515140A
Application number: GB1403730.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy James Dyer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-01
Filing date: 2014-03-03
Publication date: 2014-12-17
Also published as: GB201303736D0; GB201403730D0; WO2014132088A1

Abstract

A method for creating a paved area comprises a plurality of trays, each tray defining a compartment 18. A paving element such as a slab is layed in each tray and projects above the surface of the tray. Fill material may be used to screed the resulting voids and the trays may be rigid and contain drainage holes. The trays may be received on a frame 12. Also disclosed are a kit of parts in which the frame elements of a grid structure for supporting trays can be movable or extendable, in order to define voids of different sizes. The trays may be seated on an upper surface of the frame, or as disclosed in a separate claim for an apparatus, may be suspended on hangers. The top of the suspended tray can be arranged below the top of the frame.

Description

Apparatus for use in ground works This disclosure relates to apparatus for use in ground works, for example apparatus for providing a substantially even surface on uneven ground.

Various systems have been proposed for providing a level surface in ground works.

An examp'e is known from GB2416788, in which a plurality of plastics trays are designed for interconnection, in order to form a composite foundation, The composite foundation is then seated on legs driven into the ground, in order to set a desired level or angle of inclination for an upper surface of the composite foundation.

The system shown in GB2416788 has been found to have a number of limitations, for example in terms of its ability to accommodate different sizes or shapes of paving or the like, and in its range of possible application in ground works.

According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided apparatus or a kit of parts for use in ground works, the apparatus or a kit of parts comprising: a frame for use in supporting a tray; a tray for use with the frame; and a plurality of hangers for suspending said tray from said frame, wherein the apparatus/kit is configured so that the top of the suspended tray can be arranged below the top of the frame, The invention provides a convenient system for producing a sunken area in a patio construction or the like, for example. The suspended tray can be used to retain soil or a water feature, for example.

In exemplary embodiments, the frame is supported at an elevated position by a plurality of legs. The legs can be driven into the ground, in order to support the frame at a height above ground level. Additional material may need to be removed from the ground in the area where said tray is to be suspended.

The height of the egs may be adjustable, e.g. using telescopic egs, or by using legs constructed from a plurality of interconnectable elements designed to stack one on top of another. Other height adjusting arrangements may be provided.

The legs may be positioned at any point on the frame, e.g. at the corners of the frame, if the frame is of rectangular configuration (with or without one or more legs at intermediate positions along a periphery or grid layout of the frame).

In exemplary embodiments, each hanger defines a ledge or flange onto which the underside of the tray can be seated.

In exemplary embodiments, the hangers are separate items intended to be mounted on the frame at a desired location.

In exemplary embodiments, the hangers have an upper end configured for engagement with the frame (e.g. by a clip or snap-fit action).

In exemplary embodiments, the frame comprises a plurality of elongate matrix elements which form a grid structure, In exemplary embodiments, the grid structure defines a plurality of voids, e.g. wherein a separate tray can be supported in association with each void.

In exemplary embodiments, the grid structure may be of uniform or non-uniform configuration.

In exemplary embodiments, the grid structure is produced as a single piece unit or may be constructed from a plurality of interconnected matrix elements. For embodiments in which the grid structure comprises interconnected matrix elements, the configuration of the frame is adjustable, e.g. wherein one or more of the matrix elements is movable in order to vary the configuration of said grid structure (e.g. to vary the shape of one or more of the voids). Hence, the frame may be adjustable, so that the size of one or more of the voids can be varied as desired, rather than provided in a fixed or predefined array. For example, one or more of the matrix elements of the grid stmcture may be slidable relative to one or more adjacent matrix elements. As such, the frame can be readily configured to accommodate different sizes of tray, e.g. suitable for receiving different sizes or shapes of paving or the like. One or more of the matrix elements may be extendable/retractable, e.g. of telescopic configuration.

In exemplary embodiments, the matrix elements define an annular rebate in association with each void (e.g. in the upper surface of the frame). The rebate allows for simple location of a cover elements on the frame in order to span the void. The cover element may comprise one of said trays or a paving element, for example.

In exemplary embodiments, the matrix elements include one or more recesses configured for receiving the upper end of one of said hangers.

In exemplary embodiments, the matrix elements have an upper surface and the upper end of the hanger sits flush with or below said upper surface when received on the matrix element.

In exemplary embodiments, the tray is slidably received on the hangers, e.g. from below an upper surface of the frame.

In exemplary embodiments, the tray is configured to be lowered into place on the frame through a void defined by the frame, e.g. a rectangular void.

In exemplary embodiments, the tray defines an open compartment In exemplary embodiments, the tray comprises a base wall and one or more side or perimeter walls upstanding from the base wall.

In exemplary embodiments, the tray is of substantially rigid construction.

In exemplary embodiments, the tray is of plastics constmction.

In exemplary embodiments, said tray includes one or more drainage apertures, e.g. in the base wall and/or in one or more of the perimeter walls.

In exemplary embodiments, said tray includes one or more apertures suitable for receiving services, such as cables (e.g. for power or data transmission) and pipework (e.g. water pipes, underfioor heating pipes). Typically, said apertures will be provided in alignment in opposing perimeter walls, to allow easy installation directly through the tray (and into one or more adjacent trays of the same kind and configuration).

tO The tray may be of any shape, for example a square or rectangular shape in plan view.

The tray may be configured to correspond generally with the shape of void into which it is to be lowered (i.e. as defined by the frame).

In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus/kit includes a plurality of trays which can be supported above or below the frame, In such embodiments, the base wall of each tray has an area greater than the area defined by a respective void of the frame (with which the tray is to be associated). More particularly, one or more of the trays may have a configuration which enables it to be supported on the upper surface of the frame in association with a respective void, with the base wall lowermost or uppermost (e.g. on an annular rebate associated with each void), in order to span the void. The trays may be of different sizes for association with different void sizes (e.g. if the grid structure is non-uniform).

In exemplary embodiments, one or more paving elements (e.g. such as a paving slab, block or brick) may be laid in the tray supported on the frame, The paving elements may be glued, grouted or cemented into place in the tray, so as to be immovable fixed in place. Sand or other suitable fill material may be used for any spacing between adjacent paving elements, One or more of said trays intended to seat on the upper side of the frame may form part of a composite flooring unit, in which the tray defines a base element of the composite flooring unit. The composite flooring unit further comprises an insert element configured to be seated inside the open compartment of the base element.

The base element has a base wall and a perimeter wall upstanding from the base wall by a first height h, whereas the insert element has an upper surface and a height H greater than the first height h of the base element, such that the upper surface of the insert element is presented above the perimeter wall of the base element when the insert element is seated inside the open compartment of the base element.

The insert element may be of similar configuration to the tray or base element, whilst having a greater height El and being configured to be received within the open compartment of the base element. Accordingly, it may define an open compartment, so as to define a chamber within the unit, once fitted into the base element.

The insert element may be configured for an interference or clip/snap-fit engagement with the base element. In exemplary embodiments, complimentary male and female connectors are provided on the base and insert elements, to provide a positive engagement therebetween, e.g. a male projection on the inside of the perimeter wall of the base element for engagement in a female recess on an outer periphery of the insert element (or vice versa).

In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of said composite floor units can be set out in a tessellated array. In exemplary embodiments, the base elements may be configured to interconnect (in any suitable manner) with one another, in order to define a composite flooring structure, The array of units (whether unconnected or united as a composite structure) can then be grouted, e.g. with sand or other suitable material, in order to fill the void between adjacent insert elements. The effect is to present a block paving type aesthetic when viewed in plan view. The upper surface of the insert elements may correspond to any desired appearance.

In other embodiments, the insert takes the form of a paving element (e.g. such as a paving slab, block or brick). The paving elements may be of any size (eg. with one or more intended to be located in the tray. The paving units may be glued, grouted or cemented into place in the tray, so as to be immovable fixed in place (i.e. composite with the base element). Sand or other suitable fill material may be used for any spacing between adjacent paving elements, The composite units can be mounted on the frame or be mounted directly on to a floor or ground surface, e.g. onto soil, turf or hardcore.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a flooring unit for use in ground works, the flooring unit comprising: a base element in the form of a tray having a base wall and a perimeter wall upstanding from the base wall by a first height, such that the tray defines an open compartment; to and an insert element configured to be seated inside the open compartment of the base element, wherein the insert element has an upper surface and has a height greater than the first height of the perimeter wall of the base element, so that the upper surface of the insert element is presented above the perimeter wall of the base element when seated inside the open compartment of the base element. Hence, the insert tS element will have side walls with a height greater than the height of the perimeter wall of the base element.

This aspect of the disclosure provides a composite flooring unit that can be used in conjunction with a frame (e.g. of the kind set forth herein, so as to be mounted on or suspended from the frame) or mounted directly onto a ground surface, such as onto hardcore, soil or turf The base elements can be laid generally side-by-side and any spacing between adjacent base elements and inserts can be screeded with fill material, e.g. sand, cement or grout.

In exemplary embodiments, the tray is of substantially rigid construction.

In exemplary embodiments, the tray is of plastics constmction.

In exemplary embodiments, said tray includes one or more apertures suitable for receiving services, such as cables (e.g. for power or data transmission) and pipework (e.g. water pipes, underfloor heating pipes). Typically, said apertures will be provided in alignment through opposing perimeter walls, to allow easy installation directly through the tray (and into one or more adj acent trays of the same kind and configuration), The tray may be of any shape, for example a square or rectangular shape in plan view.

The insert element may be of similar configuration to the base element, whilst having a greater height H and being configured to be received within the open compartment to of the base element, Accordingly, it may define an open compartment, so as to define a chamber within the unit, once fifed into the base element.

The insert element may be configured for an interference or clip/snap-fit engagement with the base element, In exemplary embodiments, complimentary male and female connectors are provided on the base and insert elements, to provide a positive engagement therebetween, e,g, a male projection on the inside of the perimeter wall of the base element for engagement in a female recess on an outer periphery of the insert element (or vice versa).

In other embodiments, the insert takes the form of a paving element (e.g. such as a paving slab, block or brick). The paving elements may be of any suitable size and dimension (e.g. with one or more intended to be located in the tray, The paving elements may be glued, grouted or cemented into place in the tray, so as to be immovably fixed in place. Sand or other fill material may be used for any spacing between adjacent paving units, The composite units are ideally suited for the construction of paved areas (e.g. akin to block paving) for use in driveways, patios and pedestrian areas in urban environments, According to another aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an apparatus or kit of parts for use in ground works, the apparatus or kit of parts comprising: a plurality of trays; and a frame for use in supporting one or more of said trays; wherein the frame defines a grid structure comprising a plurality of interconnected matrix elements, the grid structure having a perimeter and defining a plurality of voids inboard of the perimeter, wherein the frame is configured to allow one or more of the interconnected matrix elements to be movable in order to vary the configuration of said grid structure.

Advantageously, the apparatus or kit of parts can be readily utilised with trays of different shapes and configurations (e.g. corresponding generally to the shape of the voids of the grid structure).

The apparatus or kit of parts is ideally suited for the construction of paved areas (e.g. akin to block paving) for use in driveways, patios and pedestrian areas in urban environments.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the trays seat directly onto a surface of the grid structure, e.g. so as to stand on an upper surface or rebate on the matrix elements.

One or more of said trays may correspond to a tray as set forth in any of the above aspects of the invention (i.e. having one or more features of the trays set forth above).

In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the trays comprises a base element of the flooring unit set forth above, i.e. configured for receiving an insert element of the lund set forth above.

In exemplary embodiments, the insert element may be of similar configuration to the base element (e.g. of plastic construction and defining an open topped compartment).

The insert element may be configured for an interference or clip/snap-fit engagement with the tray. In exemplary embodiments, complimentary male and female connectors are provided on the tray and insert elements, to provide a positive engagement therebetween, e.g. a male projection on the inside of the perimeter wall of the tray for engagement in a female recess on an outer periphery of the insert (or vice versa). The upper surface of the insert elements may correspond to any desired appearance.

In exemplary embodiments, the or each paving element has a height H which is greater than the height of the compartment on the respective tray, so as to project above the height of the compartment when received in the tray. This enables the tray system to provide an aesthetic in plan view which is similar to conventional slab or block paving, for example.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more paving elements (e.g. such as a paving slab, block or brick) may be laid in one or more of the trays. The paving elements may be glued, grouted or cemented into place in the tray, so as to be immovably fixed in place. Sand or other suitable fill material may be used for any spacing between adjacent paving elements.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the trays are supported on hangers provided on the grid structure, e.g. so as to be suspended from the grid structure.

In exemplary embodiments, the trays are of plastics construction, In exemplary embodiments, the trays are of substantially rigid construction, In exemplary embodiments, each tray includes one or more drainage apertures, e.g. in the base wall and/or in one or more of the perimeter walls.

In exemplary embodiments, each tray includes one or more apertures suitable for receiving services, such as cables (e.g. for power or data transmission) and pipework (e.g. water pipes, underfloor heating pipes), Typically, said apertures will be provided in alignment in opposing perimeter walls, to allow easy installation directly through the tray (and into one or more adjacent trays of the same kind and configuration).

In exemplary embodiments, said trays are set out in a tessellated array.

In exemplary embodiments, the base elements may be configured to interconnect (in any suitable manner) with one another, in order to define a composite flooring stmcture According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating a paved area, the method comprising the step of laying a plurality of plastics trays side by side, each tray defining an open compartment, and with the base of each tray laid lowermost, the method further comprising the steps of laying one or more paving elements in each tray, and preferably using fill material to screed over the paving elements and cover exposed tray material.

In exemplary embodiments, each paving element comprises one of either a paving slab, block or brick. The paving elements may be glued, grouted or cemented into place in the tray, so as to be immovably fixed in place. Sand or other suitable fill material may be used for any spacing between adjacent paving elements.

The trays may be of any shape suitable for tessellation in a side-by-side array, for example a square, rectangular or other regular polygon shape in plan view.

In exemplary embodiments, the trays are of substantially rigid construction, In exemplary embodiments, said trays include one or more drainage apertures, e.g. in the base wall and/or in one or more of the perimeter walls of the compartment.

In exemplary embodiments, the trays are configured to interconnect (in any suitable manner) with one another, in order to define a composite flooring structure, In exemplary embodiments, the or each paving element takes the form of an insert of similar configuration to the trays (e.g. of plastics construction and defining an open topped compartment). The insert may be configured for an interference or clip/snap-fit engagement with the tray. In exemplary embodiments, complimentary male and female connectors are provided on the tray and insert elements, to provide a positive engagement therebetween, e.g. a male projection on the inside of the perimeter wall of 1] the tray for engagement in a female recess on an outer periphery of the insert (or vice versa). The upper surface of the insert elements may correspond to any desired appearalKe.

In exemplary embodiments, the trays are received on a frame set on a ground surface, e.g. a frame as set forth in any of the above aspects of the invention, For example, the frame may define a grid structure comprising a plurality of voids, wherein each of said trays is arranged in association with a respective void (e.g. received on the upper surface or a rebate of matrix elements that make up the grid structure).

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. Ia is a schematic plan view of a frame for use in ground works, defining a uniform grid layout; Fig. lb is a side view of the frame, supported on legs above a ground surface; Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of another frame for use in ground works, defining a non-uniform grid layout, Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a tray for use in ground works; Fig. 4 is a schematic dose up showing the tray of Fig. 3 supported on a frame using hangers; Fig. 5 is a close up schematic cross-sectional view towing an exemplary engagement between a the frame and hanger of Fig. 4; and Fig.6 is a schematic cross-section through a composite flooring unit.

Referring generally to Figures 1 to 5, an apparatus 10 for use in ground works has the following components: a frame 12, one or more trays 14, and a plurality of hangers 16 for use in suspending one or more of said frays 14 from the frame 12. The apparatus may be supplied as a kit of parts.

The frame 12 may be configured as a grid structure defining a plurality of voids 18.

The grid structure may be of uniform or non-uniform configuration (see Figures 1 and 2 respectively), and may be produced as a single piece unit or may be constructed from a plurality of interconnected matrix elements.

The frame 12 can be supported on legs 46, in order to support the frame 12 at a height above ground level (e.g. as shown in Figure lb). The height of the legs 46 may be adjustable, e.g. using telescopic legs, or by using legs constructed from a plurality of interconnectable elements designed to stack one on top of another. Other height adjusting arrangements may be provided. The legs 46 may be arranged relative to any point on the frame, e.g. under the corners of the frame and or at any intermediate position along the periphery or internal layout of the grid structure.

An example tray 14 is shown in Figure 3. In exemplary embodiments, the tray 16 is of the kind having a base wall 36 and one or more side or perimeter walls 38 upstanding from the base wall 36, so as to define an open compartment 40.

As will be described below, one or more trays 14 may be suspended in association with one or more of the voids 18 defined by the frame 12. Additional material may need to be removed from the ground in the area where one of said trays 14 is to be suspended.

Referring to Figure 4, each hanger 16 defines a ledge or flange 20 onto which the underside 22 of a tray 14 can be seated, in order to suspend the tray 14 from the frame 12. In exemplary embodiments, the hangers 16 are separate items intended to be mounted on the frame 12 at a desired location. However, the hangers 16 may be provided as integral parts of the frame 12 in other embodiments.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the hanger 16 has a substantially L-shaped construction, with a central web 24 and the lower flange 20 which extends orthogonal to the central web 24. The upper end of the hanger 16 is configured for engagement with the frame 12. In this embodiment, the upper end of the hanger 16 defines an inverted U section 26 which is intended to seat over the frame 12 (e.g. by a clip or snap-fit action). The central web 24 is an extension of one limb of the V section 26.

As can be seen in Figure 5, an upper surface 30 of the matrix elements 28 which make up the grid structure of the frame 12 may be provided with one or more recesses 32 configured for receiving the upper end of one of said hangers 16, such that an upper surface 34 of the hanger 16 sits flush with or below the upper surface 30 of the respective matrix element 28.

Referring back to Figure 4, exemplary embodiments of the apparatus 10 are configured so that the suspended tray 14 is arranged below the frame 12.

Accordingly, the apparatus 10 provides a convenient system for producing sunken areas in a garden or patio construction or the like, wherein the suspended tray 14 can be used to retain soil or a water feature, for example, below the upper level of the frame.

The base wall 36 may include one or more apertures 42 suitable for drainage. The side walls 38 may also include one or more such apertures 44, The apertures 44 are preferably suitable for receiving services, such as cables (e.g. for power or data transmission) and pipework (e.g. water pipes, underfloor heating pipes). Typically, said apertures will be provided in alignment through opposing perimeter walls of the tray, to allow easy installation directly through the tray (and into one or more adjacent trays of the same kind and configuration).

In exemplary embodiments, the tray 14 is of substantially rigid construction.

In exemplary embodiments, the tray 14 is of plastics construction.

The tray 14 may be of any suitable shape, for example of square or rectangular shape in plan view.

The tray may be configured to interconnect with other trays of the same kind and configuration in any suitable manner, e.g. via a snap fitting connections or male/female connectors (not shown) formed at complimentary positions on the perimeter of the tray.

In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 10 includes a plurality of trays 14 which can be supported above or below the frame 12. In such embodiments, the base wall 36 of each tray will have an area greater than the area defined by a respective void 18 of the frame t2 (with which the tray is to be associated). More particularly, each tray 14 may have a configuration which enables it to be supported on the upper surface of the frame, i.e. in association with a respective void 18, with the base wall 36 lowermost or uppermost. If such an oversize' tray is to be suspended on the hangers 16, the tray 14 will need to be slid into place on the hangers 16 (since it will be too big to pass down through the void t8). In other embodiments, the trays 14 may be suitably configured to be lowered into place on the hangers 16 through a void 18 defined by the frame 12.

In exemplary embodiments, one or more trays 14 are suspended below the frame 12 on the hangers 16, and one or more trays 14 are supported on the upper side of the frame 12, wherein each of said trays 14 is arranged in association with a respective void 18 (above or below the frame 12).

Where a tray 14 is supported on the frame with the base wall lowermost, one or more paving elements (e.g. such as a conventional paving slab, block or brick) may be laid in the open compartment defined by the tray. The paving elements may be glued, grouted or cemented into place in the tray, so as to be immovably fixed in place. Sand or other fill material may be used for any spacing between adjacent paving units.

In exemplary embodiments, an upper layer may be provided to overlay the frame 12, particularly where a tray 14 is not already laid in association with a void 18 of the frame 12. The upper layer may consist of an array of trays, paving, tiling, decking or earthwork, for example. These may be laid directly onto the frame 12, e.g. onto an upper surface of the frame elements, or onto a rebate provided in the upper surface of the frame elements, for example. to

Figure 6 shows a composite flooring unit 50 which can be used in conjunction with the apparatus 10. The flooring unit 50 consists of a base element 52 which defines an open compartment, and an insert element 54 configured to be seated inside the open compartment of the base element 52. tS

The base element 52 has a base wall 56 and a perimeter wall 58 upstanding from the base wall by a first height h. The base element 52 may take the form of or correspond in general configuration to one of the trays 14 referred to above.

The insert element 54 has an upper surface 60 and has a height El greater than the first height h of the base element 52, such that the upper surface 60 of the insert element 52 is presented above the perimeter wall 58 of the base element 52 when seated inside the open compartment of the base element 52. The insert element 54 may be of similar configuration to the tray 14 or base element 52, whilst having a greater height H and being configured to be received within the open compartment of the base element 52.

Accordingly, it may define an open compartment, so as to define a chamber 62 within the unit 50 once fitted into the base element 52.

The insert element 54 may be configured for an interference or clip/snap-fit engagement with the base element 52. In exemplary embodiments, complimentary male and female connectors are provided on the base and insert elements, to provide a positive engagement therebetween, e.g. a male projection 64 on the inside of the perimeter wall 58 of the base element 52 for engagement in a female recess 66 on an outer periphery of the insert element (or vice versa).

The upper surface of such insert elements may correspond to any desired appearance, e.g. to give the appearance of block paving or to display an image when arranged in conjunction with trays/inserts.

In other embodiments, the insert takes the form of a paving element (e.g. such as a conventional paving slab, block or brick). The paving elements be of any size (e.g. tO with one or more intended to be located in the tray. The paving elements may be glued, grouted or cemented into place in the tray, so as to be immovably fixed in place. Sand or other fill material may be used for any spacing between adjacent paving units. In such embodiments, it will be typical for the or each paving element to extend above the height of the perimeter wall of the tray. tS

A plurality of said units 50 can be set out in a tessellated array. In exemplary embodiments, the base elements may be configured to interconnect (in any suitable manner) with one another, in order to define a composite flooring structure, e.g. via a snap fitting connections or male/female connectors (not shown) at complimentary locations on the perimeter of the base element.

The array of units (whether unconnected or united as a composite structure) can then be grouted, e.g. with a sand or material, in order to fill the void between adjacent insert elements. The effect is to present a block paving type aesthetic when viewed in plan view, albeit based on trays laid on a ground surface (e.g. onto hardcore, soil or turf), The units can be mounted on a frame 12, e.g. of the kind shown in Figures t and 2 or be mounted directly on to a floor or ground surface.

The frame of Figure may be provided as an adjustable system, so that the grid pattern (i.e. the size of the voids 18) can be varied as desired, rather than provided as a fixed or predefined array. For example, the position or length of one or more of the matrix elements of the grid structure may be adjustable (e.g. by using slidable or telescopic matrix elements). This makes the apparatus more adaptable for use with trays of different sizes and/or with other forms of flooring element intended to provide a cover for the upper layer of the frame U, Hence, the apparatus may include plurality of trays of different sizes, e.g. for use with a non-uniform grid layout (as shown in Figure 2). This may be particularly advantageous and expedient, where it is desired to lay paving elements of different sizes in order to create a desired pattern, wherein the different paving elements are supported in respective trays.

In each of the embodiments described above, the matrix elements which define the voids 18 of the grid structure may define an annular rebate into which the edges of the trays may be readily located for association with a respective void 18 (as a cover element for the associated void 18). Similarly, suitably sized block paving elements or the like can be readily seated in the upper surface of the frame, eg. by locating them in the annular rebate. Any gaps between the adjacent cover elements can be grouted or otherwise filled with a suitable fill material, such as a sand, pea gravel (e.g, by screeding).

The hangers 16 described herein can be used to support other elements on the frame 12, such as joists for supporting a decking or like surface on the frame 12, In such embodiments, the apparatus will be typically configured so that the upper surface of the joists are flush with the top of the frame, One or more of said trays described herein may be used to retain fill material if laid with their base lowermost, One or more paving elements (e.g. conventional paving slabs, blocks or bricks) may be laid in one or more of said trays. Typically, the trays will be laid on a frame, as described above. However, in other embodiments, one or more of said trays described herein may be laid directly onto a ground surface, such as onto hardcore, soil or turf' e,g. in the construction of a paved area (such as for a pavement, patio or driveway, or for a pedestrian zone in an urban development).

Typically, the plastics trays will be laid side by side, with the base of each tray laid lowermost. Then the paving elements will be laid in the trays. Instead of conventional paving elements, rigid plastics insert elements of the kind described herein may be used. In each case, the height of the paving or insert elements will be such that the paving or insert elements project above the height tray. As mentioned above, the paving or insert elements may be fixed in place using cement, glue or grout or the like. Once laid, before till material (e.g. sand, pea gravel etc) is screeded into the voids between the adjacent trays and between the paving elements, in particular to hide exposed tray material and give the visual effect of conventional paving. The trays used in this manner provide a convenient method of paving, particularly (but not exclusively) when joined interconnected together as a composite unit, and/or when incorporating drainage holes to allow water to drain through the base of the trays. I0

Claims

Claims 1. A method of creating a paved area, the method comprising the step of laying a S plurality of plastics trays side by side, each tray defining an open compartment, and with the base of each tray laid lowermost, the method further comprising the steps of laying one or more paving elements in each tray, wherein the upper surface of each paving element projects from the tray.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein fill material is used to screed voids between the paving elements and cover exposed tray material.
3. A method according to claim I or daim 2 wherein the trays are configured to be interconnected with one another, and are laid in interconnected manner in order to define a composite flooring structure for receiving the paving elements.
4. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the trays are of substantially rigid construction.
5. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the trays indude one or more drainage apertures in a base wall thereof
6. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the paving elements are glued, grouted, cemented or otherwise immovably fixed into place in the tray.
7. A method according to any preceding claim wherein each paving element comprises one of either a paving slab, block or brick.
8. A method according to any of claims I to 7 wherein the paving elements takes the form of an insert of plastics construction.
9. A method according to claim 8 wherein each insert is configured for interference or clip/snap-fit engagement with a respective tray.
10. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the trays are received on a supporting frame set on a ground surface.
11. A kit of parts for use in ground works, the kit of parts comprising: a plurality of plastics trays, each defining an open compartment; and a frame for use in supporting one or more of said trays; wherein the frame defines a grid structure comprising a plurality of interconnected matrix elements, the grid structure having a perimeter and defining a plurality of voids inboard of the perimeter, further wherein the frame is configured to allow one or more (e.g. a plurality) of the interconnected matrix elements to be movable in order to vary the configuration of the grid structure.
12. A kit according to claim 11 wherein the position or length of one or more of the matrix elements is adjustable in order to change the pattern of the voids within the grid structure.
13. A kit according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein one or more of the trays is configured to seat directly onto an upper surface of the matrix elements.
14. A kit according to claim 13 wherein an upper surface of the matrix elements defines a rebate annular to a respective void of the grid structure, for seating one of said trays.
15. A kit according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising fill material to be received in one or more of the trays, when placed on the frame with the base of the tray lowermost.
16. A kit according to any of claims 13 to 15, further comprising one or more paving elements configured to be received in one or more of the trays when the base of said trays are laid lowermost. 2]17. A kit according to any of claims 11 to 13 wherein one or more of the trays is suspended on hangers provided on the grid structure in association with a respective void.18. A kit according to any of claims 11 to 17 wherein one or more of the trays comprises a base element of a composite flooring unit, wherein the composite flooring unit further includes an insert element configured for seating in the base element.19. A kit according to claim 18 wherein each of the base element and insert element has a base wall and a perimeter wall extending from the base wall so as to define an open compartment, and wherein the insert element is configured to extend above the perimeter wall of the base element when seated in the open compartment of the base element.20. A kit according to claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the insert element is configured for inter-engagement with the base element when seating therein.21. Apparatus for use in ground works, the apparatus comprising: a frame for use in supporting a tray; a tray for use with the frame; and a plurality of hangers for suspending said tray from said frame, wherein the apparatus is configured so that the top of the suspended tray can be arranged below the top of the frame, 22. Apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a plurality of legs for supporting the frame.23. Apparatus according to claim 2i or claim 22 wherein each hanger defines a ledge or flange onto which the tray can be seated.24. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein each hanger has an upper end configured for engagement with the frame.25. Apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 24 wherein the frame comprises a plurality of elongate matrix elements further wherein the elongate matrix elements form a grid structure defining a plurality of voids.26. Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the frame is configured so that the void pattern of the grid structure is variable.27. Apparatus according to claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the position or length of one or more of the matrix elements is adjustable. I028. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 27 wherein the matrix elements define a rebate in association with each void for seating a cover element.29. Apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 28 wherein the tray is slidably receivable on the hangers.30. Apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 29 wherein the tray is of plastics construction and defines an open compartment.