FOR USE IN SUCH

VEHICLE REFUGE AND METHODS OF FORMING A VEHICLE REFUGE FOR A MOTOR

CARRIAGEWAY

5

The present invention relates to a vehicle refuge for a motor vehicle carriageway and is concerned more particularly, although not exclusively, with an emergency refuge for use 10 with a managed, or so-called "smart" motorway.

Many motor carriageways, and almost all motorways, have a lane provided for emergency stopping, so that vehicles that need to pull over may do so safely away from the main 15 carriageway. In recent times managed motorway schemes have been introduced in which the emergency stopping lane (hard shoulder) is used as an extra lane of the carriageway, with cameras and electronic displays located at intervals to warn motorists that a vehicle has stopped, or to warn of other 20 obstructions, and that the extra lane is no longer available.

However, there are concerns that even with high levels of monitoring and reliable, fast communication signals, some further level of safety is needed for users of these managed 25 motorways. The concerns have been addressed by introducing emergency refuge areas at spaced intervals alongside the carriageway. These consist of an area that is created at the side of the existing hard shoulder by excavating an existing embankment and marked clearly as a safe space for vehicles 30 to stop.

Such refuge areas are usually formed by similar processes to those used in the forming of the main carriageway, with excavation and then the laying of a foundation layer with 35 several asphalt layers on top. The previously used method has weather susceptible elements that can prolong the duration of install.

Regulations require that the refuge area be highly visible to road users. With a conventional asphalt surface this is currently addressed by applying a surface dressing. The surface dressing degrades under ultraviolet light and is weather susceptible and so typically requires regular maintenance to maintain its integrity and therefore adds additional disruption to the work.

A modular approach, using concrete blocks for the refuge surface, has been developed, but the weight of the blocks requires heavy lifting equipment on the carriageway during installation, causing delay and disruption as well as health and safety risks. Furthermore, the weather susceptible coloured coating on the concrete block would still require replacement periodically.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide an emergency refuge and a method of forming the same, in which the aforementioned problems are addressed.

The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Further, preferred features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto .

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle refuge for a motor carriageway, the refuge comprising a plurality of blocks for arrangement on a ground surface to indicate a safe stopping area, wherein the blocks are of polymeric material and at least some of the blocks are connected together.

The blocks, or at least an upper surface thereof, may be coloured differently to the main carriageway.

The blocks may comprise polygonal shapes in plan to form the overall refuge area and may be arranged in an abutting/adjacent (i.e. side-by-side) arrangement so as to provide a substantially continuous refuge area. A number of alternative polygonal shapes may be suitable for the blocks, and the blocks may be of a combination of different polygonal shapes.

Preferably one or more of the blocks comprises a moulded polymeric material, more preferably a compression moulded material.

One or more of the blocks may comprise a coloured pigment to make it highly visible to a driver of a vehicle. One or more of the blocks may comprise a base portion and an upper surface portion. The upper surface portion may include a coloured pigment. In a preferred arrangement, the base portion and the upper surface portion are of two different materials and are bonded, fused or otherwise joined together. In a preferred arrangement the base portion and the surface portion are joined together with a binder, preferably comprising polyurethane. The coloured surface portion may comprise a granular material made from a vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer or another suitable coloured granular material such as (but not limited to) EPDM, PU, PVC or coated recycled vehicle tyres. The base portion may comprise a granular material and may, for example, be made from recycled vehicle tyres.

Alternatively, or in addition, the coloured surface portion may comprise a pre-cast sheet and/or may be of polyurethane.

Alternatively, or in addition, the coloured pigment may be applied by spraying.

The blocks may comprise projections on an upper surface, more preferably on the upper surface portion. In a preferred arrangement, these projections are substantially uniform in size and/or shape. In a preferred arrangement, the projections are substantially polygonal, more preferably hexagonal in plan shape. In an alternative arrangement, the projections may be substantially frusto-conical in shape.

One or more of the blocks may comprise a fire retardant material .

One or more of the blocks may comprise an embedded aggregate. In a preferred arrangement, the aggregate comprises calcined bauxite .

One or more of the blocks may comprise metal strips, more preferably galvanised metal strips, which may be embedded or impregnated into the block. In a preferred arrangement of the present invention, the coloured surface portion may comprise a polyurea spray coating.

Preferably the blocks are connectable, at least one block to at least one other block. The blocks may be connectable by a connector member arranged to mechanically engage the blocks.

The mechanical engagement is preferably by the connection of one or more posts with one or more sockets. In a preferred arrangement, the, or each, connector member comprises one or more posts and one or more of the blocks comprises one or more sockets for receiving a post.

The connector member is preferably arranged in use to connect engage with two or more adjacent blocks.

Preferably, at least some of the blocks are arranged to connect directly with each other by means of complementary shaped profiles, such as edge profiles. At least some of the blocks may include male and female portions for fitting with other adjacent blocks. At least some of the blocks may include tongue and/or groove portions for fitting another adjacent block.

The blocks may comprise a set of blocks including a plurality of different types of block. In a preferred arrangement, the different types of block include blocks having different combinations of profiles, more preferably blocks having different combinations of edge profiles.

One or more blocks may include a channel portion for forming a drainage channel on an upper surface of the refuge when assembled. One or more of the blocks may include a barrier support socket on an upper surface, for receiving a part of a barrier support of a safety barrier in use.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a vehicle refuge for a motor carriageway, the method comprising preparing a foundation to the side of the carriageway and arranging thereon a plurality of blocks of polymeric material, at least some of which blocks are held together by engagement with connector members .

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a vehicle refuge for a motor carriageway, the method comprising preparing a foundation to the side of the carriageway, arranging thereon a plurality of blocks of polymeric material, and connecting at least some of the blocks together by direct engagement of complementary-shaped features of the blocks.

The upper surfaces of at least some of the blocks preferably contain brightly coloured pigment to indicate a safe stopping area for a vehicle.

Alternatively, the entire block may comprise brightly coloured pigment. The vehicle refuge may be according to any statement herein.

The invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein, except such a combination of features as are mutually exclusive, or mutually inconsistent .

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic aerial view of a refuge area in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic aerial view of a refuge area in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic aerial view of a refuge area in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic aerial view of a refuge area in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic view from above of blocks assembled together to form part of the refuge area of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of the blocks from below; Figure 7 is a schematic of an above perspective view of one of the blocks;

Figure 8 is a schematic of a below perspective view of one of the blocks;

Figure 9 is a schematic of an above perspective view of another embodiment of block comprising a drainage channel;

Figure 10 is a schematic of a below perspective view of the block of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a schematic of an above perspective view of a further embodiment of block comprising a carriageway edge;

Figure 12 is a schematic of a below perspective view of the block of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a schematic view of a connector member from above;

Figure 14 is a schematic view of the connector member of Figure 13 from below;

Figure 15 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of connector member from above;

Figure 16 is a schematic view of a further alternative embodiment of a connector member from above; Figure 17 is a schematic view from below of parts of four blocks held together by a connector member of Figure 13;

Figure 18 is a schematic view from above of projections on the upper surface of the blocks;

Figure 19 is a schematic view from above of alternative projections on the upper surface of the blocks;

Figure 20 is a schematic above perspective view of another embodiment of block;

Figure 21 is a schematic above perspective view of a further embodiment of block;

Figure 22 is a schematic above perspective view of another embodiment of drainage channel block;

Figure 23 is a schematic above perspective view of another embodiment of block;

Figures 24(a) and 24(b) are schematic above perspective views of another embodiment of block;

Figure 25 is a schematic above perspective view of another embodiment of block;

Figures 26 (a) and 26 (b) are schematic above perspective views of another embodiment of block; Figures 27 (a) and 27 (b) are schematic above perspective views of another embodiment of block;

Figures 28 (a) and 28 (b) are schematic above perspective views of another embodiment of the block;

Figures 29 (a) an 29 (b) are schematic above perspective views of a further embodiment of the block; and

Figures 30 (a) and 30 (b) are schematic above perspective views of a further embodiment of the block.

Figure 1 is an overhead schematic view of a carriageway refuge area in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The refuge footprint is shown generally at 100 adjacent a three-lane motor carriageway C and is made up of various types of blocks 110, 120 and 130 of compression moulded, polymeric composite material, as will be discussed below. Block 110 and 130 are used to form a flat area for receiving a vehicle, whereas blocks 120 are used to form a drainage channel at a land-side of the refuge

Blocks 110, 120 and 130 are connected together through male protrusions and female recesses fitting together, as well as through connector members (not shown). Two different types of Block 110 are shown, as block 110a and 110b. Blocks 110a include a brightly pigmented upper portion, whereas blocks 110b are of a plain, black colour. Blocks 120 form a drainage channel. Blocks 130, which border the carriageway C, have been connected to form an edge for the refuge area. Figure 2 is an overhead schematic view of a carriageway refuge area in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The refuge footprint is shown generally at 100 adjacent a three-lane motor carriageway C and is made up of various types of blocks 170, 180 and 190 of compression moulded, polymeric composite material, as will be discussed below.

Blocks 170, 180 and 190 are connected together through tongue projections and groove recesses fitting together. Two different types of Block 170 are shown, as Block 170a and Block 170b. Blocks 170a include a brightly pigmented upper portion, whereas blocks 170b are of a plain, black colour. Blocks 190 form a drainage channel. Blocks 180, which border the carriageway C, have been connected to form an edge for the refuge area.

Figure 3 is an overhead schematic view of a carriageway refuge area in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The refuge footprint is shown generally at 100 adjacent a three-lane carriageway C and is made up of blocks 210 and 220 of compression moulded, polymeric composite material as will be discussed below.

Blocks 210 and 220 connect together through engagement of at least one tongue projection and groove recess fitting together. Blocks 210 have two tongue projections and two groove recesses along the four sides of the blocks. Blocks 220 have one side with neither a tongue projection nor a groove recess and is flat. The flat side of 220 faces towards and abuts the carriageway C.

The blocks may slope towards the carriageway C and abut a slot drain (not shown) in between the refuge area and the carriageway.

Figure 4 is an overhead schematic view of a carriageway refuge area in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. The refuge footprint is shown generally at 100 adjacent a three-lane carriageway C and is made up of various types of blocks 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260,

270 of compression moulded, polymeric composite material, as will be discussed below.

Block types 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 connect together through engagement of at least one tongue projection and groove recess fitting together. Blocks 210 have two tongue projections and two groove recesses along the four sides of the blocks. Blocks 220, 230 have one side that does not have either a tongue projection nor a groove recess and is flat. Blocks 240, 250 have two adjacent sides that do not have a tongue projection nor a groove recess and are flat. Blocks 260, 270 have three sides that do not have tongue projections nor groove recesses and are flat. Blocks 280 have a tongue projection and a groove recess at opposite sides of the block, and two further opposite sides without either a tongue projection or a groove recess. Block types 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 are brightly pigmented. The blocks may slope away from the carriageway C and may be butted towards a combined kerb and drainage portion (not shown).

Blocks may be cut along lines 290a, 290b to create a tapered edge to the refuge area which is butted towards a combined kerb and drainage portion along this tapered edge (not shown).

Figures 5 and 6 show the top and underside, respectively, of a plurality of the blocks 110, 120 and 130. The blocks are joined together by the engagement of complementary male protrusions and female recesses as well as via underlying connector members 140, as will be detailed below.

Figures 7 and 8 show schematically the top and underside views respectively of a block 110. Upper surface 111 comprises a layer of brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer, which is joined, using a polyurethane binder, to a base portion 112, which comprises styrene butadiene rubber, suitably obtained from recycled vehicle tyres. The base portion 112 has male protrusions 113 as well as female recesses 114 so that adjacent blocks fit together, the protrusions 113 of one block being received in the recesses 114 of another. The base portion 112 also includes indentations 115, in which sockets 116 are situated for receiving posts of a connector member.

Figures 9 and 10 show schematically the top and underside respectively of a block 120 for use in forming a drainage channel. An upper surface 121 has opposed inclined planes 121a and 121b which slope downwardly towards one another and meet in the centre of the upper surface 121 at an edge 127. The base portion 122 has male protrusions 123 and female recesses 124 similar to those of blocks 110. The base portion 122 also includes indentations 125, in which sockets 126 are situated for engagement with an underlying connector member.

Figures 11 and 12 show schematically the top and underside view respectively of a block 130. Block 130 has a male protrusion 133 along the length of the block and indentations 135 in which sockets 136 are situated for engagement with a connector member.

Figures 13 and 14 show schematically upper and lower sides respectively of a connector member 140. The connector member comprises a steel plate having a flat base 141 upon which four upwardly extending steel posts 142 are situated. The posts are welded to the base 141 and are of a complementary shape to sockets 116, 126 and 136 of blocks 110, 120 and 130, which in this case are broadly cuboid in shape.

Figure 15 shows a schematic of the top view of an alternative embodiment of connector member 150. The connector member 150 also has a flat base 151 upon which posts 152 are situated. However, the posts 152 are of a different shape to those of the previous embodiment, being generally comprised of a substantially cylindrical stem portion and a substantially spherical head. The sockets with which these posts co-operate are not shown but are of complementary shape. Figure 16 shows a schematic of the top view of a further alternative embodiment of connector member 160. The connector member 160 is generally square in outline and has a flat base 161 upon which eight, elongate upwardly extending steel posts 162 are situated, arranged in pairs at each corner of the square, with the two posts in the pair being oriented at an angle, in this case at 90 degrees, to one another. The posts are welded to the base 161. The sockets with which these posts co-operate are not shown in Figure 13 but are of complementary shape and orientation.

Figure 17 shows from below four adjacent blocks 200 joined by the connector member 160 of Figure 13. Each block has a pair of sockets S, indicated by broken lines, which engage with the posts 162 of the connector 160. On each block, the sockets are elongate and arranged, in pairs, at 90 degrees to one another.

Figure 18 shows schematically the view from above of part of an upper surface of a block according to one embodiment, including projections thereon. In this case the projections are frusto-conical projections PI that are situated on the upper section of blocks 110, 120, 130, 170,180 and 210-280. These projections are uniform and are of a frusto-conical shape.

Figure 19 shows schematically the view from above of part of an upper surface of a block according to a further embodiment, including projections thereon. In this case the projections P2 are uniform and hexagonal in plan and are situated on upper sections of blocks 110, 120, 130, 170, 180 and 210- 280.

Figure 20 shows generally at 170 an embodiment of block. Upper surface 171 comprises a layer of brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer, which is joined, using a polyurethane binder, to a base portion 172, which comprises styrene butadiene rubber, suitably obtained from recycled vehicle tyres. The block is generally rectangular in plan and on two adjacent sides the base portion 172 has tongue protrusions 173, 174, whereas on the other two adjacent sides it has groove recesses 175, 176, this means that neighbouring blocks can fit together, the protrusions 173 and 174 being received by recesses 175 and 176, respectively, of two adjacent blocks (not shown).

Figure 21 shows generally at 180 a further embodiment of block which is intended for use with the block of the previous embodiment. Again, upper surface 181 comprises a layer of brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer, which is joined, using a polyurethane binder, to a base portion 182, which comprises styrene butadiene rubber, suitably obtained from recycled vehicle tyres. Again, the block is generally rectangular in plan and the base portion 182 has tongue projections 183, 184 on adjacent sides, and a third side has a groove recess 186, so that neighbouring blocks may fit together, the protrusion 184 of one block being received by the recess 186 of another. The protrusion 183 may be received by recess 175 of block 170 (Figure 17). The base portion 182 has side 185 which lies substantially flush with the upper surface 181 and has neither protrusions nor recesses. Blocks 180 may be used to border the carriageway C, and side 185 may form the edge for the refuge area.

Figure 22 shows generally at 190 another embodiment of drainage channel block which is intended for use with blocks of either or both previous embodiments 170, 180. Upper surface 191has opposed inclined planes 191a and 191b which slope downwardly towards one another and meet in the centre of the upper surface 191 at an edge 197. Again, upper surface 191 comprises a layer of brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer, which is joined, using a polyurethane binder, to a base portion 192, which comprises styrene butadiene rubber, suitably obtained from recycled vehicle tyres. The block has a tongue projection 192 and a groove recess 193 which comprise styrene butadiene rubber, suitably obtained from recycled vehicle tyres. The block is generally rectangular in plan, and neighbouring blocks can fit together (not shown). The protrusion 192 may be received by recess 175 of block 170 (Figure 17). Block 190 may be used to border the roadside and side 195 may form the edge for the refuge area.

Figure 23 shows generally at 210 another embodiment of a block. Block 210 comprises brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer. The block is generally rectangular in plan and on two adjacent sides block 210 has tongue protrusions 211, 212, whereas on the other two adjacent sides it has groove recesses 213, 214, this means that neighbouring blocks can fit together, the protrusions 211 and 212 being received by recesses 213 and 214, respectively, of two adjacent blocks (not shown).

Figures 24(a) and 24(b) show generally at 220 a further embodiment of block which is intended for use with the block of the previous embodiment. Again block 220 comprises brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer. Again, the block is generally rectangular in plan and has tongue projection 221 and groove recesses 222, 223, so that neighbouring blocks may fit together, the protrusion 221 of one block being received by the recess 223 of another. The recess 222 may be received by projection 211 of block 210 (Figure 23). The block 220 has side 224 which has neither protrusions nor recesses. Blocks 220 may be used to border the carriageway C, and side 224 may form the edge for the refuge area.

Figure 25 shows generally at 230 a further embodiment of block which is intended for use with the block of the present embodiment. Again block 230 comprises brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer. Again, the block is generally rectangular in plan has tongue projections 231, 232 on adjacent sides, and a third side has a groove recess 233, so that neighbouring blocks may fit together, the protrusion 232 of one block being received by the recess 233 of another. The protrusion 231 may be received by recess 213 of block 210 (Figure 23). The block 230 has side 234 which has neither protrusions nor recesses. Blocks 230 may be used to border the non-carriageway edge of the Orefuge area, and side 234 may form the edge for the refuge area. Figures 26 (a) and 26 (b) show generally at 240 a further embodiment of block which is intended for use with the blocks of the present embodiment.Again block 240 comprises brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer. Again, the block is generally rectangular in plan has a tongue projection 241 and has a groove recess 242. The protrusion 241 may be received by recess 213 of block 210 (Figure 23). The groove recess 242 may be received by protrusions 212 of blocks 210(Figure 23), 221 of block 220 (Figure 24 (a), 24 (b)), or 232 of Block 230 (Figure 25). The block 240 has adjacent sides 243 and 244 which have neither protrusions nor recesses. Blocks 240 may be used to form the slopes of the non-carriageway edge of the refuge area (Figure 4).

Figures 27 (a) and 27 (b) show generally at 250 a further embodiment of block which is intended for use with the blocks of the present embodiment.Again block 250 comprises brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer. Again, the block is generally rectangular in plan has tongue projections 251, 252 on adjacent sides. The protrusion 251 may be received by recess 213 of block 210 (Figure 23). The tongue projection 252 may be received by groove recess 214 of blocks 210 (Figure 23). The block 250 has adjacent sides 253 and 254 which have neither protrusions nor recesses. Blocks 250 may be used to form the slopes of the non-carriageway edge of the refuge area (Figure 4).

Figures 28 (a) and 28 (b) show generally at 260 a further embodiment of block which is intended for use with the blocks of the present embodiment.Again block 260 comprises brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer. Again, the block is generally rectangular in plan and has a groove recess 261. The recess 261 may be received by protrusions 281 of block 280 (below). The block 260 has adjacent sides 262, 263 and 264 which have neither protrusions nor recesses. Blocks 260 may be used to form the end of the refuge areas (Figure 4).

Figures 29 (a) and 29 (b) show generally at 270 a further embodiment of block which is intended for use with the blocks of the present embodiment.Again block 270 comprises brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer. Again, the block is generally rectangular in plan and has a tongue projection 271. The protrusion 271 may be received by recesses 282 of block 280 (below). The block 270 has adjacent sides 272, 273 and 274 which have neither protrusions nor recesses. Blocks 270 may be used to form the end of the refuge areas (Figure 4).

Figures 30 (a) and 30 (b) show generally at 280 a further embodiment of block which is intended for use with the blocks of the present embodiment. Again, block 280 comprises brightly pigmented rubber such as coloured vulcanised thermoplastic elastomer. Again, block 280 is generally rectangular in plan and has a tongue projection 281 and a groove recess 282. The protrusion 281 may be received by recesses 261 of block 260 (Figures 28 (a), 28 (b)). The protrusion 281 may also be received by groove 282 of another block 280 (not shown). Groove recess 282 may be received by protrusions 271 of block 270 (Figures 29 (a), 29 (b)). The groove recess 282 may also be received by a protrusion 281 of another block 280 (not shown). Block 280 has opposite sides 283 and 284 which have neither protrusions nor recesses. Blocks 280 may be used to form tapered ends of the refuge area (Figure 4).

When assembled as shown in Figure 1, the blocks 110 form the main part of the refuge area 100. Brightly coloured blocks 110b indicate a safe parking area and can clearly be seen by a driver approaching on the main carriageway. The blocks 120 form a drainage channel for surface water and the blocks 130 form an edge with the main carriageway C. The blocks interlock closely and are held securely together against any movement by the connector members 140.

Being of composite material, the blocks 110, 120 and 130 are lighter, and therefore more easily lifted into place, than concrete blocks, which makes for less disruption during installation or replacement. In addition, the integrated coloured surfaces are more resistant to wear and weathering than the surface coatings that are typically applied to tarmac and concrete.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein, and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.