Field of the Invention This invention relates to an improved walkway. Background to the Invention

Generally, existing walkways comprise scaffold framework structures, to which double layered plaster board is affixed.

A problem with existing walkways is that they take a considerable amount of time to construct because bolts need to be threaded through each part of the framework to secure the framework in place. Additionally, the wall panels are bolted to the framework in order to secure them with the bolts passing through the panels. The resulting holes in the panels render them subsequently unusable once the walkway is dismantled because the fire resistance and structural integrity in compromised. Because of all of the bolts, such walkways are known to take a considerable amount of man-power and time to assemble, which increases the cost of the walkway. Due to time restrictions on when the walk can be carried out, for example on public transport facilities where only a small window during the night is available for assembly of walkways, works can be delayed, thereby leading to increased cost and public risk. Furthermore, existing configurations have limited fire resistance which is generally less than two hours. This presents a significant safety issue, especially considering that inflammable materials are often present on construction sites. Further consideration to the fire resistance must be given to structures located in subterranean locations, for example the London Underground network and the New York Subway.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a walkway, which is adapted to be readily dismantled, comprising a framework and a plurality of substantially rigid panels, wherein the framework comprises a plurality of releasably connecting parts, including a plurality of substantially vertical stanchions, wherein the panels are positioned to at least one side of, or above, the intended thoroughfare of the walkway, and are releasably retained within the framework, and wherein the releasably connecting parts of the framework engage one another.

The releasably connecting parts can be slotted together, and/or engaged, such that they connect to one another and are readily releasable by un-slotting, or disengaging them. This provides a walkway that can be readily dismantled in a relatively short time-period, thereby requiring fewer people to erect and dismantle the assembly. Additionally, unlike existing structures that damage the panels upon installation, the framework and panels are reusable and once disassembled can be moved to a new location and reassembled.

Therefore, the present invention provides very quickly assembled and disassembled protection for a thoroughfare that can be reused without compromising on structural safety and fire resistance.

Such an arrangement may take the form of a hoarding, protecting a pathway from a construction or maintenance site and adjacent thereto, providing an improved level of fire resistance and acoustic insulation. Additionally, the walkway may protect those passing within from falling debris and/or tools and equipment and reduce the level of dirt and dust that would otherwise be present. Preferably, at least some of the panels are held in place between at least one securing member on one side and a backing member on the opposite side. By clamping the panels, the structural strength and fire resistance is not compromised and the panels can be retained without being damaged.

Advantageously, the securing member and backing member are connected via a releasable holding member and the securing member and the backing member clamp the panel securely in place. By clamping the panel between the backing member and the securing member, the panel can be held securely in place without damaging the panel itself.

Therefore, all of the parts of the walkway could, if required, be used again without putting the structural integrity or fire resistance at risk. Thus, the walkway is more economical compared to existing structures that damage the panels upon installation.

It is preferable that the releasable holding member is a threaded member. The securing member and backing member can be held together using a threaded member, for example, a bolt. The threaded member can pass between adjacent panels, thereby not damaging them. Alternatively, the securing member and backing member may be connected by a retaining pin, allowing the assembly to be readily taken apart and simultaneously, providing a securing clamping of the panels.

In an advantageous construction, the backing member is a stanchion of the framework. This reduces the number of parts required when constructing the walkway and reduces the time required for assembling the walkway. Advantageously, the framework further comprises a plurality of cross-members arranged substantially perpendicular to the stanchions. The cross-members provide structural strength and rigidity to the walkway and allow for further parts to be connected to the framework. Preferably, the walkway comprises at least one substantially vertical side, constituting a first wall, and at least one roof panel. Such an arrangement may be placed alongside, and may be attached to, an existing wall to reduce cost and time in assembling the overall walkway. Additionally, the roof panels may provide a platform upon which person may stand and undertake work.

In one construction, the walkway comprises a second substantially vertical side, constituting a second wall, thereby creating a tunnel. A tunnel construction can provide fire resistance and insulation, including sound insulation, on three sides, thereby making the walkway more protected from any work taking place in the surrounding area.

Advantageously, a bottom rail is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the stanchions and adjacent to the intended lower end of the stanchions, and wherein the bottom rail comprises a lip and the panels are held in place between the lip of the bottom rail and the stanchion. The lip retains the panels in place and reduces the risk of them becoming dislodged from the framework. The lip also reduces the number of parts required to attach the panels to the framework.

In a preferred arrangement, the panels comprise a material such that they are fire resistant for at least two hours and, preferably, wherein the panels comprise fire resistant board. By providing the framework with panels that are fire resistant for at least two hours increases the safety of the users of the walkway and allows for more rigorous regulations for fire safety on installations. The likelihood of a person surviving a fire where the panels can resist fire for more than two hours is increased where such an installation is used. Additionally, it may reduce the insurance costs required for the site surrounding the walkway. BS 476 part 22 and BS EN 1364-1 are regulations relating to fire safety that it is intended the present invention meets.

Advantageously, the panels comprise at least one material selected from a group comprising: mild steel; calcium silicate; aluminium polyethylene composite; and reinforced fibre cement formed between punched steel sheet composite. Panels constructed from at least one of the above materials can greatly increase the fire resistance and thereby reduce the risk to the workers on site and pedestrians using the walkway.

Kemwell impact boards, made by Kemwell Thermal Limited, a British company, may be used. Preferably, the walkway is assembled so as to provide at least one conduit extending at least part of the length of the walkway. By providing a conduit along at least part of the length of the walkway, facilities such as electricity, temperature regulation and pipe-work can be run along at least part of the walkway. This allows for a more compact walkway and reduces the risk of cables and pipes becoming a tripping hazard. It is advantageous that at least some of the framework and/or the panels are adapted to engage one another and wherein the conduit is formed at the position where the panels engage. The resulting conduit may be used for containing services, such as electricity, water and the like. It is preferable that at least some of the parts of the framework, when engaged with one another, are provided with retaining means to reduce the risk of the parts becoming separated when the walkway is in use. Retaining pins, hooks or the like may be used to reduce the risk of unintentional disengagement of the parts of the framework. In one particular embodiment, the walkway comprises an outwardly facing fire suppression system. The system may be facing away from the walkway on the external periphery. A fire suppression system, such as extinguishing means may incorporated in, or attached to, the walkway, which may be manually or automatically operated. In providing fire suppression means, the walkway is more protective and provides an increased level of safety. Additionally, or alternatively, where work is conducted that might lead to dust or fine particles being produced, a water-based dust control system may be provided to reduce the level of particles in the air. This reduces the risk of health problems, such as an asthma attack, due to the particles and also reduces the likelihood of the site operator having to compensate those adversely affected by the dust and/or particles.

The invention extends to a method of assembling and disassembling the walkway disclosed herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a walkway according to the present invention in the form of a tunnel; and

Figure 2 is an exploded view of a hoarding according to the present invention. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Figure 1 shows a tunnel 10 comprising a framework 12 having panels 14 connected thereto. The framework 12 comprises a series of protrusions and corresponding recesses, so as to allow it to be readily assembled and dismantled without the need for bolts at every joint. The framework 12 has two columns of substantially vertical stanchions 16 each side of the intended covered area. Connected to the stanchions 16, in a substantially perpendicular manner, are a bottom rail 18a, a middle rail 18b and a top rail 18c, all of which are substantially parallel to one another. Connected to the top of stanchions 16 are roof beams 20, which extend from one column of stanchions to the other, thereby spanning the intended covered area. The roof beams 20 are further provided with support members 22a and 22b, which run substantially parallel to the rails 18, to provide structural rigidity to the roof of the framework 12. The roof beams 22 further assist with extending the span of the walkway 10. The stanchions 14 are provided with a series of recesses 24 in its sides that face neighbouring stanchions 14, adjacent its lower and upper ends and at its mid-point. The rails 18 are provided with a series of corresponding hook protrusions (not shown). The protrusions are positioned within the recesses 24 and the rails lowered in order to engage the hook portion within the stanchion 14. Gravity, and the subsequent addition of the panels 14, provides a resistance to the hook protrusions raising up and disengaging. The join can be readily released by un-hooking the cross rail 18 from the stanchion 14; thus, no bolts are required.

The stanchions 16 are further provided with foot portions 26 having a recess therein. The recess in the foot 26 may be used for securing the stanchion 14 to the ground.

The bottom rail 18a and top rail 18c are provided with lip portions extending towards one another and positioned on the edge of the rail closest to the intended inside of the tunnel, that is, away from the stanchions 16. The lip portions effectively creating a channel in which the panels 14 can rest. The height of the lip of the bottom rail 18a is 4mm or less. The distance between the top rail 18c and the bottom rail 18a is 5mm larger than the height of the panel 14 to be located therein. To install the substantially vertical panel 14, the panel 14 is positioned with its top edge against the vertical stanchion 16 and it is slid underneath the lip of the top rail 18c. The panel is then pushed back so that it is fully against the stanchion 16, and then lowered to rest on the bottom rail 18a. Due to the difference between the height of the panel 14 and the distance between the rails 18a and 18c, a 5mm gap is introduced between the top rail 18c and the panel 14. It may be desirable to use this gap, constituting a conduit, to run a cable, thereby providing electricity or other facilities.

Where a plurality of panels 14 are aligned along the length of the tunnel 10, securing strips (not shown) may be used to secure the panels 14 firmly against the stanchions 16.

Clearly, the gap between the panel 14 and the top rail 18c can be varied if required, for example, so as to create a larger conduit through which to pass facilities. Additionally, where the conduit is used for running services, a sealing strip (not shown) may be provided, advantageously connected to the securing strip, so as to shield the facilities from exposure to the walkway area. The sealing strip is intended to abut the lip of the top rail 18c, thereby effectively closing the conduit and preventing access to the services from within the tunnel.

The roof section 14a of the tunnel 10 is sufficiently strong to allow work to be performed above the tunnel 10 by personnel standing on the framework 12 and/or the panels 14a.

Figure 2 shows a hoarding 50 comprising a framework 52 and panels 54. The framework 50 comprises a plurality of stanchions 56 having a foot portion 58, a mid-rail 60 and a top rail 62. A base rail 59 is provided adjacent the lower end of the stanchions 56 which connects the adjacent stanchions 56. The mid rail 60 and top rail 62 connects the stanchions 56 at a mid-point and at the top respectively, providing structural strength and rigidity to the framework 52. Additionally, reinforcing members 64 are located by a first end at a position substantially half-way up each stanchion 56. The reinforcing members 64 extend away from the hoarding with the other end being connected to anchor rails 66 spaced from, and substantially parallel to, the bottom rail 59. An adjustable vertical post 68 is positioned on the top of each stanchion 56, which allows for the hoarding 50 to be extended vertically and allows for the application of further panels 54a.

The rails 60 and 62 are provided with substantially flat hook-shaped protrusions 70 and the stanchions 56 are provided with corresponding slots 72. The protrusions 70 are positioned within the slots 72 and lowered so that the hook of the protrusion 70 of the rails 60 and 62 engage the stanchions 56. Due to the weight of the rails 60 and 62, the protrusions 70 are retained within the stanchions until a user actively lifts the rails 60 and 62, thus enabling the hooked portion 70 to disengage from the slot 72 and the rails 60 and 62 to be withdrawn. The reinforcing members 64 are connected to both the stanchions 56 and the anchor rails 66 in a similar fashion using protrusions and corresponding slots. The base board 59 is provided with a lip portion (not shown) and the top rail 62 is also provided with a lip portion 62a. The lip portion of the base board is shorter than that of the top rail 62a. The lip portions of the rails 59 and 62 are positioned adjacent the furthest edge from the anchor rail 66 and extend towards one another. The panels 54, which are slightly shorter than the distance between the top rail 62 and the base board 59, are positioned with their top edge between the lip portion of the top rail 62 and the stanchion 56. The panel 54 is then located with its rear face adjacent to the stanchion 56 and its side edge positioned fully against the stanchion 56. The panel 54 is then lowered so that its lower edge engages the lip of the base board 59. This introduced a short gap between the top rail 62 and the top edge of the panel 54, which may be used to house facilities.

Alternatively, the gap may be filled using a filler, such as a foam.

When the panels 54 are in the correct position against the framework 52, their edges are located at the positions of the stanchions 56. A steel securing, or joining, strip 74 is applied to the opposite side of the panels 54 to that on which the stanchions 56 are located. The securing strip 74 is then secured in place by attaching it to the stanchion 56 by means of bolts (not shown) and corresponding holes in the securing strips 74 and the stanchions 56. Adjacent panels 54 are positioned to have a gap between them so as to allow the bolt to pass between them without damaging the panels 54. The securing strip 74 covers any gap between the panels 54 and reduces the risk of the edges of the panels 54 being exposed. The panels 54 are thus clamped, or sandwiched, in place on the framework. Retaining means other than bolts may be used for attaching the securing strips 70 to the stanchions 56.

The foot portions 58 of the stanchions 56 may be used to secure the framework to the ground.

The joining strips 74 of the hoarding shown in Figure 2 can equally be used in the tunnel system of Figure 1 for retaining the panels on the framework.

Both the walkway and the hoarding constitute a modular system that can be extended by the addition of further modules according to the user's requirements. Other joining mechanisms may be employed, such as sprung push button mechanisms wherein a pin or hook portion is displaced upon being pressed. Such mechanisms can allow for the parts of the framework to be readily assembled and unassembled.

The lip portion of the bottom rail, or board, may be omitted and the board held in place using a single lip on the top rail. Alternatively, the lip of the top rail may be omitted and the panels held in place using a bottom lip.

The panels may be provided with acoustic separation, insulation and/or protection in order to reduce the noise from the surrounding site. This may be particularly advantageous where the walkway leads to a retail outlet.

The walkway may be provided with heat insulation or heating apparatus for use in cold environments. Additionally, doors may be applied to at least part of the assembly to reduce air flow through the walkway and/or to shelter the users.

The walkway may be provided with security systems, CCTV, safety equipment and/or systems, air conditioning, mechanical and/or electrical systems as well as fire escape doors. The panels and framework may be relatively lightweight and reinforced, where necessary, to provide protection against mechanical damage and support for bearing weight of equipment and personnel. Additionally, materials may be varied according to the proposed use and, in addition to all of the parts being reusable, the walkway may comprise recyclable materials. The walkway is fire-rated and may be provided with additional fire resistance and fire suppression systems.

As an example, the walkway may be a tunnel spanning from 2400mm to 6000mm and may be weather proofed and fire rated. So as to meet the aforementioned test

requirements, the tunnel may be fire resistant for at least one hour and may be fire resistant for over four hours.

Where materials have been specified, appropriate alternative materials may be used in their place. Additionally, although the reinforcing members 64 appear as flat bars in Figure 2, it is envisaged that they may be tubular, rather than flat. Other parts may be tubular, solid or flat depending upon the application and the structural rigidity required, as well as the required shape of the structure.

It may be particularly advantageous that the cross-members, or upper roof beams, are of a pre-determined length or selection of lengths. As an example, the cross-members may be preformed to 560mm, 700mm, 1260mm and 1400mm and the span of the roof section comprises one of those lengths or a combination of cross-members having one or more of those lengths. By using preformed lengths, it becomes easier to attach the side and roof panels in place. Additionally, should one wish to create a corner in the walkway, or close an end off, by using lengths of a pre-defined span, it becomes much simpler to fit a wall in place and/or to securely and safely seal off a section. In closing an end or introducing a corner section, one can position the stanchions, or uprights, at the join of the cross- members, thereby reinforcing the join and reducing any weaknesses that might otherwise be present in the system. Because the roof beams are of a known combination of lengths, and therefore the joins between them are at a known position, the uprights supporting those joins can be inserted in a position to provide improved structural support.

Furthermore, because the span is a predetermined length, where the shape or direction needs to be change, one can readily close one part and open another without significantly weakening the system because the location of the uprights is known. This system is preferable over using a single length of cross-member because the position of the uprights can be varied and adjusted according to the requirements of a particular location. Additionally, it reduces the need to cut parts to the correct length when on-site, thereby reducing workload and risk for those involved. The horizontal rails (18) may also be formed from predetermined lengths to allow for variations on the structure in a similar manner to those associated with the cross-members. Additionally, the uprights may be formed of predetermined lengths and the rails and/or cross-members able to be attached at an angle between uprights, which may be by way of a pivoting attachment mechanism. This allows the system to be used on uneven ground, such as stairs, where the stanchions may need to be of different heights and so the rails between the stanchions, which would normally be substantially horizontal, may be attached at an angle away from horizontal between the stanchions. It may be desirable to close one end of the walkway so as to create section with three closed sides and one side with access, thereby essentially creating a room from the walkway structure.