Field of the Invention This invention relates to walking boards (which are frequently also referred to as

duckboards), and to systems and components for constructing walkways from such walking boards. ,

Background of the Invention

Walking boards are commonly used to provide a support platform, walkway or pathway structure upon which users may negotiate an underlying surface. For example, walking boards are known for placement over roof structures of buildings to allow users to safely traverse the roof for inspection or maintenance purposes. Similarly, they may be laid over grassed areas to protect those areas from foot traffic or to allow users to safely traverse those areas free from mud, rocks and similar obstacles.

Traditionally, walking boards or duckboards have been manufactured in the form of a support frame which is covered with slats or battens on which users walk. These have the disadvantage of being relatively expensive to construct and are not always easily

interconnected so as to provide the desired resulting walkway.

The reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of a preferred embodiment of the invention to provide a walking board system and/or components therefor which will overcome or ameliorate problems with such systems or components at present, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Other objects of the present invention may become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only. Brief Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting means for connecting a beam element of a walking board system to a support surface, the mounting means comprising a base part provided with a support surface engagement portion, a body rotatably connectable to the base part, and a clamping member connectable to the body.

Preferably the support surface comprises a roof cladding. Preferably the roof cladding comprises ribs.

Preferably the support surface engagement portion is adapted to snugly engage said ribs.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector means for interconnecting a plurality of beam elements of a walking board system, the connector comprising a body having a first side and an opposite second side, the first side provided with a pair of first flange receiving formations for receiving opposed flanges of a first beam member in use, the second side provided with a second flange receiving formation for receiving a flange of a second beam member in use, the connector further comprising a clamping member connectable to the body, wherein in use the second flange member and clamping member are operable to engage a second beam member.

Preferably, the connector is shaped and configured to hold two said beam members in a mutually orthogonal relationship.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a walking board system comprising a mounting means for connecting a beam element to a support surface, the mounting means comprising a base part provided with a support surface engagement portion, a body rotatably connectable to the base part, and a first clamping member connectable to the body, the system further comprising a connector for interconnecting beam elements of the walking board system, the connector comprising a body having a first side and an opposite second side, the first side provided with a pair of first flange receiving formations for receiving opposed flanges of a first beam member in use, the second side provided with a second flange receiving formation for receiving a flange of a second beam member in use, the connector further comprising a second clamping member connectable to the body, wherein in use the second flange member and second clamping member are operable to engage a second beam member, and wherein the first and second clamping members are substantially identical in shape. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a walking board defining an upper surface upon which a user may walk in use and a lower surface which is substantially opposite the upper surface, the lower surface provided with at least one flange receiving formation and at least one a downwardly projecting abutment formation, the shape and configuration of the flange receiving formation and abutment formation being such that in use, the flange receiving formation is engageable with one side of a flange of a beam member and the abutment formation is engageable with an opposite side of the flange.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a mounting means and/or a connector and/or a walking board and/or a walking board system is substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a walking board system comprising any one or more of the components shown in Figures 1 -34 in combination or alone.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a walking board system comprising a plurality of beam members and a plurality of balustrade members, wherein the beam members and the balustrade members have a substantially identical transverse cross-section.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following description given by way of example of possible embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 : Is a perspective view of the walking board system of the present invention installed on a ribbed roof, with portions of the roof and of beam members and walking board members of the walking board system removed for clarity.

Figure 2: Is an enlarged perspective view of detail A of Figure 1 , showing a mounting means of the present invention in use.

Figure 3: Is a plan view of a base of the mounting means of Figure 2.

Figure 4: Is a side view of a base of the mounting means of Figure 2.

Figure 5: Is an end view of a base of the mounting means of Figure 2.

Figure 6: Is a plan view of a body of the mounting means of Figure 2.

Figure 7: Is a side view of a body of the mounting means of Figure 2.

Figure 7A: is a cross-section through plane H-H of Figure 6.

Figure 8: Is a perspective view of a body of the mounting means of Figure 2.

Figure 9: Is a side view of a clamping member of the mounting means of Figure 2.

Figure 10: Is a bottom view of a clamping member of the mounting means of Figure 2.

Figure 11 : Is an enlarged perspective view of detail B of Figure 1 , showing a mounting means in use holding a beam element.

Figure 12: Is a side view of a connector means of the present invention.

Figure 12A: Is a cross-section through plane G-G of Figure 12.

Figure 13: Is a bottom view of the connector means of Figure 12.

Figure 14: Is an end view of the connector means of Figure 12.

Figure 15: Is a bottom perspective view of the connector of Figure 12.

Figure 16: Is a side view of a walking board of the present invention.

Figure 17: Is a bottom view of the walking board of Figure 16.

Figure 18: Is an end view of the walking board of Figure 16.

Figure 19: Is a bottom perspective view of the walking board of Figure 16.

Figure 20: is a perspective view of a staircase arrangement of a walking board system of the present invention, with the roof cladding not shown for clarity. Figure 21 : is a partially exploded view of the staircase arrangement of Figure 20.

Figure 22: shows a front perspective view of a balustrade connector component.

Figure 22A: shows a rear perspective view of a balustrade connector component.

Figure 23: shows a front perspective view of a siderail engaging component.

Figure 23A: shows a rear perspective view of a siderail engaging component. Figure 24: shows a front perspective view of a siderail locking component,

Figure 25: shows a top perspective views of a handrail engaging component,

Figure 25A shows a bottom perspective view of a handrail engaging component,

Figure 26: shows a top perspective view of a handrail locking component,

Figure 26A shows a bottom perspective view of a handrail locking component,

Figure 27 shows a side view of a handrail connector

Figure 28 shows a side view of an adjustable stair support bracket in one position.

Figure 28 shows a side view of an adjustable stair support bracket in a different position. Figure 29 shows a front perspective view of a first stair support component.

Figure 29A shows a rear perspective view of a first stair support component.

Figure 30: shows a front perspective views of a second stair support component.

Figure 30A shows a rear perspective views of a second stair support component

Figure 31 shows a perspective view of a mounting means similar to that shown in Figure

2, but configured for mounting an air conditioner unit.

Figure 32 shows an exploded view of the mounting means of Figure 32.

Figure 33 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a beam member for use with the system of the present invention.

Figure 34 shows an end view of the beam member of Figure 33. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, walking board system of the present invention is generally indicated by arrow 100. The system comprises a plurality of mounting means, generally indicated by an arrow 200, which are shown connected to a support surface, in this case a roof cladding 1.

Each mounting means 200 engages a first beam member 2. It can be seen that in the embodiment shown the first beam members 2 are substantially parallel to, and substantially aligned with, respective purlins 3 of the roof structure. In a preferred embodiment of the system there are two mounting means 200 provided for each first beam member 2.

Second beam members 4 are connected to the first beam members 2 by connector means 300. The second beam members 4 are orientated substantially orthogonally to, and are supported by, the first beam members 2. A walking board, generally referenced by arrow 400, is provided on top of the second beam members 200. Referring next to Figures 2 to 10, a mounting means 200 of the present invention is described in further detail.

The mounting means 200 is provided with a base part 201 , seen in Figures 2-5, a body 202, shown in Figures 2, 6, 7 and 8, and a clamping member 203, shown in Figures 2, 9 and 10.

As can be seen best in Figures 2 and 4, the base part 201 is preferably substantially "U" shaped, with the U inverted when in use. The base part 201 comprises a concave mouth portion 204 which has inwardly included inner side walls 205. In a preferred embodiment the side walls 205 are inclined with an included angle of approximately 40 degrees. The mouth portion 204 has a top portion 206 which is substantially orthogonal to a line bisecting the angle formed by the side walls 205, with the intersection between the top portion 206 and the side walls 205 being provided with cutaway portions 207.

The mouth portion 204 is adapted to engage with a protruding rib 5 of a roof cladding, as is best seen in Figures 1 and 2.

The base part 201 has an upper surface 208 on the opposite side of the base part 201 to the mouth 204. A stepped aperture 209 extends from the upper surface 208 to the top portion 206 of the mouth 204, with the wider portion 210 of the aperture 209 extending to the upper surface 208. The stepped aperture 209 is substantially centrally orientated in the upper surface 208.

Referring next to Figures 6 to 8, the body 202 has a lower surface 211 from which a substantially cylindrical boss portion 212 protrudes. The boss portion 212 is preferably sized to engage with the wider portion 210 of the stepped aperture 209 in the base part 201 in a sliding fit, so as to act as a pivot for the body 202.

The body 202 has an upper surface 213 opposite the lower surface 211. A stepped aperture 214 extends from the upper surface 213 though the boss portion 212, and is preferably centrally located in the boss portion 212. The wider portion 215 of the stepped aperture 214 extends to the upper surface 213. In use, the boss portion 212 is engaged with the stepped aperture 209 of the base part 201 , and a fastener (not shown), for example a Tek® self tapping screw, extends through the body 202 and base part 201 and into the support surface (and the purlin). In this way the fastener, in use, secures the body 202 to the base part 201 , and fastens both to the building structure.

The upper surface 213 of the body 202 is provided with a flange engaging portion 216, in the form of a mouth portion 217. A second stepped aperture 218 also extends from the upper surface 213 to the lower surface 211 , with the larger portion 219 extending to the lower surface 21 1. In a preferred embodiment the larger portion 219 is shaped and configured to engage a suitable fastener securing component, for example a nut, and to prevent rotation of the component, for example in the manner of a caged nut.

Referring next to Figures 9 and 10, the clamping member 203 is shown. The clamping member 203 is substantially U shaped in profile, and comprises a foot portion 220 having an engaging surface 220a, a central portion 221 and a jaw portion 222 having an engaging surface 222a. An aperture 223 is provided through the central portion 221. The aperture 223 is preferably substantially central of the clamping member 203. In a preferred embodiment the foot portion 220 extends a small distance further than the jaw portion 222 in the direction of the centerline of the aperture 223, so that, as best seen in Figure 2, when the clamping member 203 is in use, the engaging surface 220a of the foot portion 220 is held flat on the upper surface 213 of the body 202, and the engaging surface 222a of the jaw 222 is flat against the upper surface of the flange 6 of a beam to which the mounting means is engaged.

Referring next to Figure 1 1 , it can be seen that the pivotal mounting of the body 202 to the base 201 means that the mounting means 200 can be engaged with beam members 2 which extend orthogonally to the purlin and parallel to the roof ribs (not shown in Figure 1 1 ), as well as those which are parallel to the purlin.

Referring next to Figures 1 , 2 and 12 to 15, a connector means 300 is shown, with the clamping means omitted for clarity. The connector 300 has a body 301 having a first side 302 and an opposite second side 303. The first side 302 is provided with a plurality of first flange receiving formations 304. In the embodiment shown the flange receiving formations 304 comprise inward facing tabs 305 which are shaped and configured to engage a flange of a beam between the tab 305 and the first side 302 of the body. The tabs 305 have a portion which is substantially parallel to the first side 302 of the body 301. Opposing tabs 305 are spaced apart in order to provide a clear space 306 (best seen in Figure 14) between the opposing tabs through which the web of a beam may protrude in use. The second side 303 is provided with a second flange receiving formation 307 which also comprises a tab 308 which has a portion substantially parallel to the second side 303 of the body 301 . The second flange receiving formation 307 is shaped to hold the flange of a beam which is orientated at 90 degrees to a beam held, in use, by the first flange receiving formations 304.

An abutment portion 310 protrudes from the second side 303 and is positioned such that when a beam is engaged, in use, with the second flange receiving formation 307, the opposite side of the flange abuts the side of the abutment portion 310. An aperture 31 1 is provided from the first side 302 to the second side 303 of the body 301 , and preferably extends through the abutment portion 310. The portion of the aperture 31 1 which extends through the first side 302 is preferably shaped to engage and hold a suitable fastener securing component, for example a nut, and to prevent rotation of the component, for example in the manner of a caged nut.

The abutment portion 310 preferably has a chamfered portion 312 on the side of the abutment portion 310 which faces the second flange receiving formation 307, to assist with engagement of the connector 300 with a beam. As can be seen in Figures 13 and 15, the body 301 may have a large, substantially located centrally located aperture 313 between the first and second sides, in order to reduce the amount of material necessary to manufacture the connector.

A clamping member (not shown in Figures 12-15), such as clamping member 203 described above, is preferably used to assist in securing a beam to the second side 303 of the body 301. The clamping member 203 is preferably secured by a fastener which extends through the clamping member 203 and aperture 311. In a particularly preferred embodiment the clamping member may be identical to clamping member 203. This has the advantage of increasing economies of scale and reducing costs in the manufacture of the system, and also means that it is not necessary to differentiate between clamping components intended for the mounting means and the connector when assembling the system.

Referring next to Figures 16 to 19, a walking board 400 is shown. The walking board comprises a substantially rectangular lattice which defines an upper surface 401 on which a user may walk, in use, and an opposite lower surface 402. In a preferred embodiment the width and length dimensions of the walking board 400 correspond to required widths of walking board systems, for example 600 mm x 750mm. In the embodiment shown the walking board 400 is around 30 mm thick. The lower surface 402 of the walking board 400 is provided with a plurality of flange receiving formations 403 which comprise tabs 404 which function in a similar way to tabs 308 of the connector 300 described above in engaging a flange of a beam between the tab 404 and the lower surface 402. Abutment formations 405 are provided, and are located relative to the flange receiving formations 403 such that when a first edge of a beam is engaged, in use, with the flange receiving formation 403, the opposite edge of the flange abuts the side of the abutment portion 405. In this way the walking board may be engaged with the beam in the manner of a "snap fit" connection, at least initially. The lower surface 402 may be provided with a plurality of web portions 406 through which apertures 407 are provided to allow the walking board 400 to be secured to the supporting beam element with a suitable fastener, for example a Tek® screw.

The flange receiving formations 403 and respective abutment portions 405 are preferably located along the outer edges of the walking board 400, and are configured to hold the walking board 400, in use, such that the side of walking board adjacent the flange receiving formation is substantially aligned with the beam engaged by that formation, as is seen in Figure 1. As is best seen in Figures 17 and 19, one side of the walking board 400 may be provided with protruding tabs or tongues 408 which are adapted to engage corresponding slots or sockets 409 provided in the opposite side of an adjacent walking board 400. Although not shown in the Figures, two adjacent sides of the walking board 400 may be provided with tongues and the opposite two sides provided with slots.

The mounting means 200, connector 300 and walking board 400 may all be manufactured from high density polyethylene (HDPE), and preferably from recycled HDPE. As well as being light weight and non-rusting, the HDPE components of the system may be manufactured in a range of colours.

Referring next to Figure 20, a walking board system according to the invention is generally referenced by arrow 500. One feature of the walking board system 500 is that it comprises interbeam connectors 501 and balustrade connectors 502 which are adapted to allow a single extrusion profile 503 to be used as a beam 504, an interbeam brace 505 and a balustrade 506.

The system 500 is also provided with adjustable stair support brackets 507, siderail connectors 508 and handrail connectors 509.

Figures 21 and 22 show the balustrade connector 502 in greater detail. The connector 502 comprises two identical components 502a which can be fastened together about the intersection of a horizontally orientated extrusion 503a and a vertically orientated extrusion 503b.

In preferred embodiments the extrusion has a substantially "I" shaped profile, and the connector components 502a are provided with suitable slots 510 to engage both flanges of the vertically extending extrusion 503b, and the upper flange of the horizontally extending extrusion 503a.

Figures 21 , 23 and 24 show the siderail connector 508 in greater detail. The siderail connectors 508 comprise a siderail engaging component 508a and a pair of locking components 508b. The locking components 508b are provided with a slot 51 1 for engaging a flange of a vertically extending extrusion 503b. The locking components 508b engage the siderail engaging component 508a in a snap fit. Figures 21 , 25 and 26 show the handrail connector 509 in greater detail. The handrail connector 509 comprises a handrail engaging component 509a and a locking component 509b.

The handrail engaging component 509a is provided with suitable slots 510 to engage the edges of both flanges of an upwardly extending extrusion 503a, and thereby provides a cap for the extrusion 503a. The handrail engaging component 509a comprises a pair of inwardly extending abutment portions 512 for engaging the outer edges 513 of the locking component 509b. The locking component 509b may be slid into place after the handrail engaging component has been engaged with the extrusion 503a and the handrail.

Figures 21 and 27 also show a handrail interconnector component 514. The handrail interconnector component 514 preferably comprises two handrail engaging parts 515 which are adapted to engage either an inner surface or an outer surface of a substantially hollow handrail. The handrail engaging parts are preferably connected together by a hinge means 516.

Figures 28, 29 and 30 show the adjustable stair support brackets 507 in further detail.

The adjustable stair support brackets 507 comprise a first stair support component 507a and a second stair support component 507b. The first and second components 507a, 507b are substantially L shaped in profile, and are provided with apertures 520 at an end of one leg of the "L" shape through which a fastener extends, in use, to provide a hinged connection between them. The first component 507a is also provided with a semicircular slot 521 in the second leg of the "L" shape profile through which a second fastener can extend. The second fastener engages a second aperture 522 provided at the distal end of the second leg of the second component 507b. In this way the two stair support component 507a, 507b may be connected together at different relative angles.

Both stair support component 507a, 507b are preferably provided with serrated portions 523 which interlock when the components are fastened together, thereby preventing relative movement of the components 507a, 507b when they are fastened tightly together. Both stair support components 507a, 507b are provided with slots 510 to engage the flanges of respective extrusions. The slots 510 extend along the first legs of the L shape profile.

Referring next to Figures 31 and 32, a mounting means 600 is shown. The mounting means 600 is similar to that shown in Figure 2, but is intended for connection of an air conditioning unit to an I-beam, and as such is not connected to a base part 201.

The mounting means 600 comprises a body 601 which is similar to body 202, and a clamping member 602. The body 601 has a cylindrical boss portion 603, which is similar to boss portion 212. However, rather than engaging a base part 201 , the boss portion 603 engages one of a plurality of resilient mounting members 604 which isolate the body 601 from vibrations generated by the air conditioning unit when in use. The body 601 has a slightly different shape to body 202 in order to support the round resilient mounting members 604. The body 601 also differs from the mounting means 202 in that it is provided with a protruding rib 605 extending transversely across the body which is adapted to engage a corresponding groove 606 provided in foot portion 607 of the clamping member 602. This embodiment of clamping member 602 is more preferred to the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, and it is preferred that it is used with mounting means which have a suitable rib. The engagement of the rib 605 with the groove 606 prevents relative rotation of the clamping member 602 and body 601 .

As is best seen in Figure 32, the jaw portion 608 of the clamping member 602 is preferably also provided with a transverse groove 609.

Referring next to Figures 32-34, a preferred beam member 610 for use with the system of the present invention is provided with longitudinally extending ribs 61 1 on the inner surfaces 612 of the flanges 613. The transverse groove 609 in the preferred clamping member 602 is adapted to engage one of these ribs 611 in use.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention provides a walking board system which has many advantages of current systems, for example:

• Requires no factory fabrication.

• Easy to install. Holds the walking board off the roof surface.

Can be made from recycled material.

Can be colour matched to surrounding materials.

Allows a complete walking board system to be constructed using the number of different extruded members.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Where in the foregoing description, reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.