A component for forming a walkway, a walkway, and a kit of parts

Abstract

A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section for machinery of an industrial plant. The component is configurable to have one or two open opposite ends and / or an open side for the passage of operators. A coupling means for coupling the component to at least one adjacent component about the or each open end and / or the open side of the component.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a component for forming a walkway for machinery of an industrial plant, a walkway, and a kit of parts.BACKGROUND

[0002] Walkways are used as access systems for industrial machinery, permitting access to key areas for observation, inspection and maintenance. Walkways are typically extendable along at least part of the perimeter of one or more pieces of machinery of a plant and they operate as paths for operator travel between key areas. Walkways may be level or inclined. Platforms are typically level surfaces to support operators at the key areas for performing the necessary work.

[0003] According to the prior art, walkways are typically designed and produced in a bespoke manner to suit an arrangement of a specific plant including the arrangement of obstacles and key areas for observation, inspection and maintenance. The components used in the construction of such walkways typically include a flooring surface such as mesh grating, longitudinal beam sections, toe plates, handrails, and one or more stanchions, vertical uprights and / or knee rails. Due to the arrangement of the specific plant, each of these components may need to be designed and produced to specific dimensions. This means that the components and the walkway constructed therefrom may be unsuitable for use with another plant and may be unsuitable for easily accommodating adaptations to the walkway which may become required. In bespoke design and production, the design of these components is time consuming and therefore more expensive for the customer. Overall, the bespoke working practices lead to greater than necessary downtime and a reduced useful life of walkway components and walkways constructed therefrom, and industrial machinery for which the walkways are required.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problems outlined above.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention provides a modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section for machinery of an industrial plant, the component configurable to have one or two open opposite ends and / or an open side for the passage of operators and: a floor, and at least one side wall extending upwardly in use from a longitudinal edge portion of the floor, and a coupling means for coupling the component to at least one adjacent component, wherein the component is adaptable to be coupled at the or both open ends to an adjacent component in either one of: an end-to-end configuration for creating elongate straight sections of the walkway or walkway section whereby the floors and side walls of adjacent components are alignable and arrangeable substantially without gaps therebetween, and / or an end-to-side configuration for creating junctions or bends of the walkway, and / or wherein the component is adaptable to be coupled at the open side to an adjacent component in a side-to-end configuration for creating junctions, bends or off-chutes of the walkway or walkway section, whereby in the end-to-side and / or side-to-end configuration the floors of the component and the or each adjacent component are alignable and the side walls of the component and the or each adjacent component are arrangeable perpendicular or oblique, and the floors and side walls are arrangeable substantially without gaps therebetween. Advantageously, because of the component's modularity and standardisation, it is efficient for a user to design and / or construct a walkway or walkway section having one or more straight sections, and / or one or more junctions, off-chutes and / or bends by utilising the adaptability of the component.

[0006] By 'arrangeable substantially without gaps therebetween' we mean that the or each adjacent component meets along a continuous seam formed between the floor and side walls thereof, or that the adjacent components have one or more gaps and / or recesses formed between corresponding edges of the or each side wall and the floor, wherein the gaps are arrangeable to be closed and / or enclosed by brackets.

[0007] Ideally, the open side is formed at either of two opposite longitudinal edge portions of the floor.

[0008] Ideally, the open side comprises two side walls extending from a common longitudinal edge portion of the floor, wherein the two side walls are longitudinally separated along the respective longitudinal edge portion. Advantageously, the longitudinal separation allows for the passage of operators. The two side walls with the separation between can be utilised for creating the junctions / off-chutes.

[0009] Ideally, the or each open side comprises a single side wall extending from a longitudinal edge portion of the floor, wherein the single side wall is located closer to one end of the longitudinal edge portion than to an opposite end of the longitudinal edge portion thus forming a longitudinal separation between the side wall and an end of the longitudinal edge portion. Advantageously, the single side wall being located in such manner can be utilised for forming a bend for the walkway or walkway section.

[0010] Ideally, the separation of the two side walls extending from the common longitudinal edge portion of the floor is centred along the longitudinal edge portion of the floor.

[0011] Ideally, the floor of the component comprises a main plane.

[0012] Ideally, the or each side wall comprises a main plane.

[0013] Ideally, the main planes of the two side walls extending from the common longitudinal edge portion are parallel with one another.

[0014] Ideally, the main plane of the or each side wall is oblique to the main plane of the floor.

[0015] Ideally, the main plane of the or each side wall is perpendicular to the main plane of the floor.

[0016] Ideally, the or each open side comprises no side walls.

[0017] Ideally, the component is adaptable to be coupled to the adjacent component in a side-to-end configuration whereby one or more side wall extensions of the adjacent component are received on the open side for forming one or more side walls of the component.

[0018] Ideally, the one or more side wall extensions of the adjacent component are alignable with a longitudinal edge portion of the floor.

[0019] Ideally, the side wall extensions extend from one side wall or from two opposite side walls of the adjacent component.

[0020] Ideally, the side wall extensions comprise parallel main planes. Parallel main planes of the side wall extensions are arrangeable perpendicular to the main plane of the floor of the component.

[0021] Ideally, the side walls formed by side wall extensions of the adjacent component are centred in use along the longitudinal edge portion of the floor of the component.

[0022] Ideally, the component adaptable to be coupled in the end-to-end configuration comprises the or each open end of the component being adaptable to be secured in alignment with an open end of an adjacent component.

[0023] Ideally, the open end of the component abuts that of the adjacent component in use.

[0024] Alternatively, the open end is adaptable to be secured in alignment with an open end of an adjacent component with a gap therebetween.

[0025] Ideally, the gap is closable / enclosable by brackets.

[0026] Ideally, the component adaptable to be coupled in the end-to-side configuration comprises the or each open end being adaptable to be secured in alignment with an open side of an adjacent component.

[0027] Ideally, the open end of the component abuts the open side of the adjacent component in use.

[0028] Ideally, the component adaptable to be coupled in the side-to-end configuration comprises the or each open side being adaptable to be secured in alignment with, an open end of an adjacent component.

[0029] Ideally, the open side of the component is abutted by the open end of the adjacent component in use.

[0030] Advantageously, the abutment and alignment of the or both open ends of the component with an open end or side of an adjacent component and the abutment and alignment of the or both open sides of the component with an open end of an adjacent component allows the passage of operators between the open ends / sides and minimises any gaps / recesses / misalignments between the floors and side walls of the component and the or each adjacent component where tripping or snagging of the operators may otherwise occur in use.

[0031] Ideally, the component is adaptable to be coupled to no more than one adjacent component in an end-to-end or end-to-side configuration.

[0032] Ideally, the component comprises a closed end opposite an open end, wherein the closed end comprises an end wall. Advantageously, closing the end of the component can be utilised for creating platforms in the walkway or walkway section.

[0033] Ideally, the end wall extends from an end edge portion of the floor.

[0034] Ideally, the end wall extends from the or each side wall.

[0035] Ideally, the component is adaptable to be coupled to no more than one adjacent component in a side-to-end configuration.

[0036] Ideally, for this purpose, the component comprises a closed side opposite the open side, wherein the closed side comprises a side wall closing the side.

[0037] Ideally, the main plane of the at least one side wall comprises a main planar surface portion of one or more pieces of sheet metal.

[0038] Ideally, the sheet metal is low gauge structural sheet metal.

[0039] Alternatively, the sheet metal is hot rolled structural steel.

[0040] Ideally, the main plane of the at least one side wall comprises a main plane comprising a frame of a plurality of horizontal and / or vertical rails.

[0041] Ideally, the main plane of the or each side wall comprises an external planar surface adaptable to have secured thereon a plurality of brackets.

[0042] Advantageously, the external planar surface is used to have brackets secured thereon to both of two adjacent side walls of two adjacent modular components for securing the modular components. Advantageously, this provides a means of coupling the two components together without welding by utilising brackets and mechanical fasteners, for example nuts and bolts.

[0043] Ideally, the main plane of the floor comprises a main planar surface portion of one or more pieces of sheet metal.

[0044] Ideally, the floor comprises one or more grating pieces.

[0045] Ideally, the component is elongate. The component being elongate allows for longer walkways or walkway sections to be more quickly designed and constructed.

[0046] Ideally, the component is formed having a plurality of different lengths.

[0047] Ideally, the length of the component is between 1 and 5 meters.

[0048] Ideally, the coupling means comprises the or each side wall having upright portions adaptable to be coupled to an upright portion of the floor of the component and corresponding upright portions of a floor of the or each adjacent component.

[0049] Ideally, the coupling means comprises the or each side wall having upright end portions adaptable to be coupled to corresponding upright end portions of side walls of the or each adjacent component.

[0050] Ideally, the component is adaptable to be coupled to the or each adjacent component by means of apertures of the upright end portions and apertures of upright end portions of the or each adjacent component, one or more brackets comprising apertures alignable with the apertures of the component and the or each adjacent component, and mechanical fastening means engaging portions of the upright end portions surrounding the apertures of each component and the or each bracket.

[0051] Ideally, the upright end portions are planar for receiving a planar securing portion of the or each bracket.

[0052] Ideally, the coupling means comprises the opposite side walls having distal upright end portions adaptable to be coupled to corresponding upright end portions of side walls of the adjacent component.

[0053] Ideally, the or each upright end portion of the opposite side walls are secured in alignment with the or each upright end portion of the opposite side walls of the adjacent component.

[0054] Ideally, the component comprises at least two side walls extending upwardly in use from opposite longitudinal edge portions of the floor.

[0055] Ideally, the or each upright end portion is aligned with the main plane of each of the opposite side walls.

[0056] Ideally, the or each upright end portion is part of the main planar surface portion of the or each piece of sheet metal.

[0057] Ideally, the component comprises a handrail extending along a longitudinal edge portion of the at least one side wall opposite a base portion of the side wall extending from the floor.

[0058] Ideally, the upright end portions extend at least partially from a base of the side walls towards the handrail.

[0059] Ideally, the coupling means comprises the opposite side walls having upright end portions adaptable to be coupled to corresponding upright portions of an open section of a side of the adjacent component.

[0060] Ideally, the or each upright end portion is aligned, perpendicular or oblique with the or each upright end portion of the adjacent component.

[0061] Ideally, edges of the or each upright end portion meet, or are arrangeable to meet, along a continuous joint.

[0062] Ideally, the component comprises at least two side walls extending parallel with one another. By the side walls being parallel we mean that their main planes are parallel.

[0063] Ideally, the coupling means comprises the floor having one or more upright planar portions perpendicular to the main plane of the floor adaptable to be coupled to corresponding upright planar portions of the adjacent component. Ideally, the or each upright portion comprises one or more upright end portions and / or upright side portions. Ideally, the or each upright end portion is securable to one or more upright end portions and / or upright side portions of the floor of the adjacent component in use. Ideally, the or each upright side portion is securable to one or more upright end portions and / or upright side portions of the floor of the adjacent component in use. Ideally, upright side portions of the component and adjacent component are aligned in use. Ideally, upright side portions of the component and upright end portions of the adjacent component are parallel in use. Ideally, upright side portions of the component and upright end portions of the adjacent component are abutting in use. Ideally, upright end portions of the component and upright side or end portions of the adjacent component are parallel in use. Ideally, upright end portions of the component and upright side or end portions of the adjacent component are abutting in use.

[0064] Ideally, the coupling means comprises the floor having one or more planar portions aligned with the main plane of the floor adaptable to be coupled to corresponding portions of the adjacent component. Ideally, the planar portions aligned with the main plane of the floor are part of the main planar surface portion of the or each piece of sheet metal. Ideally, the planar portions aligned with the main plane of the floor are secured in alignment with the corresponding portions of the adjacent component.

[0065] Ideally, the or each side wall of the component adaptable to be coupled to an adjacent component in a side-to-end configuration is tapering from a proximal edge extending from a base of the side walls towards the handrail.

[0066] Ideally, the tapering edge is arrangeable to join an oblique side wall of the adjacent component.

[0067] Ideally, the component adaptable to be coupled to an adjacent component in a side-to-end configuration wherein the side walls which are oblique comprises a floor extension. The floor extension ensures there are no gaps between the aligned floors of the component and the adjacent component in use.

[0068] Ideally, the at least one side wall extends continuously from the floor along a longitudinal edge portion of the floor such that there is no gap between the floor and the or each side wall.

[0069] Ideally, the at least one side wall and floor are formed from a single continuous piece of sheet metal. Thereby the at least one side wall extending from the floor along a continuous bend formed between the floor and the at least one side wall.

[0070] Ideally, a longitudinal half of the floor and at least one side wall extending from a longitudinal edge thereof are formed from a single piece of sheet metal.

[0071] Ideally, two identically formed such single pieces of sheet metal are secured to one another to form the component.

[0072] Ideally, the two pieces of sheet metal are arranged symmetrically.

[0073] Ideally, the two pieces of sheet metal are symmetric. Advantageously, forming the component from two securable pieces of sheet metal reduces the size of a metal sheet needed for fabrication of the component. By this we mean that for a given set of dimensions of a walkway or walkway section, forming the floor and at least one side wall from two metal sheets allows smaller sheets to be used relative to forming the floor and at least one side wall from a single metal sheet. Smaller metal sheets may be both easier to source and easier to work in bending production processes.

[0074] Ideally, the whole floor and the or each side wall is formed from a single piece of sheet metal.

[0075] Ideally, the two pieces of sheet metal are joined and secured to one another by one or more brackets.

[0076] Ideally, the one or more brackets extend along externally-facing planar surface portions of the two pieces of sheet metal perpendicularly across a seam formed at a longitudinal joint of the two pieces of sheet metal.

[0077] Ideally, the bracket is fastened to each of the two pieces of sheet metal.

[0078] Ideally, the bracket is fastened to the component and adjacent component.

[0079] Ideally, the at least one side wall is formed of the same piece of material as a lateral reinforcing part of the floor.

[0080] Ideally, the lateral reinforcing part of the floor extends along the length of the floor at a lateral edge thereof.

[0081] Ideally, the component comprises a second piece of sheet metal comprising at least one side wall and a lateral reinforcing part of the floor extending along the length of a main central part of the floor at an opposing lateral edge thereof.

[0082] Ideally, the main central part of the floor is formed from a piece of sheet metal separate to the sheet metal of the pieces comprising the side wall and reinforcing part.

[0083] Ideally, the two reinforcing parts are directly or indirectly secured to one another.

[0084] Ideally, the side wall part extends from the reinforcing part at a bend.

[0085] Ideally, the reinforcing part has a box section.

[0086] Ideally, the reinforcing part has an open box section with a gap where a longitudinally extending free edge of a fourth side of the box extends towards but does not touch a first side of the box.

[0087] Ideally, the fourth side extends towards and touches the first side and / or the bend between the first side and the at least one side wall.

[0088] Ideally, the fourth side of the box is parallel to the main planar portion of the at least one side wall.

[0089] Ideally, the first side of the box is parallel with the floor.

[0090] Ideally, the second side of the box is parallel with the fourth side of the box.

[0091] Ideally, the third side of the box is parallel with the first side of the box.

[0092] Ideally, the first and third sides of the box is separated by the same distance as upper and lower surfaces of the main planar part of the floor.

[0093] Ideally, the at least one side wall and the fourth side of the box are directly mechanically fastened in use to a bracket.

[0094] Ideally, the bracket comprises a first planar portion securable to the main planar portion of the at least one side wall.

[0095] Ideally, the bracket is secured to the at least one side wall of the component and a corresponding side wall of an adjacent component secured to the component in an end-to-end configuration.

[0096] Ideally, the bracket comprises at least one reinforcing flange extending from the first planar portion.

[0097] Ideally, the main central part of the floor comprises a closed box cross section.

[0098] First and third sides of the box cross section of the main planar part of the floor are parallel to each other and to first and third sides of the box of the floor reinforcing parts and the same length as the separation of the first and third sides of the box of the floor reinforcing parts.

[0099] Second and fourth sides of the box cross section of the main planar part of the floor are parallel to each other and parallel with the first and third sides of the reinforcing parts.

[0100] Ideally, the at least one side wall is formed of a separate piece of material as the floor and attached to the floor, thereby the at least one side wall extending from the floor along a joint formed between the floor and the at least one side wall.

[0101] Ideally, the or each side wall and floor are formed from separate pieces of material, wherein the or each side wall is mechanically couplable to the floor.

[0102] Ideally, the or each side wall is mechanically coupled to the floor.

[0103] Ideally, the or each side wall is formed from a single continuous piece of sheet metal and the floor is formed from a single continuous piece of sheet metal.

[0104] Ideally, the floor of the component comprises upward facing surfaces of the main planar portion of the floor and the two reinforcing parts.

[0105] Ideally, the floor of the component rests on top of the upward facing surfaces.

[0106] Ideally, the at least one side wall comprises a longitudinally extending planar mounting portion securable to an externally facing planar lateral surface of the floor.

[0107] Ideally, the planar mounting portion is extendable across substantially the entire height and length of the planar lateral surface of the floor.

[0108] Ideally, the at least one side wall comprises one or more rails supportable in use by spaced apart upstands.

[0109] Ideally, the spaced apart upstands are supportable in use along a longitudinal edge portion of the component by spaced apart upstand mounting brackets.

[0110] Ideally, the main plane of the at least one side wall is perpendicular to the main plane of the floor.

[0111] Ideally, the side walls are continuous along the longitudinal edge portions of the floor such that there is no open side of the component for allowing the passage of operators in use.

[0112] Ideally, the component comprises a wedge-shaped side wall extension for closing at least part of the gap formed between the oblique side walls.

[0113] Ideally, the modular component is couplable to an adjacent component without welding in use.

[0114] Ideally, the modular component contains only mechanical fastening means in use.

[0115] Ideally, the or each side wall is mechanically couplable to the floor.

[0116] Ideally, the or each side wall is mechanically couplable to the floor without welding.

[0117] Ideally, the or each side wall is mechanically couplable to the floor using mechanical fastening means.

[0118] Ideally, the or each side wall and the floor are formed from a single sheet of metal.

[0119] Ideally, the or each side wall and the floor are formed from a single sheet of metal with the or each side wall bent from the floor so as to extend upwardly from opposite longitudinal edge portions of the floor in the same direction.

[0120] Ideally, the or each side wall and a longitudinal portion of the floor are formed from a single sheet of metal, wherein the or each side wall and longitudinal portion of the floor formed from the single sheet of metal are adaptable to be coupled to another longitudinal portion of the floor for forming the floor.

[0121] Ideally, one or more side walls extending upwardly from a first longitudinal edge portion of the floor and a first longitudinal portion of the floor are formed from a single sheet of metal, and one or more side walls extending upwardly from a second, opposite, longitudinal edge portion of the floor and a second, opposite, longitudinal portion of the floor are formed from a single sheet of metal, wherein the two floor portions are adaptable to be coupled to one another for forming the floor.

[0122] By this we mean a single piece of sheet metal can form one of the side walls and a longitudinal portion of the floor.

[0123] Ideally, the component is shaped to be nestable with one or more identically formed components.

[0124] Ideally, the components are nestable in a stacked manner.

[0125] By "components" we mean the component and the one or more identically formed components.

[0126] Ideally, the component adapted to be coupled to an adjacent component in an end-to-end configuration for creating elongate straight sections of the walkway or walkway section is shaped to be nestable with another component being adapted for the same configuration.

[0127] Ideally, components adapted for the end-to-side configuration are stackable with other identically formed components, and components adapted for the side-to-end configuration are stackable with other identically formed components.

[0128] Advantageously, the obliquely outwardly extending at least one side wall permits the nested stacking of components for an efficient use of space. By this we mean, the obliquely outwardly extending side wall or walls permit nested stacking of identical components.

[0129] Ideally, the sheet metal of the or each side wall comprises one or more cutout portions. Advantageously, sections of the side walls can be cut out thereby reducing the weight of the industrial access means unit while retaining a knee rail, a toe-plate, and longitudinally spaced vertical uprights for safety, formed from the same single piece of sheet metal as the side walls themselves, thereby reducing the overall number of separate components which must be supplied. By "industrial access means unit" we mean the walkway or walkway section of the present invention.

[0130] Ideally, the material of the sheet metal adjacent the or each cutout portions form spaced apart upright portions.

[0131] Ideally, the material of the sheet metal adjacent the or each cutout portions form a longitudinally extending knee rail.

[0132] Ideally, the material of the sheet metal adjacent the or each cutout portions form a longitudinally extending top rail.

[0133] Ideally, the handrail extends along the top rail.

[0134] Ideally, the material of the sheet metal adjacent the or each cutout portions form a longitudinally extending toe-plate.

[0135] Ideally, the toe-plate is formed adjacent the longitudinally extending planar mounting portion securable to the externally facing planar lateral surface of the floor.

[0136] Ideally, the handrail comprises a top portion horizontal in use and parallel with the floor, the top portion extending from the upper edge portion of the or each side wall in a direction away from a longitudinal central axis of the walkway in use, the handrail further comprising a vertical portion extending from the top portion downwardly in use a small distance in a direction towards the floor. The top portion and the vertical downwardly extending portion provide an ergonomic handrail, the use of which is instinctive for an operator since it resembles a more familiar cylindrical-shaped handrail.

[0137] Ideally, the handrail has a coiled cross section with a free edge portion towards the centre of the coiled cross section.

[0138] Advantageously, the sheet design can be utilised to create longitudinally extending handrails formed of the same metal sheet as the side walls by bending a portion of the sheet out of the main plane of the side walls to form the handrails, thereby reducing the overall number of separate components which must be supplied.

[0139] Ideally, the cutout portions are cut from quadrants of the or each side wall. This forms a toe-plate below and adjacent two lower-quadrant cutout portions, a knee rail formed between two upper- and two lower-quadrant cutout portions, a top rail formed above and adjacent two upper-quadrant cutout portions, and vertical uprights formed in a vertical distal portion adjacent a first upper- and lower-quadrant cutout portions, in a vertical proximal portion between the first upper- and lower-quadrant cutout portions and a second upper- and lower-quadrant cutout portions, and in a second vertical distal portion adjacent the second upper- and lower-quadrant cutout portions. Each of the toe-plate, the knee rail, the top rail and the vertical uprights are coplanar with a main plane of the or each side wall.

[0140] Ideally, wherein the side walls are formed from rails, an open end of the component adaptable to be coupled in an end-to-side configuration comprises side wall extensions extending distally at 90 degrees from the main plane of the side wall for forming one or more side walls or side wall portions of the adjacent component.

[0141] There is also provided a walkway or walkway section comprising a plurality of modular components according to any of the preceding statements.

[0142] There is also provided a kit of parts for forming a walkway or walkway section comprising a plurality of modular components according to any of the preceding statements and mechanical fastening means. The skilled person will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

[0143] It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

[0144] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show multiple embodiments of a modular component according to the invention by way of example only.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0145] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a walkway or walkway section comprising two modular components in an embodiment according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figure 1; Figure 3 is an end elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a walkway or walkway section comprising four modular components in embodiments according to the invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a walkway or walkway section comprising three modular components in an embodiment according to the invention; Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figure 5; Figure 7 is a plan view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 is an end elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 5 to 7; Figure 9 is a side elevation view of a walkway or walkway section comprising two modular components in an embodiment according to the invention; Figure 10 is a plan view of the walkway or walkway section of figure 9; Figure 11 is an end elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 9 and 10; Figure 12 is a side elevation view of a stacked arrangement of the walkway or walkway section of figures 9 to 11 and three additional walkways or walkway sections; Figure 13 is a plan perspective view of the arrangement of figure 12; Figure 14 is a detailed plan perspective view of the arrangement of figures 12 and 13 in the region of the arrangement marked 'A' in figure 13; Figure 15 is an end elevation view of the arrangement of figures 12 to 14; Figure 16 is a detailed end elevation view of the arrangement of figures 12 to 15 in the region of the arrangement marked 'B' in figure 15; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a walkway or walkway section comprising two modular components in an embodiment according to the invention; Figure 18 is a side elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figure 17; Figure 19 is an end elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 17 and 18; Figure 20 is a perspective view of a walkway or walkway section comprising three modular components in embodiments according to the invention; Figure 21 is a perspective view of a walkway or walkway section comprising two modular components in embodiments according to the invention; Figure 22 is a side elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figure 21; Figure 23 is an end elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 21 and 22; Figure 24 is a perspective view of a walkway or walkway section comprising two modular components in an embodiment according to the invention; Figure 25 is a side elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figure 24; Figure 26 is an end elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 24 and 25; Figure 27 is a perspective view of a walkway or walkway section comprising two modular components in embodiments according to the invention; Figure 28 is a detailed perspective view of the walkway or walkway section of figure 27 in the region of the arrangement marked 'C' in figure 27; Figure 29 is a side elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 27 and 28; Figure 30 is an end elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 27 to 29; Figure 31 is an underside view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 27 to 30; Figure 32 is a plan view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 27 to 31; Figure 33 is a perspective view of a walkway or walkway section comprising three modular components in embodiments according to the invention; Figure 34 is a side elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figure 33; and Figure 35 is an end elevation view of the walkway or walkway section of figures 33 and 34. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0146] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognise that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0147] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0148] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0149] Referring to the drawings generally there is shown modular components 1a-1f, 101a, 101b, 201a, 201b, 301, 401 and 501 according to the invention. The components 1a-1f, 101a, 101b, 201a, 201b, 301, 401 and 501 are suitable for forming walkway or walkway sections 2, 102, 202, 302, 402 and 502 for machinery of an industrial plant. The components 1a-1f, 101a, 201a, 301, 401, 501 comprise two open opposite ends, whereas component 201b (figure 21) comprises a closed end opposite an open end for forming a platform. The components 1a-1f, 101a, 101b, 201a, 201b, 301, 401 and 501 have floors 3, 103, 203, 303, 403 and 503 and side walls 5, 105, 205, 305, 405 and 505 extending upwardly in use from opposite longitudinal edge portions of the floors 3, 103, 203, 303, 403 and 503. The components 1a-1f, 101a, 101b, 201a, 201b, 301, 401 and 501 have handrails 7, 107, 207, 307, 407 and 507 extending along a longitudinal edge portion of the side walls 5, 105, 205, 305, 405 and 505 opposite a base portion of the side walls extending from the floors 3, 103, 203, 303, 403 and 503.

[0150] The components 1c, 1d (figure 4) have handrails 7, 7c, 7d extending along a longitudinal edge portion of the side walls 5, 5c, 5d opposite a base portion of the side walls 5, 5c, 5d extending from the floors 3, described in more detail below.

[0151] The components 1a-1f, 101a, 101b, 201a, 201b, 301, 401 and 501 comprise a plurality of apertures 8, 108, 208, 308, 408 and 508 which are used to couple the components to one or more adjacent components. Walkway or walkway sections 2, 202, 302, 402 and 502 comprise brackets 9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 209, 309, 409 and 509 for coupling adjacent components together via the floors 3, 203, 303, 403 and 503 and / or side walls 5, 5c, 5d, 205, 305, 405 and 505 thereof. Walkway or walkway section 101 does not comprise brackets for coupling adjacent components and is coupled only via components of the floors 103 of adjacent components.

[0152] Turning in more details to the specific embodiments of the invention, figures 1 to 16 show walkway or walkway section 2 comprising components 1a-1f having the elements mentioned in the preceding paragraph. Component 1a is a first embodiment of the component according to the invention. Components 1a, 1b, 1c, 1e, and 1f are coupled in an end-to-end configuration. Open ends of components 1a, 1b, 1c, 1e, and 1f abut and are secured in alignment thereby allowing the passage of operators. This creates elongate straight sections of the walkway or walkway sections 2 whereby the floors 3 and side walls 5 are aligned and substantially without gaps therebetween. Component 1c (see figure 4) is coupled to component 1d in an end-to-side configuration (i.e., the end of the component 1c is coupled to the side of the component 1d) and in other words component 1d is coupled to adjacent component 1c in a side-to-end configuration (i.e., the side of component 1d is coupled to the end of the component 1c). The component 1d is coupled at an open side to the adjacent component 1c. The open end of the component 1c abuts and is secured in alignment with the open side of adjacent component 1d for the passage of operators. The end-to-side / side-to-end configuration creates a junction / off-chute in the walkway or walkway section 2 of figure 4 (the word 'junction' describing moving from the component 1c to 1d, and an 'off-chute' describing moving from component 1d to component 1c). "By off-chute" we mean a path which extends away from the component perpendicularly from a longitudinal direction of the component (i.e., extending via a gap in an open side of the component). Floors 3 of components 1c and 1d are aligned and substantially without gaps therebetween.

[0153] Components 101, 201, 301, 401, and 501 have the side walls 105, 205, 305, 405 and 505 and floor 103, 203, 303, 403, and 503 formed from separate pieces of material, wherein the or each side wall 105, 205, 305, 405 and 505 is mechanically couplable to the floor 103, 203, 303, 403, and 503.

[0154] Brackets 9a couple the end-to-end components 1a, 1b and 1c and brackets 9b couple end-to-side / side-to-end components 1c and 1d (figure 4). Brackets 9c couple the end-to-end components 1e and 1f. Mechanical fasteners are secured in apertures 8 of the components 1a-1f and corresponding apertures 4 in the brackets 9a-9c to couple the adjacent components 1a-1f to one another. Brackets 9a, 9c are 'U' shaped and are secured to external planar surfaces of the floor 3 and side walls 5, 5c. Brackets 9a-9c are secured to both side walls 5 and floors 3 of adjacent components where they meet to form a seam 15. For example, as shown in figure 1 brackets 9a are secured to components 1a and 1b, more particularly to side wall 5 of component 1a and side wall 5 of component 1b, and floor 3 of component 1a and floor 3 of component 1b where the components 1a, 1b meet to form a seam 15.

[0155] Brackets 9, 9a-9c also stiffen the walkway or walkway sections 2 against deformation. For example, bracket 9 of figure 1 and 2 stiffens the walkway or walkway section 2. Brackets 9, 9a have a continuous outwardly projecting stiffening flange portion 10a (see especially figure 3) extending along each side wall 5 and the floor 3 perpendicular to the side walls 5 and the floor 3. These flanges 10a stiffen the components 1 against outward forces by operators on the side walls 5, particularly the handrails 7 thereof. The brackets 9a have three securing flanges 11a (see especially figure 2) perpendicular with the continuous outwardly projecting stiffening flange portion 10a. The securing flanges 11a are secured to the two side walls 5 and floor 3 parallel with the two side walls 5 and floor 3. As shown in figure 2 the securing flanges 11a are secured to side walls 5 and floors 3 of adjacent components 1a and 1b where components 1a, 1b meet to form a seam, and flanges 11a are secured to side walls 5 and floors 3 along the single component 1b (i.e., not to two components).

[0156] Brackets 9c (figures 5 to 14) are secured to both side walls 5 and floors 3 of adjacent components 1e, 1f across a gap between the components. Brackets 9c have trapezium cross sections with parallel outwardly projecting securing flanges 10c securable to adjacent side walls 5 and floors 3 of adjacent components 1e, 1f. Parallel flanges 10c define a longer parallel side 12 of the trapezium cross section which is open between the two parallel flanges 10c (see figure 14). A shorter parallel side 13 of the trapezium is projected outwardly from the main plane of the side walls 5 by oblique sides 14 extending between the flanges 10c and the shorter parallel side 13. Parallel flanges 10c are secured to a cross component 1 of the bracket 9c which is secured to both floors 3 of adjacent components 1e, 1f. Bracket 9a is formed of a single piece of sheet metal whereas bracket 9c is formed from two side components having a trapezium cross section and the cross component 18 which are secured to one another.

[0157] Side walls and a shorter parallel edge portion of the trapezium shaped brackets 9c enclose the gaps between adjacent components and form a recess around the joint of adjacent components.

[0158] Wedge-shaped filler part 16 (figure 4) is secured between side walls 5c, 5d. Due to the oblique side walls 5c, 5d, edges of the side walls converge towards the handrails 7c, 7d and the filler part 16 is correspondingly wedge-shaped tapering towards the handrails 7c, 7d. Wedge-shaped part 16 is a separate piece to the side walls 5c, 5d and secured thereon. Because the side walls 5c, 5d are converging towards handrails 7c, 7d, the floor 3d has a floor extension 17 to ensure floor 3d meets floor 3c. The wall fillers 16 and floor extension 17 therefore ensure that the floor 3 and side walls 5 are substantially without gaps therebetween.

[0159] Floors 3 and side walls 5 have main planes which are arranged oblique to one another. Wall fillers 16 and floor extension 17 are parallel to main planes of walls 5c and floor 3 respectively.

[0160] Floors 3 and side walls 5 of components 1a, 1b, 1e and 1f have main planar surface portions formed by two pieces of sheet metal. The pieces of sheet metal are aligned and meet longitudinally along a centreline seam 15.

[0161] Floors 3 and side walls 5 of components 1c and 1d have main planar surface portions formed by a single piece of sheet metal. Pieces of sheet metal of components 1c are symmetric and formed identically to one another, whereas the piece of component 1d is non-symmetric and non-identical compared with the pieces of components 1c.

[0162] Component 1a-1f is shaped to be nestable with one or more identically formed components 1a-1f wherein the components 1a-1f are nestable in a stacked manner, wherein the main plane of the or each side wall is oblique to the main plane of the floor permitting the nested stacking of the components (see figures 12 to 16).

[0163] The or each piece of sheet metal forming the side walls 5 and floors 3 of components 1a to 1d are stiffened by brackets 9, 9a and 9b and components 1e and 1f are stiffened by brackets 9c.

[0164] Figures 12 to 16 show the stacking of four walkways or walkway sections including the walkway or walkway section 2d, and three walkways or walkway sections 2e to 2g identically formed compared with 2d. Brackets 9c of an upper walkway or walkway section 2g are received within brackets 9c of a walkway or walkway section 2f below and so on for the additional walkways or walkway sections below 2d-2e.

[0165] The sheet metal of the side walls 5, 105, 305 comprises cutout portions 28, 128, 328. Cut out portions 28, 128, 328 are cut out quadrants 28, 128, 328. The material of the sheet metal adjacent the cutout portions 28, 128, 328 form spaced apart upright portions 34, 134, 334, toe-plate 29, 129, 329, longitudinally extending knee rail 32, 132, 332, and a longitudinally extending top rail 36, 136, 336.

[0166] Turning to other embodiments of the invention, a component 101a (figures 17 to 20) is coupled to adjacent component 101b (figure 20) in an end-to-side configuration (component 101b is coupled to adjacent component 101a in a side-to-end configuration). The component 101b is coupled at an open side to the adjacent component 101a. The open end of the component 101a abuts and is secured in alignment with the open side of adjacent component 101b for the passage of operators.

[0167] The side walls 105d, 105e are perpendicular and thus substantially without gaps therebetween without having a filler part or floor extension.

[0168] Returning to the embodiments generally, the floors 3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503 comprise a main plane. The side walls 5, 5c, 5d, 105, 205, 305, 405, 505 comprise a main plane. In the embodiments of figures 17 to 35, the main plane of side walls 105, 205, 305, 405, 505 are perpendicular to the main plane of the floor 103, 203, 303, 403, 503.

[0169] Main planes of side walls 105, 305 comprise main planar surface portions of a piece of sheet metal. Main planes of side walls 205, 405, 505 comprise a main plane comprising a frame of a plurality of horizontal and / or vertical rails. Main planes of side walls 205, 405, 505 comprise main planes defined by horizontal and vertical rails and rail interconnecting ball joints. Vertical rails may also be referred to as tubular standards in the field.

[0170] Referring to components 101, floors 103 comprise a main planar surface portion formed by a single folded piece of sheet metal in the form of a closed box. The single folded piece of sheet metal is a single closed box piece. The closed box piece has a plurality of holes 131 in an upper surface thereof. The holes 131 increase friction on the upper surface for operators moving over the upper surface in use. The floor 103 has upright end and side portions 133, 125 which comprise apertures 135 (figure 19) for receiving mechanical fastening means for securing side walls 105 and / or upright end or side portions 133, 125 to an adjacent component 101. The coupling arrangement comprises the floor 103 having upright planar portions 133 perpendicular to the main plane of the floor 103 adaptable to be coupled to corresponding upright portions of the adjacent component. The upright portions 133 comprises upright end portions 133 (figure 20) and upright side portions 125 (figure 20). The upright end portions 133 are securable to one or more upright end portions and / or upright side portions of the floor of the adjacent component in use. The upright side portions 140 are securable to one or more upright end portions (such as in the side-to-end configuration) and / or upright side portions of the floor of the adjacent component in use (such as by brackets or side walls extending from the modular component to an adjacent modular component).

[0171] Upright end portions 133 of proximal open ends of components 101a are secured against one another using the apertures 135 and mechanical fastening means. Upright side portions 125 of components 101a and 101b are secured to base portions 137 of respective side walls 105 via apertures 141 of the side walls 105 (see figure 20). Upright stiffeners 139 are secured to side walls 105 of the components 101a, 101b via apertures of the stiffeners and side walls and mechanical fastening means. Stiffeners 139 comprise a securing portion 143 (figure 18) secured to the side walls 105 and a stiffening portion 145 (figure 19) perpendicular to the securing portion 143. Upright end portion 133 of floor 103 of component 101a is secured to upright side portion 125 of component 101b via apertures 135 in each and mechanical fastening means (not shown).

[0172] Returning to figure 4, open side of component 1d comprises two side walls 5d. The open end of component 5c comprises two extensions 16 of side walls 5c. The two side walls 5d of component 1d extend from a common longitudinal edge portion of the floor 3. The common edge portion being one of two opposite longitudinal edge portions of the floor 3. The two side walls 5d are longitudinally separated along the respective longitudinal edge portion of component 1d.

[0173] Similarly, open side of component 101b (figure 20) comprises two side walls 105. The two side walls 105 of component 101b extend from a common longitudinal edge portion of the floor 103. The common edge portion being one of two opposite longitudinal edge portions of the floor 103. The two side walls 105 are longitudinally separated along the respective longitudinal edge portion of component 101b.

[0174] The components 1d, 101b are adapted to be coupled to no more than the adjacent component 1d, 101a in the side-to-end configuration because they have only one open side, and one closed side opposite the open side formed by side walls 5, 105.

[0175] The open end of component 201a (see especially figure 21) comprises two extensions 206 of side walls 205. The two side wall extensions 206 are arrangeable to form side walls extending along a common longitudinal edge portion of a floor of an adjacent component coupled in the end-to-side configuration (i.e., the end of 201a coupled to the side of an adjacent component). Side wall extensions 206 of side walls 205 are equal length and thus separation of the side wall extensions 206 are centred along a longitudinal edge portion of a floor of an adjacent component in the end-to-side configuration.

[0176] Component 201a is adapted to be coupled at the open end opposite the open end coupled to component 201b to an adjacent component (not shown) in an end-to-side configuration. The open end of the component 201a is adapted to abut and be secured in alignment with an open side of an adjacent component whereby the floor of the components are aligned and substantially without gaps therebetween and the side walls are perpendicular and substantially without gaps therebetween. Specifically, side wall extensions in the form of rails extending from the side walls 205a of component 201a are suitable for forming side walls of the adjacent component. At an end of component 201b opposite an open end coupled to component 201a side wall extensions in the form of rails extending from the side walls 205b of component 201b are suitable for forming an end wall of the component 201b.

[0177] The component 201b comprises a closed end opposite an open end, wherein the closed end comprises an end wall 226. Component 201b is adapted to be coupled to no more than one adjacent component in an end-to-end or end-to-side configuration because it has only one open end, a closed end, and no open sides. Advantageously, the end wall 226 can be used so that component 201b forms part of a platform with component 201a.

[0178] Floors 203, 303 of components 201, 301 comprise a main planar surface portion formed by aligned central and flanking folded pieces of sheet metal 222, 223, 322, 323 which meet at two interfaces 215, 315 respectively (see especially figures 23 and 26). Referring to component 301 only, flanking folded pieces of sheet metal 323 are lateral reinforcing parts for a main central part 322. The floor 303 comprises two lateral reinforcing parts 323 and a main central part 322 extending between and secured to the two lateral reinforcing parts 323. Component 201 is formed in a similar manner as seen in figure 23.

[0179] Floor grating pieces 251, 351 are received on the main planar surface portion of floors 203, 303. Central folded pieces of floors 203, 303 are crossmember pieces 222, 322 and two flanking open box pieces 223, 323 which are lateral reinforcing parts 223, 323. Pieces 223, 323 are open along their outwardly facing surface portions. The open box parts 223 comprise two outwardly facing planar side portions 225, 227 extending upwardly in a parallel manner thereby forming a side of the open box 223 for allowing upright rail mounting brackets 209 (figure 22) to be secured at intervals along the length of the walkway or walkway section 202. Brackets 209 also provide a stiffening function for the walkway or walkway section 202 especially with flanges 247 (see figure 23). Brackets 209 also assist coupling the two adjacent components 201 by being secured to an open box piece of both adjacent components 201a, 201b. The planar side portion 227 also forms a base plate part 229 of side walls 205, which prevents operators' feet extending over the edge of the floor 203 and prevents objects rolling over the edge of the floor 203. The open box parts 323 of component 301 comprise an outwardly facing planar side portion 325 and aligned with outwardly facing surface of the wall 305. The open box parts 323 allow brackets 309 to be secured at intervals along the length of the walkway or walkway section 302 (figure 25). Brackets 309 have a securing part 349 which extends between side walls of the two adjacent components 301 and is secured to both, and two stiffening flanges 347 at opposite ends of the securing part 349, one of which being visible in figure 26.

[0180] Crossmembers 222, 322 are provided at each end of the components 201, 301 for connecting the two side walls 205, 305, and for stiffening the components 201, 301. Cross members 222, 322 comprise upper and lower planar surface portions alignable with upper and lower planar surface portions of the open boxes 223, 323. The cross members 222, 322 also comprise outwardly facing planar side surface portions securable against inwardly facing side surface portions of the open boxes thereby forming seam 215, 315. The cross members face towards the centre of the components with a planar backplate 253, 353 facing perpendicular to the floor 203, 303. The backplate 253, 353 extends continuously between the upper and lower planar surface portions and between the two outwardly facing planar side surface portions. The backplates 253, 353 comprise apertures 235, 335 for coupling the components 201a, 201b and components 301 together, and for coupling the component 201a to a further adjacent component at its free open end in the end-to-side configuration (not shown). A crossmember 222 is provided for reinforcing the component 201b at the closed end. The backplates 353 comprise apertures 335 for coupling the components 301 together and for coupling components 301 to further adjacent components in the end-to-end configuration (not shown).

[0181] End edges of the upward projecting portions 227 of the open box pieces 223 meet along their edges at corners of the component 201 at the closed end 226. The upward projecting portions 227 of the open box pieces 223 are aligned and meet substantially without any gaps therebetween at the open end. Walls 205, 405, 505 are continuous railings of tubular pieces.

[0182] Floors 403, 503 of components 401, 501 are formed similarly to floors 103. Side walls 405, 505 are formed from vertical and horizontal railings which are interconnected by ball joints. Central upright brackets 409, 509 are secured to the upright side portions 425, 525 of the floors 403, 503. Upright side portions 425, 525 of floors 403, 503 of adjacent components 401, 501 are aligned and upright brackets 409, 509 secured to adjacent components 401, 501 are aligned and substantially without any gaps therebetween. Central upright bracket 409 and brackets 509 is / are secured to the floors 403, 503 of both / each pair of adjacent components 401, 501. Rail mounting brackets are secured to external planar surfaces of upright brackets 409, 509 via apertures 435, 535 in each and mechanical fastening means or by welding. Upright brackets 409, 509 comprise flanges 455, 555 for stiffening (see figures 30, 31 and 35).

[0183] There are two upright brackets 509 per side of the three aligned components 501 of the walkway or walkway section 502. Rail mounting brackets of walkway 502 are shorter than the rail mounting brackets of components of walkway 402 and are secured to the top of upright brackets 509 rather than towards the base of brackets 409. The skilled person will appreciate that all preferred or optional features of the invention described with reference to only some aspects or embodiments of the invention may be applied to all aspects of the invention.

[0184] It will be appreciated that optional features applicable to one aspect of the invention can be used in any combination, and in any number. Moreover, they can also be used with any of the other aspects of the invention in any combination and in any number. This includes, but is not limited to, the dependent claims from any claim being used as dependent claims for any other claim in the claims of this application.

[0185] In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

[0186] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section for machinery of an industrial plant, the component configurable to have one or two open opposite ends and / or an open side for the passage of operators and: a floor, and at least one side wall extending upwardly in use from a longitudinal edge portion of the floor, and a coupling means for coupling the component to at least one adjacent component, wherein the component is adaptable to be coupled at the or both open ends to an adjacent component in either one of: an end-to-end configuration for creating elongate straight sections of the walkway or walkway section whereby the floors and side walls of adjacent components are alignable and arrangeable substantially without gaps therebetween, and / or an end-to-side configuration for creating junctions or bends of the walkway, and / or wherein the component is adaptable to be coupled at the open side to an adjacent component in a side-to-end configuration for creating junctions, bends or off-chutes of the walkway or walkway section, whereby in the end-to-side and / or side-to-end configuration the floors of the component and the or each adjacent component are alignable and the side walls of the component and the or each adjacent component are arrangeable perpendicular or oblique, and the floors and side walls are arrangeable substantially without gaps therebetween.

2. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to claim 1, wherein the open side comprises two side walls extending from a common longitudinal edge portion of the floor, wherein the two side walls are longitudinally separated along the respective longitudinal edge portion.

3. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the component comprises a closed end opposite an open end, wherein the closed end comprises an end wall.

4. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each side wall comprises a main plane, wherein the main plane of the at least one side wall comprises a main planar surface portion of one or more pieces of sheet metal.

5. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to claim 4, wherein the one or more pieces of sheet metal of the or each side wall comprises one or more cutout portions, wherein material of the sheet metal adjacent the or each cutout portions form one or more of: spaced apart upright portions, a longitudinally extending knee rail, a longitudinally extending top rail, and a longitudinally extending toe-plate.

6. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to claim 5, wherein cutout portions are cut from quadrants of the or each side wall forming the spaced apart upright portions, knee rail, top rail, and toe-plate.

7. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the or each side wall comprises a main plane, wherein the main plane of the at least one side wall comprises a main plane comprising a frame of a plurality of horizontal and / or vertical rails.

8. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the main plane of the or each side wall comprises an external planar surface adaptable to have secured thereon a plurality of brackets for coupling the component to the or each adjacent component.

9. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the floor of the component comprises a main plane disposed at an angle to the main plane of the one or more side walls, wherein the main plane of the floor comprises a main planar surface portion of one or more pieces of sheet metal.

10. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to claim 9, wherein the component is shaped to be nestable with one or more identically formed components, wherein the components are nestable in a stacked manner, wherein the main plane of the or each side wall is oblique to the main plane of the floor permitting the nested stacking of the components.

11. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the coupling means comprises the floor having one or more upright planar portions perpendicular to the main plane of the floor adaptable to be coupled to corresponding upright portions of the adjacent component, wherein the upright planar portions of the floor comprise upright end portions and / or upright side portions securable to upright end portions or upright side portions of an adjacent component.

12. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling means comprises the or each side wall having upright end portions adaptable to be coupled to corresponding upright end portions of side walls of the or each adjacent component.

13. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each side wall and floor are formed from separate pieces of material, wherein the or each side wall is mechanically couplable to the floor.

14. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to claim 13, wherein the floor comprises two lateral reinforcing parts and a main central part extending between and secured to the two lateral reinforcing parts.

15. A modular component for forming a walkway or walkway section according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a longitudinal half of the floor and at least one side wall extending from a longitudinal edge thereof is formed from a single piece of sheet metal, wherein two identically formed such single pieces of sheet metal are be secured to one another to form the component, or wherein the whole floor and the or each side wall is formed from a single piece of sheet metal.

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