An apparatus for forming grooves in a malleable surface

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus 100 having a base member for forming grooves in a malleable or soft surface, particularly wet and / or newly laid concrete. This provides a surface having g

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming grooves in a malleable surface and is particularly concerned with creating grooves in wet and / or newly laid concrete surfaces for providing drainage for water, skid-resistance, and good braking surface. The apparatus allows a worker to stand on the side surface and groove the surface. In order to reduce aircraft accidents on wet runways, safety grooving was originally devised. The safety grooving is a technique for the engraving of grooves into concrete to enhance traction and minimise the risk of injury. The business, which is represented by the International Grooving and Grinding Association (IG&GA), has grown to include applications for pedestrian and highway use. The method was developed at Langley, which also helped test the grooving on highways and in airports. The ability of a vehicle to turn on bends was improved, the stopping distance was shortened, and skidding was lowered. This technique has been expanded to area that could be hazardously slick / slippery. In region where a dry surface is preferred yet moisture contamination is likely, concrete is frequently used as flooring. For regions where animals are kept or managed and which require routine cleaning, concrete is typically used. In these circumstances, flat concrete surfaces may drain slowly. When damp, flat concrete surfaces can become slippery. In order to facilitate better drainage, ensuring that the majority of the surface dries out quickly after being exposed to wet, the channels or grooves are ideally created in the surfaces of concrete. The concrete surface has also a tendency to be cracked / fractured when it dries or becomes hardened. Thus, grooving prevents abnormal cracks in concreting during the drying or hardened process of the surface. Further, it would help to improve the traction between the concrete surface and the footwears or tyres of a vehicle and to increase the anti-skid performance of the concrete surface. During shrinkage or expansion, the grooved surface acts as expansion joints or fault lines which prevent the surface from being cracked or fissured, or broken. Therefore, there is a need for equipment that allows grooves / channels to be etched on a wet surface across a vast area without leaving behind unwanted markings. Now the groover for pavement / roads / highway is well known in the construction industry. They are either manually operable wherein a grooving member is attached to a handle or a machine / road roller operable where a roller has a grooving member mounted on a frame configured to the machine / road roller. The machine-operable groovers are expensive and cause damage to the wet surface due to heavyweight in comparison with the manual / hand-held groover. The manual groovers are eco-friendly and very cost-effective. The object of the invention to provide a groover that forms grooves into the surface with finishing while still preserving the smoothness of the surface of the pavement / road / sidewalk in between the grooves. Grooves formed whilst the concrete is too wet will disappear and the formation of grooves once the concrete has set is completely impracticable. The object of the invention is to provide a tool that forms grooves on the surface while it is still wet. There is, also a requirement for an apparatus and method whereby the grooves may be engraved on a malleable surface covering a wide area by the apparatus which do not leave peripheral / extraneous imprints on the wet surface of the concrete. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for forming grooves without leaving any extraneous marks in the malleable surface of concrete pavement / road / sidewalk / pedestrian / area near the stairs, either transversely or longitudinally. Longitudinal safety grooving does greatly reduce wet weather skidding accidents but does not improve friction coefficient. Another object of the invention is to provide a great surface for heavy lorries carrying huge weights, especially in the wet / rain. It prevents the tyres from spinning or slipping even when the vehicles are carrying huge loads. SUMMARY According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for forming grooves in a malleable surface comprising a base member, wherein the base member comprises a ground-engaging surface having a plurality of parallel grooving members for forming the grooves in the malleable surface wherein each grooving members has a ridge for creating grooves on the malleable surface, wherein the spacing formed between two adjacent ridges of the parallel grooving members is a shallow concave shaped groove / recess. Ideally, the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a greater width dimension measured between two adjacent ridges of the parallel grooving members than the depth dimension of the ridge measured from the base of the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess to a tip of the ridge. Preferably, the ridge is a sharp ridge for creating sharp grooves on the malleable surface. Preferably, the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a width dimension to depth dimension in a ratio of 2:1. Preferably, the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a width dimension to depth dimension in a ratio greater than 2:1. Preferably, the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a width dimension to depth dimension in a ratio less than 15:1. In a most preferred embodiment, the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a width dimension to depth dimension in a ratio of 8.75:1. Preferably, the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a width dimension measured between two adjacent ridges of the parallel grooving members in a range of 25mm to 45 mm. Preferably, the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a width dimension measured between two adjacent ridges of the parallel grooving members in a range of 30mm to 40 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a width dimension measured between two adjacent ridges of the parallel grooving members of 35 mm. Ideally, the depth dimension of the ridge measured from the base of the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess to the tip of the ridge is in the range of 1mm to 7mm. Ideally, the depth dimension of the ridge measured from the base of the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess to the tip of the ridge is in the range of 2mm to 6 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the depth dimension of the ridge measured from the base of the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess to the tip of the ridge is 4mm. Advantageously, the shallow concave-shaped grooves / recesses provided on the base member of the device produce grooves on the newly laid floor without loss in strength of the floor which helps to distribute loads uniformly in comparison to V-shape / sine wave spacing. Thus, the floor is more durable / long-lasting. The present apparatus is simple to operate, stable, and has high processing / working efficiency. Ideally, the base member is an elongate plate. Preferably, the ground-engaging surface is a lower surface of the base member. Preferably, the base member comprises an upper surface. Preferably, the base member is a rectangular-shaped body. Preferably, one or more surfaces extend between the upper and lower surface. Ideally, the one or more surfaces comprise two longitudinal sides and two end sides. Preferably, one or more surfaces comprise a front side, a rear side and two end sides. Ideally, the lower surface of the base member comprises one or more grooving members for forming the grooves in the malleable / plastic surface. Preferably two longitudinal sides comprise the front side and the rear side. Preferably, the two end sides comprise a first end side and a second end side. Preferably, the lower surface of the base member comprises the plurality of parallel grooving members integral for forming the grooves in the wet surface / newly laid concrete. Preferably, the grooving members are disposed in a parallel arrangement, evenly spaced apart on the lower surface of the base member. Preferably, the grooving members are disposed in a spaced parallel arrangement on the lower surface of the base member from the first end side to the second end side. Preferably, the or each grooving member extends from the front side to the rear side. Preferably, the front side, the rear side and two end sides comprise a thickness between 10 mm to 25 mm. Preferably, the front side, the rear side and two end sides comprise a thickness between 14 mm to 20 mm. Preferably, the two end sides comprise a thickness of 16 mm. Preferably the front side and the rear side comprises a thickness between 12mm to 16mm. Advantageously, the base member elongates in order to provide the plurality of grooving members. This causes numerous grooves to be formed in the wet / malleable surface. Preferably, the base member comprises a receiving means being configurable to receive an attaching means detachably connectable to the base member. Preferably, the receiving means comprises two or more spaced apertures. Preferably, the receiving means comprises one or more set of spaced apertures. Ideally, the receiving means comprise a first, second and third set of the apertures for attaching the attaching means. Preferably, the first set of spaced apertures is disposed on the centre of the upper surface for receiving the attaching means. Ideally, the first set is located between the boundaries of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side of the upper surface. Preferably the first set of spaced apertures is disposed on the centre of the upper surface for receiving the attaching means. Preferably, the first set of spaced apertures is located on the centre of the upper surface at an equal distance from the two end sides. Preferably, the upper surface comprises a second set of apertures near the first end side and a third set of apertures near the second end side. Preferably, the second set and third set of spaced apertures are located on the upper surface at an equal distance from their respective end sides. Preferably, the second set and third set of spaced apertures are located on the upper surface at an equal distance from the centre of the upper surface. Preferably, the second set and third set of spaced apertures are configured for holding the attaching means via one or more supporting members via one or securing means. Preferably, the securing means comprises a first securing means being attachable with the upper surface of the base member near the first end side of the base member via the second set of spaced apertures. Preferably, the securing means comprises a second securing means being attachable with the upper surface of the base member near the second end side of the base member via the third set of spaced apertures. Ideally, the securing means comprise angle brackets for securely coupling the attaching means to the base member. Preferably, the attaching means is mounted to a centre of the upper surface of the base member via the receiving means. Ideally, the attaching means comprises an upper end and a lower end. Preferably, attaching means having a tubular body. Preferably, attaching means comprises a handle. Preferably, the attaching means defines an attaching axis. Preferably, the attaching means is fixed to the base member via a fastening means. Preferably, the fastening means comprises a housing having a first end and a second end and a side wall. Preferably, the first end is an open end for receiving the attaching means. Preferably the fastening means extends longitudinally from the first end to the second end. Preferably, the side wall is slightly tapered and / or conical for easy maintenance. Preferably, the second end is a closed end. Alternatively, the second end may be an open end. Preferably, the fastening means is removably connected to the receiving means provided at the centre of base member via a fixing means. Ideally, the fixing means is integrally formed or mounted on an external side wall of the fastening means. Preferably, the fastening means is removably connected to the base member via a coupling means. Alternatively, the fastening means may be removably connected to the base member directly via one or more mechanical fixings. Preferably, the mechanical fixings herein mean such as riveting, screwing, nailing, and / or welding, to mount the coupling means to the base member. Preferably, the coupling means is connected to the receiving means of the base member via one or more mechanical fixings. Preferably, the fastening means comprises a saddle having one or more inner sides and one or more protrusions configurable for being attached to the coupling means. Ideally, the fixing means comprises a saddle having one or more inner sides and one or more protrusions configurable for being attached to the coupling means. Preferably, the coupling means comprises one or more lugs. Ideally, the coupling means comprises one lug. Preferably, the lug is provided with a hole. Ideally, the inner sides of the saddle have a pair of mutually opposing apertures that align with the hole of the lug when the inner sides of the saddle are mounted on the lug. Ideally, the saddle may be pivotally connected to the lugs. Preferably, the attaching means is pivotally connected to the base member. Ideally, the fastening means has a tubular body. Ideally, the fastening means comprises an engaging means for engaging a part of the attaching means. Preferably, the fastening means comprises an engaging means for engaging the lower end of the attaching means. Preferably, the engaging means is removably housed in the fastening means. Preferably, the side wall of the fastening means has a means for fixing the engaging means therein. Preferably, the engaging means extends outwardly in the longitudinal direction of the fastening means. Preferably, the fastening means comprises an engaging means for engaging the lower end of the attaching means. Preferably, the attaching means is fixed to the fastening means via the engaging means. Preferably, the engaging means has a tubular body. Preferably, the engaging means comprises a locking means for attaching the attaching means. Preferably, the tubular body of the engaging means comprises a locking means for attaching the attaching means. Advantageously, the arrangement means is a spring-loaded snap button which is used to assemble and adjust the multiple section of the attaching means without using any mechanical fixings. Advantageously, the base member is generally symmetrically attached about the axis of the attaching means for providing the stability and grip, while in use. Ideally, the lower end of the attaching means comprises a hole wherein the attaching means movably connected with the fastening means via the hole. Preferably, the attaching means is removably connected with the engaging means via the hole. Preferably, the lower end of the attaching means is removably connected with the engaging means via the hole. Preferably, the attaching means rotatably mounted on the engaging means via the arrangement means and extended rearwardly / outwardly therefrom. Ideally, the attaching means is supported by one or more supporting members which are connected to the attaching means via a clamping means. Preferably, the attaching means is supported by the two supporting members which are connected to the attaching via a clamping means. Preferably, the one or more supporting members comprise a first supporting member and a second supporting member extending outwardly from the attaching means so as to be mounted to the upper surface of the base member. Advantageously, the apparatus having supporting members guides the apparatus efficiently and effortlessly and provides a smooth finishing to the surface. Preferably, the first and the second supporting members extend outwardly in opposite directions from the surface of the attaching means. Preferably, the one or more supporting members comprise a top end and a bottom end. Ideally, the top end and the bottom ends are flattened. Preferably, the first supporting member and a second supporting member are connected to the receiving means of the base member via one or more securing means. Preferably, the upper end of the supporting members is fixed to the outer surface of the attaching means via the clamping means. Preferably, the attaching means comprises one or more apertures for mounting the clamping means through which the top end of the first supporting member and the top end of the second supporting member is connected to the attaching means via the mechanical fixings. Ideally, the bottom end of the supporting members is fixed to the upper surface of the base member via the receiving means by using the one or more securing means. Preferably, the securing means is being attachable to the base member via the second set and third set of spaced apertures via the mechanical fixings. Preferably, the securing means is being attachable with the bottom end of the supporting members via the mechanical fixings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 shows a bottom perspective view of the base member according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 2 shows a side view of the base member according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows a detail view of figure 2. Figure 4 shows a top plan view of the base member without securing means according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the base member with securing means according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 6 shows a side view of the apparatus according to the present disclosure. Figure 7 shows a side view of a grooved malleable surface using the apparatus according to the present disclosure. Figure 8 shows a side perspective view of another embodiment of the base member with fastening arrangement, coupling arrangement and another embodiment of the securing means according to the present disclosure. Figure 9 shows a side perspective view of the base member with fastening arrangement without second set and third set of apertures according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 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 recognize that various changes and modifications to 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. 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 illustrative purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the drawings there is illustrated an apparatus for forming grooves in a malleable surface being indicated by reference numeral 100. The apparatus 100 has a base member 2, a receiving arrangement 3 and an attaching arrangement 4. Referring to figures 1-5, the base member 2 has a ground-engaging surface 5 having a plurality of parallel grooving members 6 for forming the grooves in the malleable surface 200. The grooving member 6 has a ridge 7 for creating grooves 201 on the malleable surface 200, A spacing 8 formed between two adjacent ridges 7, 7’ of the parallel grooving members 6 is a shallow concave shaped groove / recess 9. Referring to figure 2 and 3, the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess 9 has a greater width dimension measured between two adjacent ridges 7, 7’ of the parallel grooving members 6, 6’ than the depth dimension of the ridge 7 measured from the base 10 of the shallow concave shaped groove / recess 9 to a tip 11 of the ridge 7. The ridge 7 is a sharp ridge for creating sharp grooves 201 on the malleable surface 200. In a preferred embodiment as shown in figure 2-3, the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess 9 has a width dimension to depth dimension in a ratio of 8.75:1. The shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a width dimension measured between two adjacent ridges of the parallel grooving members of 35 mm. In the preferred embodiment, the depth dimension of the ridge 7 measured from the base 10 of the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess to the tip of the ridge is 4mm. Advantageously, the shallow concave-shaped grooves / recesses 9 provided on the base member 2 of the apparatus 100 produce grooves 201 on newly laid floor 200 without loss in strength of floor which help to distribute loads uniformly in comparison to V-shape / sine wave spacing. Thus, the floor is more durable / long-lasting. The present apparatus is simple to operate, stable and has high processing / working efficiency. Referring to Figure 1, the base member 2 is an elongated plate 2 and the ground engaging surface 5 is a lower surface 5 of the base member 2. Advantageously, the base member 2 elongates in order to provide the plurality of grooving members 6. This causes numerous grooves to be formed in the wet / malleable surface. The base member 2 comprises an upper surface 12. The base member is a rectangular-shaped body that has one or more surfaces 13, 14,15, 16 extending between the upper surface 12 and lower surface 5. The one or more surfaces 13, 14, 15, 16 comprise two longitudinal sides 13, 14 and two end sides 15, 16. The two longitudinal sides 13, 14 has a front side 13 and a rear side 14 and two end sides. The two end sides 15, 16 comprise a first end side 15 and a second end side 16. The lower surface 5 of the base member 2 comprises one or more grooving members 6 for forming the grooves 201 in the malleable / plastic surface 200. As shown in Figure 5, the lower surface 5 of the base member 2 comprises the plurality of parallel grooving members 6 integral for forming the grooves 201 in the wet surface / newly laid concrete 200. The grooving members 6 are disposed in a parallel arrangement, evenly spaced apart on the lower surface 5 of the base member 2. The grooving members 6 are disposed in a spaced parallel arrangement on the lower surface 5 of the base member 2 from the first end side 15 to the second end side 16. The grooving member 6 extends from the front side 13 to the rear side 14. Referring to figures 2-3, the front side and the rear side comprise a thickness between 12mm to 16mm. The first end sides and second end side comprise a thickness between 12mm to 16mm. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first end side and the second end side have a thickness of 12mm wherein the grooving members present at the corner of the base member 2 form a half concave-shaped recess. This allows a perfect finish on the malleable surface 200 when a user creates the grooves in the adjacent surface of the grooved surface 202 as illustrated in figure 7. Advantageously, the joint formed between two adjacent grooved surfaces are remain untraceable. Referring to figure 4, the base member 2 has a receiving arrangement 3 being configurable to receive an attaching arrangement 4 as shown in figure 6 detachably connectable to the base member 2. The receiving arrangement 3 comprises two or more spaced apertures 17, 18, 19. The receiving arrangement 3 comprises a first set 17’, 17”, a second set 18’, 18” and a third set 19’, 19” of the apertures for attaching the attaching arrangement 4. The first set of the spaced apertures 17 is disposed on the centre of the upper surface 12 for receiving the attaching arrangement 4. The first set 17 is located between the boundaries of the first longitudinal side 13 and the second longitudinal side 14 of the upper surface 12. The first set of the spaced apertures 17’, 17” are located on the centre of the upper surface 12 at an equal distance from the two end sides 15, 16 as shown in figure 4. The upper surface 12 has a second set of apertures 18’, 18” near the first end side 15 and a third set of apertures 19’, 19” near the second end sides 16. The second set 18 and third set 19 of spaced apertures are located on the upper surface 12 at an equal distance from their respective end sides 15, 16. The second set 18 and third set 19 of spaced apertures are located on the upper surface 12 at an equal distance from the centre of the upper surface 12. The second set 18 and third set 19 of the spaced apertures are configured for holding the attaching arrangement 4 via two supporting members 20 as shown in figure 6 via one or securing arrangement 21 as shown in figure 5. The securing arrangement 21 comprises a first securing arrangement 21’ and the second securing arrangement 21”. The securing arrangement are two angle brackets 2T, 21” for securely coupling the attaching arrangement 4 to the base member 2. The first securing arrangement 21’ is being attachable with the upper surface 12 of the base member near the first end side 15 of the base member 2 via the second set of spaced apertures18’, 18”. The second securing arrangement 21” is being attachable with the upper surface 12 of the base member 2 near the second end side 16 of the base member 2 via the third set of spaced apertures 19’, 19”. The attaching arrangement 4 is mounted to a centre of the upper surface 12 of the base member 2 via the receiving arrangement 3. The attaching arrangement 4 comprises an upper end 4’ and a lower end 4”. The attaching arrangement 4 is a handle having a tubular body which define an attaching axis. The securing arrangement 21 is being attachable to the base member 2 via the second set and third set of spaced apertures via the mechanical fixings. The first securing arrangement 21’ is being attachable with the bottom end of the first supporting members 20’ via the mechanical fixings near the first end side of the base member. The second securing arrangement 21’ is being attachable with the bottom end of the second supporting members 20’ via the mechanical fixings near the second end side 16 of the base member 2. As shown in figure 6, the attaching arrangement 4 is fixed to the base member 2 via a fastening arrangement 22. The fastening arrangement 22 has a housing 23 having a first end 24 and a second end 25 and a side wall 26. The first end 24 is an open end for receiving the attaching arrangement 4. The fastening arrangement 22 extends longitudinally from the first end 24 to the second end 25 and the side wall 26 is slightly tapered and / or conical for easy maintenance. The second end 26 is a closed end. The fastening arrangement 22 is removably connected to the receiving arrangement 3 provided at the centre of base member 2 via a fixing arrangement 27. The fixing arrangement 27 is integrally formed or mounted on an external side wall 26 of the fastening arrangement 22. The fastening arrangement 22 is removably connected to the base member 2 via a coupling arrangement 28 as illustrated in figure 8. The coupling arrangement 28 is connected to the first set of spaced apertures 17’, 17” of the base member 2 via one or more mechanical fixings 29. The mechanical fixings herein mean such as riveting, screwing, nailing, and / or welding, to mount the coupling means to the base member 2. The attaching arrangement 4 is pivotally connected to the base member 2. The fixing arrangement 27 comprises a saddle 30 having inner side 30’ and two protrusions 30” configurable for being attached to the coupling arrangement. The coupling arrangement 28 comprises one lug 31 having a hole 32. The inner sides 30’ of the saddle 30 have a pair of mutually opposing apertures 33 which align with the hole 32 of the lug 31 when the inner sides 30’ of the saddle 30 are mounted on the lug 31. The saddle 30’ is pivotally connected to the lugs 31. The fastening arrangement 22 has a tubular body. The fastening arrangement 22 has an engaging arrangement 34 for engaging the lower part of the attaching arrangement 4. The engaging arrangement 34 is removably housed in the fastening arrangement 22. The engaging arrangement is housed into the tubular body of the fastening arrangement 22 and fixed to the hole provided in the side wall 26 of the fastening arrangement via screws / nuts. The engaging arrangement 34 extends outwardly in the longitudinal direction of the fastening arrangement 22 for engaging the lower end 4” of the attaching arrangement 4. The engaging arrangement 34 has a tubular body comprising a locking arrangement 35. The locking arrangement 35 is a spring-loaded snap button 35 as illustrated in figure 9. The snap button 35 is used to assemble and adjust the multiple section of the attaching arrangement 4 without using any mechanical fixings. Advantageously, the base member is generally symmetrically attached about the axis of the attaching means for providing the stability and grip, while in use. The lower end 4” of the attaching means comprises a hole 36 wherein the attaching arrangement 4 movably connected with the engaging arrangement 34 of fastening arrangement 22 via the hole 36. The attaching arrangement 4 is supported by the two supporting members 20 which are connected to the attaching arrangement 4 via a clamping arrangement 38. The supporting members 20’, 20” has a first supporting member 20’ and a second supporting member 20” extending outwardly from the attaching arrangement 4 so as to be mounted to the upper surface 12 of the base member 2. Advantageously, the apparatus having supporting members 20 guides the apparatus efficiently and effortlessly and provides a smooth finishing to the surface 2OO.The first and the second supporting members 20’, 20” extend outwardly in opposite direction from the outer surface / outer side wall of the attaching arrangement 4. The each supporting member 20’, 20” has a top end 39’, 39” and a bottom end 40’, 40”. The top ends and the bottom ends are flattened. The top end of the each supporting members is connected to the outer surface of the attaching arrangement 4 via the clamping arrangement 38. The attaching arrangement 4 comprises an aperture for mounting the clamping arrangement 38 through which the top end 39’ of the first supporting member 20’ and the top end 39” of the second supporting member 20” are connected to the attaching arrangement 4 via a mechanical fixing. The bottom end 40’ of the first supporting member 20 is being connected to the first securing arrangement 21 ’ via a screw. The bottom end 40” of the second supporting member 20” is being connected to the second securing arrangement 21” via a screw. 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. 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. 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. 5 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. An apparatus for forming grooves in a malleable surface comprising a base member, wherein the base member comprises a ground-engaging surface having a plurality of parallel grooving members for forming the grooves in the malleable surface wherein each grooving members has a ridge for creating grooves on the malleable surface, wherein the spacing formed between two adjacent ridges of the parallel grooving members is a shallow concave shaped groove / recess.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a width dimension to a depth dimension in a ratio of 2:1.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a width dimension measured between two adjacent ridges of the parallel grooving members in a range of 25mm to 45 mm.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess has a width dimension measured between two adjacent ridges of the parallel grooving members in a range of 30mm to 40 mm.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the depth dimension of the ridge measured from the base of the shallow concave-shaped groove / recess to the tip of the ridge is in the range of 1mm to 7mm.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a front side, a rear side and two end sides; and wherein the two end sides comprise a first end side and a second end side.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a lower surface for forming the grooves in the malleable surface and an upper surface wherein the ground-engaging surface is the lower surface of the base member.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the lower surface of the base member comprises one or more grooving members for forming the grooves in the malleable / plastic surface.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the grooving members are disposed in a spaced parallel arrangement on the lower surface of the base member from the first end side to the second end side.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the grooving members extend from the front side to the rear side.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the front side, the rear side and two end sides comprise a thickness between 10 mm to 25 mm.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base member comprises a receiving means being configurable to receive an attaching means detachably connectable to the base member.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the receiving means comprises two or more spaced apertures.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the receiving means comprise a first, second and third set of the apertures for attaching the attaching means.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first set of spaced apertures is disposed on the centre of the upper surface for receiving the attaching means.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second set and third set of spaced apertures are configured for holding the attaching means via one or more supporting members via one or securing means.

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the securing means comprises a first securing means being attachable with the upper surface of the base member near the first end side of the base member via the second set of spaced apertures.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the attaching means is mounted to a centre of the upper surface of the base member via the receiving means.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the attaching means is fixed to the base member via a fastening means.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the fastening means comprises an engaging means for engaging a lower end of the attaching means.

21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the lower end of the attaching means is removably connected with the engaging means via a hole.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the engaging means comprises a locking means for attaching the attaching means.

23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the attaching means is supported by one or more supporting members which are connected to the attaching means via a clamping means.

24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the one or more supporting members comprise a first supporting member and a second supporting member extending outwardly from the attaching means so as to be mounted to the upper surface of the base member.

25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the first supporting member and a second supporting member are connected to the receiving means of the base member via one or more securing means.

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