Floor plate

Abstract

There is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and a plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of second through-holes having a second shape which is a part of the first shape, the plurality of second through-holes being arranged outwardly of the plurality of first through-holes.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of Great Britain Patent Application No. 2504370.4 filed on Mar. 25, 2025, the contents of which are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a floor plate, in particular a floor plate for use on soft or uneven ground to create a stable surface.

[0003] Floor plates (occasionally referred to as ‘slabs’) are used to create a stable surface on soft or uneven ground, such as on mud, soil, gras, sand and gravel. Floor plates find use in environments such as gateways, paddocks, pathways, parking areas, gardens, tracks, storage areas, driveways and commercial areas, and may be used to improve the stability of the ground in these environments for access, parking, keeping animals, landscaping, etc. Multiple floor plates (arranged adjacently) are generally used to create a single continuous surface which may usefully be (relatively easily) removed so as to allow the relevant area to be repurposed. Floor plates accordingly find use in many situations as a more flexible alternative to using concrete.

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide an improved floor plate.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Aspects of the disclosure are set out in the accompanying claims.

[0006] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and a plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of second through-holes having a second shape which is a part of the first shape, the plurality of second through-holes being arranged outwardly of the plurality of first through-holes.

[0007] This arrangement may allow for smaller through-holes to be located at the edge of the floor plate, thereby creating room for features which allow the floor plate to be engaged with other such floor plates without leaving edge portions of the floor plate without through-holes. The arrangement may also allow the regular arrangement of through-holes effectively to extend across multiple floor plates. In more detail, by this arrangement, multiple floor plates may be used together to create a single surface having a regular arrangement of through-holes (and partial / smaller through-holes) extending throughout the surface. This may allow the multiple floor plates (as a whole) to be more stable when used on the ground and more buoyant in mud.

[0008] The first and second shapes may be shapes of the first and second through-holes at the upper surface of the floor plate; optionally wherein the shape of the first and / or second through-hole may vary away from the upper surface of the floor plate. The second shape may be a part of the first shape in the sense that the first shape is a section of segment of the first shape. The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged outwardly of the plurality of first through-holes on a surface of the floor plate. The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged outwardly of the plurality of first through-holes in the sense that all / any of the plurality of the second through-holes are further towards the edge of the floor plate than all / any of the plurality of first through-holes – preferably such that the plurality of the second through-holes surround the plurality of first through-holes.

[0009] The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged adjacent an outer part of the plate. Preferably, the plurality of second through-holes are arranged at a side or sides of the floor plate; and / or an edge or edges of the floor plate. Said edge or edges may be located away from an inner part of the floor plate in a direction transverse to the extension of the through-hole through the plate. The plurality of first through-holes may be arranged at an inner part of the plate.

[0010] The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged such that a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement.

[0011] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and a plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of second through-holes having a second shape which is a part of the first shape, arranged such that a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement. Said regions may be regions on an upper surface of the floor plate. The plurality of regions and the plurality of first through-holes may be arranged in the regular arrangement in a strict sense, preferably in that each of the plurality of regions and the plurality of first through-holes have the same (first) shape and are spaced regularly and evenly, more preferably so as to form a regular grid (of objects having the same size and spacing). The regular arrangement may include the same spacing between objects in two dimensions (which may be conceptualised as x and y dimensions).

[0012] The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged such that, when the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged adjacently, the plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of regions of each of the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged in the regular arrangement.

[0013] Each of the plurality of second through-holes may be located within a corresponding region of the plurality of regions; preferably may be located within a corresponding region of the plurality of regions and located within the region away from an outer part of the plate. This may allow the part of each region that does not include the second through-hole to be put to other uses. Namely, the part of each region that does not include the second through-hole (also referred to as a subregion) may form part of a (solid) edge portion of the plate.

[0014] Each of the plurality of regions may extend over: a corresponding second through-hole; and a subregion, wherein the subregion forms part of a formation being configured to cooperate with a corresponding formation of another floor plate. The subregion may be arranged outwardly of the corresponding second through-hole; and / or the subregion may be arranged closer to an adjacent edge of the floor plate than the corresponding second through-hole.

[0015] The floor plate may further comprise a plurality of third through-holes arranged adjacent corners of the floor plate, arranged such that a plurality of further regions corresponding to the plurality of third through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement, preferably wherein each of the plurality of third through-holes has a third shape which is a smaller first shape. Each of the plurality of third through-holes may be arranged at a centre of each of the plurality of further regions.

[0016] The floor plate may further comprise a plurality of grip features arranged on an upper surface of the floor plate, preferably wherein a plurality of grip features are arranged around each of the plurality of regions and / or the plurality of first apertures.

[0017] The second shape may be a segment of the first shape; preferably wherein the first shape is octagonal, and the second shape is pentagonal, more preferably wherein the octagonal second shape is formed as a cut-off of the hexagonal first shape. As such, the second through-hole may be a cut-off / partial version of the first through-hole. The region may be considered to be formed by the partial first through-hole and the part of the floor plate which ‘extends over’ part of the first through-hole.

[0018] The floor plate may further comprise a body portion; and an edge portion, the edge portion having a reduced thickness relative to the body portion; preferably wherein an upper surface of the plate extends across the edge portion and body portion. That is, the edge portion may be located at an upper part of the floor plate. The first through-holes may be located in the body portion. The second through-holes may extend up to the edge portion, such that the edge portion ‘cuts off’ the region to define the second through-hole, and / or such that the edge portion defines the ‘cut-off’ of the second through-hole relative to the first through-hole. The edge portion may define a side wall of the second through-hole nearest the edge of the floor plate (at least proximate the upper surface of the floor plate).

[0019] The floor plate may further comprise a plurality of formations (also referred to as engagement formations) being configured to cooperate with a corresponding plurality of formations of another floor plate; preferably wherein each of the plurality of formations is located adjacent one of the plurality of second through-holes. The at least one formation may be configured to cooperate with a corresponding at least one formation of another floor plate when the floor plate and another floor plate are arranged adjacently, preferably thereby to allow the floor plate and another floor plate to be mated together without gaps therebetween, more preferably such that the edge portion of the floor plate and an edge portion of another floor plate are in contact. The at least one formation may be arranged at an outer part of the plate, preferably at the side of the plate.

[0020] The plurality of formations may comprise a plurality of male formations and a plurality of female formations, preferably being arranged in regular sequence along an edge of the floor plate. The male formations may extend away from the floor plate in a direction transverse to the extension of the through-holes through the floor plate. Each of a subset of the plurality of second through-holes may comprise an open side portion located underneath the edge portion, the open side portion defining a female formation. Each of the plurality of formations may located underneath the edge portion – that is, each of the plurality of formations may located away from the upper surface of the floor plate.

[0021] The floor plate may further comprise a plurality of blind apertures extending from a lower surface of the floor plate; preferably wherein the plurality of blind apertures are arranged in a further regular arrangement such that the each of the plurality of first through-holes are arranged between a subset of the plurality of blind apertures. As used herein, the term ‘blind aperture’ may refer to an aperture in a surface forming an opening to a channel or slot into the floor late, where the channel or slot does not extend through the floor plate.

[0022] The floor plate may further comprise at least one first feature; and at least one second feature; the at least one first feature being configured to engage with a corresponding at least one second feature of another floor plate when the floor plate is stacked.

[0023] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of through-holes (which may be the first and second through-holes); at least one first feature; and at least one second feature; the at least one first feature being configured to engage with a corresponding at least one second feature of another floor plate when the floor plate is stacked. As used herein, the term ‘stacked’ may refer to a condition in which a plurality of like floor plates are arranged one on top of another.

[0024] Mitigating relative translation of stacked floor plates by way of these interlocking features may assist in transporting and storing multiple floor plates.

[0025] The at least one first feature may be arranged on an upper surface of the floor plate; and the at least one second feature may be arranged on a lower surface of the floor plate. The at least one first feature may be at least one male feature; and the at least one second feature may be at least one female feature. There may be provided a plurality of first features; and a plurality of second features.

[0026] At least a subset of the plurality of first features may extend between the plurality of through-holes (where this subset of the plurality of first features may be referred to as first grip features), preferably wherein the plurality of through-holes are arranged in a regular arrangement, such that the at least a subset of the plurality of first features are arranged in a corresponding regular arrangement. The at least a subset of the plurality of first features may comprise a plurality of bar features, preferably wherein a subset of the plurality of bar features are arranged orthogonally to a further subset of the plurality of bar features.

[0027] At least a further subset of the plurality of first features may comprise grip features surrounding each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes (where this further subset of the plurality of first features may be referred to as second grip features); and at least a further subset of the plurality of second features comprise the at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes; preferably wherein the grip features are configured to engage into each of the corresponding at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes. This may allow the grip features to assist in preventing relative translation when the floor plates are stacked.

[0028] Each of the plurality of through-holes may have a wall. At least a portion of the wall of each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes may be sloped such that a diameter of the at least a portion of the wall varies with distance through the floor plate.

[0029] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of through-holes (which may be the first and second through-holes), each of the plurality of through-holes having a wall, wherein at least a portion of the wall of each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes is sloped such that a diameter of the at least a portion of the wall varies with distance through the floor plate.

[0030] Providing at least some of the through-holes with sloped walls may allow the floor plate to be lighter and more buoyant / stable in mud, may allow for the through-holes to have a smaller diameter at the upper surface of the floor plate (which may reduce the risk of items passing into the through-holes in normal use), and may improve stacking (because as described protrusions surrounding each through-hole can be fitted into the bottom of a corresponding through-hole when floor plates are stacked).

[0031] A diameter of the at least a portion of the wall may increase with distance from an upper surface of the floor plate to a lower surface of the floor plate. This may provide the through-holes with an internal ‘conical’ shape, which may allow for greater compression of soil entering this area of the product thus providing better support on very soft ground.

[0032] The at least a portion of the wall may be a portion of the wall proximate the lower surface of the floor plate. That is, a sloped part of the wall may be a part away from the upper surface of the floor plate. A shoulder may be defined between the portion of the wall proximate the lower surface of the floor plate and a further portion of the wall (said further portion being proximate the upper surface).

[0033] The floor plate may be quadrilateral, preferably square.

[0034] The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged such that, if they had the first shape, the plurality of second through-holes would be arranged in the regular arrangement. The plurality of second through-holes may be shaped as segments of (imaginary) further first through-holes, which would be in the regular arrangement

[0035] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement; wherein a subset of the plurality of through-holes at the edge of the plate are cut off such that the regular arrangement extends across multiple floor plates when arranged together.

[0036] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement; and a plurality of through-hole segments.

[0037] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement and having a first shape; a plurality of second through-holes having a second shape which is a segment of the first shape; wherein each of the plurality of second through-holes is arranged such that a first shape corresponding to each of the plurality of second through-holes is arranged in the regular formation.

[0038] According to an aspect, there is provided a system comprising a plurality of floor plates as described herein; preferably wherein the plurality of floor plates are capable of being arranged in register so as to form a surface formed of the plurality of floor plates; more preferably wherein the plurality of floor plates has a regular arrangement of features thereon; yet more preferably wherein said features include one or more of: a plurality of first through-holes; a plurality of regions corresponding to a plurality of second through-holes; a plurality of further regions corresponding to a plurality of third through-holes; a plurality of grip features, optionally being arranged around each of the plurality of regions and each of the plurality of first through-holes; and a plurality of formations being configured to cooperate with a corresponding plurality of formations of another floor plate. The invention extends to methods and / or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] As used herein, the term ‘segment’ refers to a part of a shape (in particular a generally circular shape) which is "cut off" from the rest of the shape by a straight line.

[0040] As used herein, the term ‘diameter’ is used in a general sense to refer to a length spanning across a shape, which may or may not be exactly circular but preferably is generally circular.

[0041] The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification and claims preferably means ‘consisting at least in part of’. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term ‘comprising’, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as ‘comprise’ and ‘comprised’ are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

[0042] Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa.

[0043] Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and / or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and / or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

[0044] It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and / or supplied and / or used independently.

[0045] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments that are described with reference to the following figures in which:BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a floor plate according to the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of part of FIG. 1;

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a further close up view of part of FIG. 1;

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a top view of multiple floor plates arranged adjacently;

[0050] FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the floor plate;

[0051] FIG. 6 shows an underside view of the floor plate;

[0052] FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of part of FIG. 6;

[0053] FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the floor plate;

[0054] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the floor plate; and

[0055] FIG. 10 shows a side view of multiple floor plates;DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a floor plate 10 according to the present disclosure. The floor plate 10 is a generally flat plate having a plurality of regularly arranged through-holes defined therein, the through-holes extending from an upper surface 12 of a plate through to a lower surface 14 such that the floor plate 10 may be described as defining a ‘grid’. Providing a grid of through-holes in this way may be beneficial in that it may improve the stability of the floor plate 10 on the soft ground (mud, sand, gravel, etc.) on which the floor plate 10 is primarily intended to be used. Stability may be improved in that in use the floor plate 10 may sink slightly into the soft ground, such that material protrudes into the through-holes so as to mitigate translation of the floor plate 10 relative to the ground. In many uses (in particular in agricultural uses) it may be appropriate for the floor plate 10, when in situ, to be covered with a ‘top dressing’ material such as sand to improve grip / footing on the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10. In certain uses the floor plate 10 may even be buried (or become naturally buried over time) some distance underneath the ground.

[0057] The floor plate 10 has a square dimension with a regular pattern / arrangement of through-holes, where the regular pattern forms a grid taking up most of the upper surface 12 of the plate. Maintaining a regular pattern of through-holes may be beneficial in terms of the stability of the floor plate 10. Two main types of through-holes are provided, referred to herein as first through-holes 16 and second through-holes 18. Each through-hole fully penetrates the thickness of the plate.

[0058] The first through-holes 16 are arranged throughout the interior part of the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10. The first through-holes 16 are arranged in a matrix grid with an equal number of rows and columns. Preferably, each row and column consists of six first through-holes 16. At the upper surface 12 of the plate, each first through-hole 16 has a first shape 20, which is preferably octagonal.

[0059] The second through-holes 18 are arranged towards the edges 24 of the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10, and so are arranged outwardly of the first through-holes 16 (effectively surrounding the first through-holes 16). The second through-holes 18 are also arranged in a regular formation that generally aligns with the same line projection as the rows and columns of the plurality of first through-holes 16.

[0060] The second through-holes 18 have a second shape 22 that is a part of the first shape 20 of the first through-hole 16. That is, the shape of each second through-hole 22 is a section of the shape of the first through-hole 20– the first shape 20 and second shape 22 are identical, save for that in the second shape 22 part of the first shape 20 is removed. Specifically, each second through-hole 18 has a pentagonal shape, which is formed by ‘cutting off’ the octagonal shape 20 of the first through-hole 16 with a straight cut. For each second through-hole 18, the imaginary cut is in a direction parallel to the closest plate edge 24 to that second through-hole 18.

[0061] A plurality of regions 26 corresponding to the respective plurality of second through-holes 18 may be conceptualized, where each region 26 has the same first shape 20 as the each of the first through-holes 16 (where, as described, each second through-hole 18 is shaped as a section of the first shape 20– so each second through-hole 18 takes up a section of each region). The plurality of regions 26 is arranged in the same regular (grid) arrangement as the plurality of first through-holes 16– in the sense that the regular arrangement defines a regular spacing and interval (in three dimensions on the upper surface 12) between items (the first through-holes 16 and the regions 26) of the same size and shape. In other words, the second through-holes 18 are in some sense aligned with the regular arrangement of the first through-holes 16 (in that if the second through-holes 18 had the first shape 20– that is, if each of the second through-holes 18 took up the entirety of each respective region 26– they would be aligned as part of the same regular arrangement). It will be appreciated each of the second through-holes 18 is arranged in each of the regions 26 (i.e. is formed as a section of each of the regions 26) away from the closest edge 24 of the floor plate 10. This means that a portion of the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10 (which is part of a component referred to as an edge portion 28) does not include any through-holes. This arrangement allows for engagement formations 30 for connecting to other such floor plates to be provided adjacent the plate edge 24 (underneath the edge portion 28 at the upper surface 12), while at the same time the regular arrangement of through-holes can be maintained to the extent possible across multiple floor plates when the floor plates are arranged in contact. That is, the arrangement may allow for smaller (sectioned) through-holes to be provided adjacent the edge of each floor plate 10 as well as engagement formations 30. This may improve the stability of a surface formed of multiple floor plates, both in that the multiple floor plated may be connected by the engagement formations 30 and that a regular arrangement of through-holes is generally maintained.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of part of FIG. 1, and illustrates what is meant here by ‘region’. The shaded / hatched area defines the region 26. This region 26 covers a second through-hole 18 together with the area that would have been present if the second through-hole 18 was a first through-hole 16. The dotted lines show the first 20 and second 22 shape. As can be seen, the region 26 has the same first shape 20 as the first through-hole 19. The second through-hole 16 has a second shape 22 which is part of the first shape 20.

[0063] The regions 26 are present along each edge 24 of the plate and are located at the side of the matrix block of first through-holes, to the left, right, top and bottom. This creates four ‘plurality of regions’26 that surround the plurality of first through-holes 16, as shown in FIG. 1. As these ‘plurality of regions’26 form a regular arrangement along every edge of the plate up to each edge of the unit matrix block, it can be seen that when joining multiple plates together, these plurality of regions 26 will form a repeating pattern at every edge where one plate connects to another. It can also be seen that the matrix arrangement of first through-holes 16 in FIG. 1 will form part of a regular and repeating arrangement on connecting multiple plates. This regular and repeating arrangement on connected multiple plates is illustrated in FIG. 4. The regions 26 and first through-holes 16 together form a single regular arrangement (of items having the same shape at the upper surface 12) which extends across multiple floor plates.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows a further close up view of another part of FIG. 1. Corresponding regions 36 (indicated by hatching / shading) are also included at the corners of the floor plate, but rather than including a second though-hole 18, these corner regions 36 include a third through-hole 38. The corner regions 36 are arranged in the same regular arrangement as the previously described regions 26 and first through-holes 16. The third through-holes 38 are arranged at the center of the corner regions 36 and have the same (first) shape 20, but a smaller size / diameter at the upper surface 12, such that they appear to be smaller versions of the first through-holes 16. Unlike the first through-holes 16, the third through-holes 38 include a chamfered edge 60 at the upper surface 12. The third through-holes 38 and further regions 36 assist further in maintaining the regular arrangement of through-holes to the extent possible across multiple floor plates.

[0065] Alongside the described through-holes, the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10 includes a number of features arranged to improve the grip provided by the floor plate 10 to users when in situ, and to allow the floor plate 10 to be conveniently stacked with other such floor plates 10 for transport or storage.

[0066] First grip features 40 are provided on the upper surface 12 as generally ‘bar’-shaped members which extend between adjacent first through-holes 16, regions 26, and corner regions 36. The longest dimension of the first grip feature 40 is arranged parallel with the edges 24 of the upper surface 12, such that a short dimension of each of the grip features protrudes above the upper surface 12. The first grip features 40 are arranged in either a ‘vertical’ or ‘horizontal’ orientation, and extend between adjacent first through-holes 16, regions 26, and corner regions 36 such that all of the first through-holes 16 / regions 26 / corner regions 36 are connected to the adjacent first through-holes 16 / regions 26 / corner regions 36 in the regular arrangement. Being arranged in the interior of the upper surface 12, each of the first through-holes 16 is surrounded by four orthogonally arranged first grip features 40 (extending away from each of the first through-holes 16 to an adjacent first through-hole 16 or region 26. Each of the regions 26 is arranged adjacent to three orthogonally arranged first grip features 40, two of which extend parallel to the edge of the upper surface 12 to an adjacent region 26 or corner region 36, the other of which extends inwardly to an adjacent first through-hole 16. Each of the corner regions 36 is arranged adjacent to two orthogonally arranged first grip features 40, which extend to an adjacent region. Each of the first grip members extends to the edge of each of the relevant first through-holes 16 / regions 26 / corner regions 36. The edges of the bar members 40 are formed so as not to have sharply defined corners, for safety in use – preferably, there is provided a smooth contour 42 from the plate surface and top of the first grip feature 40 as shown in FIG. 9. The short dimension of the first grip feature 40 that protrudes above the upper surface 12 is short relative to the diameter of the first-through-hole 16 – preferably, it is no more than one quarter of the diameter of the first through-hole 16.

[0067] Second grip features 44 are provided on the upper surface 12 as members that surround each of the first through-holes 16, regions 26, and corner regions 36. The second grip features 44 protrude away from the upper surface 12 to the same distance as the first grip features 40. At each of the first through-holes 16, four second grip features 44 are provided at the edge of the first through-hole 16, each of the second grip features 44 being provided between first grip features 40. As such, each of the first through-holes 16 is provided with a regular array of first 40 and second 44 grip features around its edges. As previously set out, the first shape 20 of the first through-hole 16 is octagonal, where the first 40 and second 44 grip features are arranged such that the relevant first 40 / second 44 grip feature contacts the edge of each first through-hole 16 at a centroid of an octagonal side of the first through-hole 16. The same arrangement of first 40 and second 44 grip features is provided in respect of the regions 26 and corner regions 36, but for that a second grip feature 44 is used in place of a first grip feature 40 where no first grip feature is present (i.e. at the edge of the region and corner region proximate an edge of the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10). This arrangement allows for a generally regular arrangement of grip features to be provided, where this arrangement is consistent to the extent possible across multiple floor plates as shown in FIG. 4 (depicting multiple floor plates are arranged adjacent each other).

[0068] Third grip features 46 are also provided on the upper surface 12. The third grip features 46 are knob-like projections which extend to the same height or less than the first 40 and second 44 grip features. The third grip features 46 are arranged in a regular arrangement interposed between the previously described regular arrangement defined by the regions 26, corner regions 36, and first through-holes 16.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a plurality of floor plates 10 connected together (by way of engagement formations that will be described) at their edges. As can be seen, a complete surface is formed, where the regular arrangement of first through-holes 16, regions 26, and corner regions 36 extends across the surface. FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the floor plate.

[0070] An edge portion 28 at the upper surface 12 of the floor plate was previously described. This edge portion 28 does not include any through-holes and effectively defines the ‘cut off’ to the region that forms the second through-holes. The edge portion 28 has a reduced thickness relative to the remainder of the floor plate 10 (which may be referred to as the body portion), such that the edge portion 28 extends over less than half of the total thickness of the floor plate 10. This thin edge portion 28 allows for a complete flat upper surface 12 to be formed when multiple floor plates are arranged adjacently, where the space underneath the edge portion 28 can be used for mating formations 30.

[0071] FIG. 6 shows an underside view of the floor plate, while FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of the same. FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the floor plate 10. The underside 48 of the floor plate 10 will now be described. Although as shown in FIG. 1 the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10 is arranged as a square having through-holes therethrough, the lower surface 14 as the plate 10 is in fact formed as a honeycomb-like structure having thin connecting walls 54 separating large through-holes. This results from first 16 and second 18 through-holes having sloping walls 50, such that the diameter of these through-holes increases with distance away from the upper surface 12, such that the lower surface 14 covers a smaller area than upper surface 12. As previously set out, the edge portion 28 of the floor plate is thinner than the body of the floor plate 10, such that the lower surface 14 protrudes away (and / or is thicker) than the edge portion 28. This is another reason why the lower surface 14 covers a smaller area than upper surface 12.

[0072] The feature of the through-holes having sloping walls may improve the buoyancy of the floor plate 10 in soft material. Specifically, regarding this arrangement, each of the first 16 and second through-holes 18 include a wall portions 62 proximate to the upper surface 12 of the plate 10 which is ‘straight’ (i.e. does not vary in diameter), and portions 64 proximate to the lower surface 14 of the plate which is sloped so as to increase in diameter. These wall portions 62, 64 are best visible in FIG. 8. An inwardly extending shoulder 66 is defined between the two portions 62, 64 of though-hole wall. The first 16 and second 18 through-holes are configured at the lower surface 14 so as to receive the second grip features 44 of another floor plate 10 therein when the plates are stacked, where in such situation the second grip features 44 assist in mitigating relative translation of the stacked floor plates as shown in FIG. 10. For first through-holes 16, eight straight wall portions 62 and eight sloped wall portions 64 are provided, in accordance with the octagonal shape of the first through-holes 16. The wall portion arrangement for second through-holes 18 is similar but differs in that the edge portion 12‘cuts off’ each second through-hole 18, as will be described later on.

[0073] As already set out, the lower surface 14 includes connecting walls 54 separating through-holes. The connecting walls 54 form a grid structure, in accordance with the regular arrangement of the first through-holes 16. The connecting walls 54 extend between lower surface 14 regions which are interposed between first through-holes 16 (and between first through-holes 16 and second through-holes 18). Each lower surface 14 region includes a blind hole 52, which extends from the lower surface 14 to the interior of the floor plate 10 (but does not extend through the floor plate 10). The blind holes 52 are arranged in a regular grid arrangement throughout the plate whereby four blind holes 52 surround each first through-hole 16 and two blind holes 52 are arranged adjacent each second through-hole 18 (away from the edge of the plate). These blind holes 52 serve to improve buoyancy of the floor plate 10 in soft materials. It will be appreciated that each blind hole 52 extending from the lower surface 14 corresponds to a third grip feature 46 on the upper surface 12. Each blind hole 52 has a diameter that gradually reduces with the depth of the hole into the plate 10.

[0074] The connecting walls 54 include indented portions 56 being sunken from the lower surface 14 such that, when the floor plate 10 is stacked with another such floor plate 10, the indented portions 56 receive the first grip features 40 on the upper surface 12 of the other floor plate 10. The first grip features 40 and the indented portions 56 slot together to resist relative translation of the floor plates 10. Since a regular arrangement of orthogonally arranged first grip features 40 and indented portions 56 is provided, translation in two orthogonal directions is resisted, providing for secure stacking.

[0075] The thinner edge portion 28 means that the wall 50 of each of the second through-holes 18 includes a section 70 at the inside of the edge portion 28 (which extends only as far as the thickness of the edge portion – such that the section 70 is effectively the inside edge of the edge portion 28), and four straight wall portions 62 and four sloped wall portions 64 separated by a shoulder 66 as previously described. Four portions 63, 64 are provided in accordance with the pentagonal shape of the second through-hole. As such, the area underneath the edge portion 28 proximate the second through-hole 18 (corresponding to the part of the region on the upper surface 12 which is not taken up with the second through-hole) is not taken up by a wall of the second through-hole 18.

[0076] A plurality of male and female mating formations 30 are provided underneath the edge portion, where each of the male or female mating formations 30 is provided proximate a second through-hole 18. The male 34 and female 32 formations are arranged in regular sequence around the edge of the floor plate 10, such that male formations 34 are interposed with female formations 32. Female formations 32 are defined by an opening into the side of the floor plate 10 underneath the edge portion 28, the opening being defined by the sloped portions 64 of the walls 50 of the second through-hole 18. Male formations 34 are formed as projections which are connected to, and extend from, the sloped portion 64 of the walls of adjacent second through-holes 18– such that the male projections protrude out of the side of the floor plate 10, underneath the edge portion 28. Specifically, the male formations 34 are shaped so as provide an outer surface 76 which faces away from the floor plate 10, where when the floor plate 10 is arranged adjacent to another such floor plate 10 the male formation 34 fits into the female formation 32 of the adjacent floor plate 10 such that the outer surface 76 extends so as to be parallel with the inner surface of the edge portion 28 (referred to earlier as the first portion of the wall of the first through-hole 16), or otherwise to extend such that the outer surface 76 is set slightly back from the inner surface of the edge portion 28. The outer surface 76 has generally the same width as the part of the edge portion 28 that acts to ‘cut off’ the first shape 20 on the upper surface 12 so as to define the second through-hole 18, such that the male formation 34 fits properly into the female formation 32. The outer surface 76 has chamfered side edges 68 (to avoid sharp edges), such that the fit is not particularly tight.

[0077] In more detail, when viewing the underside 48 of the plate, the male formation 34 may be described in terms of a series of walls extending from which the sloped portion 64 of the walls 50 of adjacent second through-holes 18. First male formation walls 72 extend from the sloped portion 64 of the walls 50 of adjacent second through-holes 18 in a direction corresponding to the direction of the second nearest sloped portion 64 of the wall 50, such that the first male formation walls 72 act to reduce the width of the male formation 34 and extend to the same length as the second nearest side of the sloped portion 64 of the wall 50. Second male formation walls 74 extend from the first male formation walls 72 in a direction orthogonal to the edge 24 of the plate. The second male formation walls are joined, via chamfered edges 68, by a third male formation wall which defines the outer surface 76 of the male formation.

[0078] The underside of the male formation 34 comprises, at an interior part thereof, internal walls 78 which extends from the underside of the edge portion 28 and which corresponds to the sloped portion 64 of the walls 50 of the second through-hole 18 such that a complete wall is formed. This complete wall is identical to the wall of the first through-holes 16 but for that the complete wall exists only underneath the edge portion 28– and because the complete wall is not the wall of a through-hole, because the internal wall extends from the underside of the edge portion 28 such that the walls of the second through-hole 18 are instead formed by the section 70, i.e. the interior edge of the edge portion 28, and the second portion of the wall of the second through-hole 18. The provision of these internal walls 78 may assist in stability, in that the regular arrangement of through-holes is maintained on the underside of the floorplate 14 to the greatest extent possible.

[0079] The underside of the male formation also comprises an indented portion 56 for receiving the first grip feature 40, being aligned with the indented portion 56 on the connecting walls 54. Part of the indented portion 56 away from the centre of the floor plate 10 may have a flared shape.

[0080] The edge formation further comprises, at an outer part of the plate, tabs 80 arranged above the male formation, which may assist in aligning floor plates next to each other.

[0081] At the corners of the floor plate 10, a partial male formation 58 is provided. The partial male formation 58 is effectively half of a previously described male formation 34 and extends outwardly from the side of a floor plate 10 in a predetermined direction. When four floor plates are joined at their corners, the partial male formations 58 of two of the floor plates abut to form a complete male formation, where the partial male formations 58 of the other two floor plates abut to form a further complete male formation 34. The two male formations 34 (which would be arranged orthogonally in this scenario) would then abut so as to close the gap between the floor plates. The partial male formation 58 is shaped generally the same as (half of) a previously described male formation 34. Tabs 80 are also arranged above the partial male formations 58.

[0082] As will be appreciated, the edge portion 28 extends over the corners of the floor plate, but on the underside of the floor plate 14 only a partial male formation 58 is provided. This means that the third through-hole 38 extends only through the edge portion 28. The third through-hole 38 also does not vary in diameter throughout the thickness of the floor plate 10, unlike the first through-hole 16 and second through-hole 18.

[0083] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the floor plate; and FIG. 10 shows a side view of multiple floor plates. When floor plates are stacked (i.e. once the floor plates shown in FIG. 10 are brought on top of each other), the first grip features 40 are received into the indentations 56 (which is not apparent in FIG. 10, because the relevant formations are concealed) and the second grip features 44 are received into the first and second through-holes 16, 18.

[0084] The floor plates 10 may be formed from a plastics material, preferably a recycled material, and may be manufactured using any suitable method, e.g. injection molding. The floor plates 10 may have any suitable dimension but are preferably sized so as to balance the requirements of being easily handled while also covering an appropriately large area. 50cm x 50cm may be an appropriate size for the floor plate (in which case the thickness of the plate may be 5 – 10cm). The diameter of the first through-holes may be approximately 5cm.Example Clauses

[0085] 1. A floor plate, comprising:

[0086] a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and

[0087] 2. A floor plate according to clause 1, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged adjacent an outer part of the plate.

[0088] 3. A floor plate according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged such that a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement.

[0089] 4. A floor plate, comprising:

[0090] a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and

[0091] 5. A floor plate according to clause 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged such that, when the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged adjacently, the plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of regions of each of the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged in the regular arrangement.

[0092] 6. A floor plate according to any of clauses 3 to 5, wherein each of the plurality of second through-holes is located within a corresponding region of the plurality of regions and away from an outer part of the plate.

[0093] 7. A floor plate according to any of clauses 3 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of regions extend over: a corresponding second through-hole; and a subregion, wherein the subregion forms part of a formation being configured to cooperate with a corresponding formation of another floor plate.

[0094] 8. A floor plate according to any of clauses 3 to 7, further comprising a plurality of third through-holes arranged adjacent corners of the floor plate, arranged such that a plurality of further regions corresponding to the plurality of third through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement, preferably wherein each of the plurality of third through-holes has a third shape which is a smaller first shape.

[0095] 9. A floor plate according to any of clauses 3 to 8, further comprising a plurality of grip features arranged on an upper surface of the floor plate, preferably wherein a plurality of grip features are arranged around each of the plurality of regions and each of the plurality of first through-holes.

[0096] 10. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, wherein the second shape is a segment of the first shape; preferably wherein the first shape is octagonal, and the second shape is pentagonal, more preferably wherein the pentagonal second shape is formed as a cut-off of the octagonal first shape.

[0097] 11. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, further comprising a body portion; and an edge portion, the edge portion having a reduced thickness relative to the body portion; preferably wherein an upper surface of the plate extends across the edge portion and body portion.

[0098] 12. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, further comprising a plurality of formations being configured to cooperate with a corresponding plurality of formations of another floor plate; preferably wherein each of the plurality of formations is located adjacent one of the plurality of second through-holes.

[0099] 13. A floor plate according to clause 12, wherein the plurality of formations comprise a plurality of male formations and a plurality of female formations, preferably being arranged in regular sequence along an edge of the floor plate.

[0100] 14. A floor plate according to clause 13 when dependent on clause 11, wherein each of a subset of the plurality of second through-holes comprises an open side portion located underneath the edge portion, the open side portion defining a female formation.

[0101] 15. A floor plate according to any of clauses 12 to 14 when dependent on clause 11, wherein each of the plurality of formations is located underneath the edge portion.

[0102] 16. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, further comprising a plurality of blind apertures extending from a lower surface of the floor plate; preferably wherein the plurality of blind apertures are arranged in a further regular arrangement such that the each of the plurality of first through-holes are arranged between a subset of the plurality of blind apertures.

[0103] 17. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, further comprising at least one first feature; and at least one second feature; the at least one first feature being configured to engage with a corresponding at least one second feature of another floor plate when the floor plate is stacked.

[0104] 18. A floor plate, comprising:

[0105] a plurality of through-holes;

[0106] at least one first feature; and

[0107] at least one second feature;

[0108] the at least one first feature being configured to engage with a corresponding at least second feature of another floor plate when the floor plate is stacked.

[0109] 19. A floor plate according to clause 17 or 18, further comprising a plurality of first features; and a plurality of second features.

[0110] 20. A floor plate according to clause 19, wherein at least a further subset of the plurality of first features comprise grip features surrounding each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes; and at least a further subset of the plurality of second features comprise the at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes; preferably wherein the grip features are configured to engage into each of the corresponding at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes.

[0111] 21. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, wherein each of the plurality of through-holes has a wall.

[0112] 22. A floor plate according to clause 21, wherein at least a portion of the wall of each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes is sloped such that a diameter of the at least a portion of the wall varies with distance through the floor plate.

[0113] 23. A floor plate, comprising:

[0114] 24. A floor plate according to clause 22 or 23, wherein the diameter of the at least a portion of the wall increases with distance from an upper surface of the floor plate to a lower surface of the floor plate.

[0115] 25. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, wherein the floor plate is quadrilateral, preferably square.

[0116] It will be understood that aspects and embodiments are described above purely by way of example, and that modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the claims.

[0117] Each apparatus, method, and feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

[0118] Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Examples

example clauses

[0085]1. A floor plate, comprising:

[0086]a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and

[0087]2. A floor plate according to clause 1, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged adjacent an outer part of the plate.

[0088]3. A floor plate according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged such that a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement.

[0089]4. A floor plate, comprising:

[0090]a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and

[0091]5. A floor plate according to clause 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged such that, when the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged adjacently, the...

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of Great Britain Patent Application No. 2504370.4 filed on Mar. 25, 2025, the contents of which are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a floor plate, in particular a floor plate for use on soft or uneven ground to create a stable surface.

[0003] Floor plates (occasionally referred to as ‘slabs’) are used to create a stable surface on soft or uneven ground, such as on mud, soil, gras, sand and gravel. Floor plates find use in environments such as gateways, paddocks, pathways, parking areas, gardens, tracks, storage areas, driveways and commercial areas, and may be used to improve the stability of the ground in these environments for access, parking, keeping animals, landscaping, etc. Multiple floor plates (arranged adjacently) are generally used to create a single continuous surface which may usefully be (relatively easily) removed so as to allow the relevant area to be repurposed. Floor plates accordingly find use in many situations as a more flexible alternative to using concrete.

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide an improved floor plate.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Aspects of the disclosure are set out in the accompanying claims.

[0006] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and a plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of second through-holes having a second shape which is a part of the first shape, the plurality of second through-holes being arranged outwardly of the plurality of first through-holes.

[0007] This arrangement may allow for smaller through-holes to be located at the edge of the floor plate, thereby creating room for features which allow the floor plate to be engaged with other such floor plates without leaving edge portions of the floor plate without through-holes. The arrangement may also allow the regular arrangement of through-holes effectively to extend across multiple floor plates. In more detail, by this arrangement, multiple floor plates may be used together to create a single surface having a regular arrangement of through-holes (and partial / smaller through-holes) extending throughout the surface. This may allow the multiple floor plates (as a whole) to be more stable when used on the ground and more buoyant in mud.

[0008] The first and second shapes may be shapes of the first and second through-holes at the upper surface of the floor plate; optionally wherein the shape of the first and / or second through-hole may vary away from the upper surface of the floor plate. The second shape may be a part of the first shape in the sense that the first shape is a section of segment of the first shape. The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged outwardly of the plurality of first through-holes on a surface of the floor plate. The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged outwardly of the plurality of first through-holes in the sense that all / any of the plurality of the second through-holes are further towards the edge of the floor plate than all / any of the plurality of first through-holes – preferably such that the plurality of the second through-holes surround the plurality of first through-holes.

[0009] The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged adjacent an outer part of the plate. Preferably, the plurality of second through-holes are arranged at a side or sides of the floor plate; and / or an edge or edges of the floor plate. Said edge or edges may be located away from an inner part of the floor plate in a direction transverse to the extension of the through-hole through the plate. The plurality of first through-holes may be arranged at an inner part of the plate.

[0010] The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged such that a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement.

[0011] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and a plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of second through-holes having a second shape which is a part of the first shape, arranged such that a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement. Said regions may be regions on an upper surface of the floor plate. The plurality of regions and the plurality of first through-holes may be arranged in the regular arrangement in a strict sense, preferably in that each of the plurality of regions and the plurality of first through-holes have the same (first) shape and are spaced regularly and evenly, more preferably so as to form a regular grid (of objects having the same size and spacing). The regular arrangement may include the same spacing between objects in two dimensions (which may be conceptualised as x and y dimensions).

[0012] The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged such that, when the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged adjacently, the plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of regions of each of the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged in the regular arrangement.

[0013] Each of the plurality of second through-holes may be located within a corresponding region of the plurality of regions; preferably may be located within a corresponding region of the plurality of regions and located within the region away from an outer part of the plate. This may allow the part of each region that does not include the second through-hole to be put to other uses. Namely, the part of each region that does not include the second through-hole (also referred to as a subregion) may form part of a (solid) edge portion of the plate.

[0014] Each of the plurality of regions may extend over: a corresponding second through-hole; and a subregion, wherein the subregion forms part of a formation being configured to cooperate with a corresponding formation of another floor plate. The subregion may be arranged outwardly of the corresponding second through-hole; and / or the subregion may be arranged closer to an adjacent edge of the floor plate than the corresponding second through-hole.

[0015] The floor plate may further comprise a plurality of third through-holes arranged adjacent corners of the floor plate, arranged such that a plurality of further regions corresponding to the plurality of third through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement, preferably wherein each of the plurality of third through-holes has a third shape which is a smaller first shape. Each of the plurality of third through-holes may be arranged at a centre of each of the plurality of further regions.

[0016] The floor plate may further comprise a plurality of grip features arranged on an upper surface of the floor plate, preferably wherein a plurality of grip features are arranged around each of the plurality of regions and / or the plurality of first apertures.

[0017] The second shape may be a segment of the first shape; preferably wherein the first shape is octagonal, and the second shape is pentagonal, more preferably wherein the octagonal second shape is formed as a cut-off of the hexagonal first shape. As such, the second through-hole may be a cut-off / partial version of the first through-hole. The region may be considered to be formed by the partial first through-hole and the part of the floor plate which ‘extends over’ part of the first through-hole.

[0018] The floor plate may further comprise a body portion; and an edge portion, the edge portion having a reduced thickness relative to the body portion; preferably wherein an upper surface of the plate extends across the edge portion and body portion. That is, the edge portion may be located at an upper part of the floor plate. The first through-holes may be located in the body portion. The second through-holes may extend up to the edge portion, such that the edge portion ‘cuts off’ the region to define the second through-hole, and / or such that the edge portion defines the ‘cut-off’ of the second through-hole relative to the first through-hole. The edge portion may define a side wall of the second through-hole nearest the edge of the floor plate (at least proximate the upper surface of the floor plate).

[0019] The floor plate may further comprise a plurality of formations (also referred to as engagement formations) being configured to cooperate with a corresponding plurality of formations of another floor plate; preferably wherein each of the plurality of formations is located adjacent one of the plurality of second through-holes. The at least one formation may be configured to cooperate with a corresponding at least one formation of another floor plate when the floor plate and another floor plate are arranged adjacently, preferably thereby to allow the floor plate and another floor plate to be mated together without gaps therebetween, more preferably such that the edge portion of the floor plate and an edge portion of another floor plate are in contact. The at least one formation may be arranged at an outer part of the plate, preferably at the side of the plate.

[0020] The plurality of formations may comprise a plurality of male formations and a plurality of female formations, preferably being arranged in regular sequence along an edge of the floor plate. The male formations may extend away from the floor plate in a direction transverse to the extension of the through-holes through the floor plate. Each of a subset of the plurality of second through-holes may comprise an open side portion located underneath the edge portion, the open side portion defining a female formation. Each of the plurality of formations may located underneath the edge portion – that is, each of the plurality of formations may located away from the upper surface of the floor plate.

[0021] The floor plate may further comprise a plurality of blind apertures extending from a lower surface of the floor plate; preferably wherein the plurality of blind apertures are arranged in a further regular arrangement such that the each of the plurality of first through-holes are arranged between a subset of the plurality of blind apertures. As used herein, the term ‘blind aperture’ may refer to an aperture in a surface forming an opening to a channel or slot into the floor late, where the channel or slot does not extend through the floor plate.

[0022] The floor plate may further comprise at least one first feature; and at least one second feature; the at least one first feature being configured to engage with a corresponding at least one second feature of another floor plate when the floor plate is stacked.

[0023] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of through-holes (which may be the first and second through-holes); at least one first feature; and at least one second feature; the at least one first feature being configured to engage with a corresponding at least one second feature of another floor plate when the floor plate is stacked. As used herein, the term ‘stacked’ may refer to a condition in which a plurality of like floor plates are arranged one on top of another.

[0024] Mitigating relative translation of stacked floor plates by way of these interlocking features may assist in transporting and storing multiple floor plates.

[0025] The at least one first feature may be arranged on an upper surface of the floor plate; and the at least one second feature may be arranged on a lower surface of the floor plate. The at least one first feature may be at least one male feature; and the at least one second feature may be at least one female feature. There may be provided a plurality of first features; and a plurality of second features.

[0026] At least a subset of the plurality of first features may extend between the plurality of through-holes (where this subset of the plurality of first features may be referred to as first grip features), preferably wherein the plurality of through-holes are arranged in a regular arrangement, such that the at least a subset of the plurality of first features are arranged in a corresponding regular arrangement. The at least a subset of the plurality of first features may comprise a plurality of bar features, preferably wherein a subset of the plurality of bar features are arranged orthogonally to a further subset of the plurality of bar features.

[0027] At least a further subset of the plurality of first features may comprise grip features surrounding each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes (where this further subset of the plurality of first features may be referred to as second grip features); and at least a further subset of the plurality of second features comprise the at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes; preferably wherein the grip features are configured to engage into each of the corresponding at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes. This may allow the grip features to assist in preventing relative translation when the floor plates are stacked.

[0028] Each of the plurality of through-holes may have a wall. At least a portion of the wall of each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes may be sloped such that a diameter of the at least a portion of the wall varies with distance through the floor plate.

[0029] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of through-holes (which may be the first and second through-holes), each of the plurality of through-holes having a wall, wherein at least a portion of the wall of each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes is sloped such that a diameter of the at least a portion of the wall varies with distance through the floor plate.

[0030] Providing at least some of the through-holes with sloped walls may allow the floor plate to be lighter and more buoyant / stable in mud, may allow for the through-holes to have a smaller diameter at the upper surface of the floor plate (which may reduce the risk of items passing into the through-holes in normal use), and may improve stacking (because as described protrusions surrounding each through-hole can be fitted into the bottom of a corresponding through-hole when floor plates are stacked).

[0031] A diameter of the at least a portion of the wall may increase with distance from an upper surface of the floor plate to a lower surface of the floor plate. This may provide the through-holes with an internal ‘conical’ shape, which may allow for greater compression of soil entering this area of the product thus providing better support on very soft ground.

[0032] The at least a portion of the wall may be a portion of the wall proximate the lower surface of the floor plate. That is, a sloped part of the wall may be a part away from the upper surface of the floor plate. A shoulder may be defined between the portion of the wall proximate the lower surface of the floor plate and a further portion of the wall (said further portion being proximate the upper surface).

[0033] The floor plate may be quadrilateral, preferably square.

[0034] The plurality of second through-holes may be arranged such that, if they had the first shape, the plurality of second through-holes would be arranged in the regular arrangement. The plurality of second through-holes may be shaped as segments of (imaginary) further first through-holes, which would be in the regular arrangement

[0035] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement; wherein a subset of the plurality of through-holes at the edge of the plate are cut off such that the regular arrangement extends across multiple floor plates when arranged together.

[0036] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement; and a plurality of through-hole segments.

[0037] According to an aspect, there is provided a floor plate, comprising: a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement and having a first shape; a plurality of second through-holes having a second shape which is a segment of the first shape; wherein each of the plurality of second through-holes is arranged such that a first shape corresponding to each of the plurality of second through-holes is arranged in the regular formation.

[0038] According to an aspect, there is provided a system comprising a plurality of floor plates as described herein; preferably wherein the plurality of floor plates are capable of being arranged in register so as to form a surface formed of the plurality of floor plates; more preferably wherein the plurality of floor plates has a regular arrangement of features thereon; yet more preferably wherein said features include one or more of: a plurality of first through-holes; a plurality of regions corresponding to a plurality of second through-holes; a plurality of further regions corresponding to a plurality of third through-holes; a plurality of grip features, optionally being arranged around each of the plurality of regions and each of the plurality of first through-holes; and a plurality of formations being configured to cooperate with a corresponding plurality of formations of another floor plate. The invention extends to methods and / or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] As used herein, the term ‘segment’ refers to a part of a shape (in particular a generally circular shape) which is "cut off" from the rest of the shape by a straight line.

[0040] As used herein, the term ‘diameter’ is used in a general sense to refer to a length spanning across a shape, which may or may not be exactly circular but preferably is generally circular.

[0041] The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification and claims preferably means ‘consisting at least in part of’. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term ‘comprising’, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as ‘comprise’ and ‘comprised’ are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

[0042] Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa.

[0043] Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and / or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and / or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

[0044] It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and / or supplied and / or used independently.

[0045] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments that are described with reference to the following figures in which:BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a floor plate according to the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of part of FIG. 1;

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a further close up view of part of FIG. 1;

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a top view of multiple floor plates arranged adjacently;

[0050] FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the floor plate;

[0051] FIG. 6 shows an underside view of the floor plate;

[0052] FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of part of FIG. 6;

[0053] FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the floor plate;

[0054] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the floor plate; and

[0055] FIG. 10 shows a side view of multiple floor plates;DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a floor plate 10 according to the present disclosure. The floor plate 10 is a generally flat plate having a plurality of regularly arranged through-holes defined therein, the through-holes extending from an upper surface 12 of a plate through to a lower surface 14 such that the floor plate 10 may be described as defining a ‘grid’. Providing a grid of through-holes in this way may be beneficial in that it may improve the stability of the floor plate 10 on the soft ground (mud, sand, gravel, etc.) on which the floor plate 10 is primarily intended to be used. Stability may be improved in that in use the floor plate 10 may sink slightly into the soft ground, such that material protrudes into the through-holes so as to mitigate translation of the floor plate 10 relative to the ground. In many uses (in particular in agricultural uses) it may be appropriate for the floor plate 10, when in situ, to be covered with a ‘top dressing’ material such as sand to improve grip / footing on the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10. In certain uses the floor plate 10 may even be buried (or become naturally buried over time) some distance underneath the ground.

[0057] The floor plate 10 has a square dimension with a regular pattern / arrangement of through-holes, where the regular pattern forms a grid taking up most of the upper surface 12 of the plate. Maintaining a regular pattern of through-holes may be beneficial in terms of the stability of the floor plate 10. Two main types of through-holes are provided, referred to herein as first through-holes 16 and second through-holes 18. Each through-hole fully penetrates the thickness of the plate.

[0058] The first through-holes 16 are arranged throughout the interior part of the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10. The first through-holes 16 are arranged in a matrix grid with an equal number of rows and columns. Preferably, each row and column consists of six first through-holes 16. At the upper surface 12 of the plate, each first through-hole 16 has a first shape 20, which is preferably octagonal.

[0059] The second through-holes 18 are arranged towards the edges 24 of the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10, and so are arranged outwardly of the first through-holes 16 (effectively surrounding the first through-holes 16). The second through-holes 18 are also arranged in a regular formation that generally aligns with the same line projection as the rows and columns of the plurality of first through-holes 16.

[0060] The second through-holes 18 have a second shape 22 that is a part of the first shape 20 of the first through-hole 16. That is, the shape of each second through-hole 22 is a section of the shape of the first through-hole 20– the first shape 20 and second shape 22 are identical, save for that in the second shape 22 part of the first shape 20 is removed. Specifically, each second through-hole 18 has a pentagonal shape, which is formed by ‘cutting off’ the octagonal shape 20 of the first through-hole 16 with a straight cut. For each second through-hole 18, the imaginary cut is in a direction parallel to the closest plate edge 24 to that second through-hole 18.

[0061] A plurality of regions 26 corresponding to the respective plurality of second through-holes 18 may be conceptualized, where each region 26 has the same first shape 20 as the each of the first through-holes 16 (where, as described, each second through-hole 18 is shaped as a section of the first shape 20– so each second through-hole 18 takes up a section of each region). The plurality of regions 26 is arranged in the same regular (grid) arrangement as the plurality of first through-holes 16– in the sense that the regular arrangement defines a regular spacing and interval (in three dimensions on the upper surface 12) between items (the first through-holes 16 and the regions 26) of the same size and shape. In other words, the second through-holes 18 are in some sense aligned with the regular arrangement of the first through-holes 16 (in that if the second through-holes 18 had the first shape 20– that is, if each of the second through-holes 18 took up the entirety of each respective region 26– they would be aligned as part of the same regular arrangement). It will be appreciated each of the second through-holes 18 is arranged in each of the regions 26 (i.e. is formed as a section of each of the regions 26) away from the closest edge 24 of the floor plate 10. This means that a portion of the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10 (which is part of a component referred to as an edge portion 28) does not include any through-holes. This arrangement allows for engagement formations 30 for connecting to other such floor plates to be provided adjacent the plate edge 24 (underneath the edge portion 28 at the upper surface 12), while at the same time the regular arrangement of through-holes can be maintained to the extent possible across multiple floor plates when the floor plates are arranged in contact. That is, the arrangement may allow for smaller (sectioned) through-holes to be provided adjacent the edge of each floor plate 10 as well as engagement formations 30. This may improve the stability of a surface formed of multiple floor plates, both in that the multiple floor plated may be connected by the engagement formations 30 and that a regular arrangement of through-holes is generally maintained.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of part of FIG. 1, and illustrates what is meant here by ‘region’. The shaded / hatched area defines the region 26. This region 26 covers a second through-hole 18 together with the area that would have been present if the second through-hole 18 was a first through-hole 16. The dotted lines show the first 20 and second 22 shape. As can be seen, the region 26 has the same first shape 20 as the first through-hole 19. The second through-hole 16 has a second shape 22 which is part of the first shape 20.

[0063] The regions 26 are present along each edge 24 of the plate and are located at the side of the matrix block of first through-holes, to the left, right, top and bottom. This creates four ‘plurality of regions’26 that surround the plurality of first through-holes 16, as shown in FIG. 1. As these ‘plurality of regions’26 form a regular arrangement along every edge of the plate up to each edge of the unit matrix block, it can be seen that when joining multiple plates together, these plurality of regions 26 will form a repeating pattern at every edge where one plate connects to another. It can also be seen that the matrix arrangement of first through-holes 16 in FIG. 1 will form part of a regular and repeating arrangement on connecting multiple plates. This regular and repeating arrangement on connected multiple plates is illustrated in FIG. 4. The regions 26 and first through-holes 16 together form a single regular arrangement (of items having the same shape at the upper surface 12) which extends across multiple floor plates.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows a further close up view of another part of FIG. 1. Corresponding regions 36 (indicated by hatching / shading) are also included at the corners of the floor plate, but rather than including a second though-hole 18, these corner regions 36 include a third through-hole 38. The corner regions 36 are arranged in the same regular arrangement as the previously described regions 26 and first through-holes 16. The third through-holes 38 are arranged at the center of the corner regions 36 and have the same (first) shape 20, but a smaller size / diameter at the upper surface 12, such that they appear to be smaller versions of the first through-holes 16. Unlike the first through-holes 16, the third through-holes 38 include a chamfered edge 60 at the upper surface 12. The third through-holes 38 and further regions 36 assist further in maintaining the regular arrangement of through-holes to the extent possible across multiple floor plates.

[0065] Alongside the described through-holes, the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10 includes a number of features arranged to improve the grip provided by the floor plate 10 to users when in situ, and to allow the floor plate 10 to be conveniently stacked with other such floor plates 10 for transport or storage.

[0066] First grip features 40 are provided on the upper surface 12 as generally ‘bar’-shaped members which extend between adjacent first through-holes 16, regions 26, and corner regions 36. The longest dimension of the first grip feature 40 is arranged parallel with the edges 24 of the upper surface 12, such that a short dimension of each of the grip features protrudes above the upper surface 12. The first grip features 40 are arranged in either a ‘vertical’ or ‘horizontal’ orientation, and extend between adjacent first through-holes 16, regions 26, and corner regions 36 such that all of the first through-holes 16 / regions 26 / corner regions 36 are connected to the adjacent first through-holes 16 / regions 26 / corner regions 36 in the regular arrangement. Being arranged in the interior of the upper surface 12, each of the first through-holes 16 is surrounded by four orthogonally arranged first grip features 40 (extending away from each of the first through-holes 16 to an adjacent first through-hole 16 or region 26. Each of the regions 26 is arranged adjacent to three orthogonally arranged first grip features 40, two of which extend parallel to the edge of the upper surface 12 to an adjacent region 26 or corner region 36, the other of which extends inwardly to an adjacent first through-hole 16. Each of the corner regions 36 is arranged adjacent to two orthogonally arranged first grip features 40, which extend to an adjacent region. Each of the first grip members extends to the edge of each of the relevant first through-holes 16 / regions 26 / corner regions 36. The edges of the bar members 40 are formed so as not to have sharply defined corners, for safety in use – preferably, there is provided a smooth contour 42 from the plate surface and top of the first grip feature 40 as shown in FIG. 9. The short dimension of the first grip feature 40 that protrudes above the upper surface 12 is short relative to the diameter of the first-through-hole 16 – preferably, it is no more than one quarter of the diameter of the first through-hole 16.

[0067] Second grip features 44 are provided on the upper surface 12 as members that surround each of the first through-holes 16, regions 26, and corner regions 36. The second grip features 44 protrude away from the upper surface 12 to the same distance as the first grip features 40. At each of the first through-holes 16, four second grip features 44 are provided at the edge of the first through-hole 16, each of the second grip features 44 being provided between first grip features 40. As such, each of the first through-holes 16 is provided with a regular array of first 40 and second 44 grip features around its edges. As previously set out, the first shape 20 of the first through-hole 16 is octagonal, where the first 40 and second 44 grip features are arranged such that the relevant first 40 / second 44 grip feature contacts the edge of each first through-hole 16 at a centroid of an octagonal side of the first through-hole 16. The same arrangement of first 40 and second 44 grip features is provided in respect of the regions 26 and corner regions 36, but for that a second grip feature 44 is used in place of a first grip feature 40 where no first grip feature is present (i.e. at the edge of the region and corner region proximate an edge of the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10). This arrangement allows for a generally regular arrangement of grip features to be provided, where this arrangement is consistent to the extent possible across multiple floor plates as shown in FIG. 4 (depicting multiple floor plates are arranged adjacent each other).

[0068] Third grip features 46 are also provided on the upper surface 12. The third grip features 46 are knob-like projections which extend to the same height or less than the first 40 and second 44 grip features. The third grip features 46 are arranged in a regular arrangement interposed between the previously described regular arrangement defined by the regions 26, corner regions 36, and first through-holes 16.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a plurality of floor plates 10 connected together (by way of engagement formations that will be described) at their edges. As can be seen, a complete surface is formed, where the regular arrangement of first through-holes 16, regions 26, and corner regions 36 extends across the surface. FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the floor plate.

[0070] An edge portion 28 at the upper surface 12 of the floor plate was previously described. This edge portion 28 does not include any through-holes and effectively defines the ‘cut off’ to the region that forms the second through-holes. The edge portion 28 has a reduced thickness relative to the remainder of the floor plate 10 (which may be referred to as the body portion), such that the edge portion 28 extends over less than half of the total thickness of the floor plate 10. This thin edge portion 28 allows for a complete flat upper surface 12 to be formed when multiple floor plates are arranged adjacently, where the space underneath the edge portion 28 can be used for mating formations 30.

[0071] FIG. 6 shows an underside view of the floor plate, while FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of the same. FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the floor plate 10. The underside 48 of the floor plate 10 will now be described. Although as shown in FIG. 1 the upper surface 12 of the floor plate 10 is arranged as a square having through-holes therethrough, the lower surface 14 as the plate 10 is in fact formed as a honeycomb-like structure having thin connecting walls 54 separating large through-holes. This results from first 16 and second 18 through-holes having sloping walls 50, such that the diameter of these through-holes increases with distance away from the upper surface 12, such that the lower surface 14 covers a smaller area than upper surface 12. As previously set out, the edge portion 28 of the floor plate is thinner than the body of the floor plate 10, such that the lower surface 14 protrudes away (and / or is thicker) than the edge portion 28. This is another reason why the lower surface 14 covers a smaller area than upper surface 12.

[0072] The feature of the through-holes having sloping walls may improve the buoyancy of the floor plate 10 in soft material. Specifically, regarding this arrangement, each of the first 16 and second through-holes 18 include a wall portions 62 proximate to the upper surface 12 of the plate 10 which is ‘straight’ (i.e. does not vary in diameter), and portions 64 proximate to the lower surface 14 of the plate which is sloped so as to increase in diameter. These wall portions 62, 64 are best visible in FIG. 8. An inwardly extending shoulder 66 is defined between the two portions 62, 64 of though-hole wall. The first 16 and second 18 through-holes are configured at the lower surface 14 so as to receive the second grip features 44 of another floor plate 10 therein when the plates are stacked, where in such situation the second grip features 44 assist in mitigating relative translation of the stacked floor plates as shown in FIG. 10. For first through-holes 16, eight straight wall portions 62 and eight sloped wall portions 64 are provided, in accordance with the octagonal shape of the first through-holes 16. The wall portion arrangement for second through-holes 18 is similar but differs in that the edge portion 12‘cuts off’ each second through-hole 18, as will be described later on.

[0073] As already set out, the lower surface 14 includes connecting walls 54 separating through-holes. The connecting walls 54 form a grid structure, in accordance with the regular arrangement of the first through-holes 16. The connecting walls 54 extend between lower surface 14 regions which are interposed between first through-holes 16 (and between first through-holes 16 and second through-holes 18). Each lower surface 14 region includes a blind hole 52, which extends from the lower surface 14 to the interior of the floor plate 10 (but does not extend through the floor plate 10). The blind holes 52 are arranged in a regular grid arrangement throughout the plate whereby four blind holes 52 surround each first through-hole 16 and two blind holes 52 are arranged adjacent each second through-hole 18 (away from the edge of the plate). These blind holes 52 serve to improve buoyancy of the floor plate 10 in soft materials. It will be appreciated that each blind hole 52 extending from the lower surface 14 corresponds to a third grip feature 46 on the upper surface 12. Each blind hole 52 has a diameter that gradually reduces with the depth of the hole into the plate 10.

[0074] The connecting walls 54 include indented portions 56 being sunken from the lower surface 14 such that, when the floor plate 10 is stacked with another such floor plate 10, the indented portions 56 receive the first grip features 40 on the upper surface 12 of the other floor plate 10. The first grip features 40 and the indented portions 56 slot together to resist relative translation of the floor plates 10. Since a regular arrangement of orthogonally arranged first grip features 40 and indented portions 56 is provided, translation in two orthogonal directions is resisted, providing for secure stacking.

[0075] The thinner edge portion 28 means that the wall 50 of each of the second through-holes 18 includes a section 70 at the inside of the edge portion 28 (which extends only as far as the thickness of the edge portion – such that the section 70 is effectively the inside edge of the edge portion 28), and four straight wall portions 62 and four sloped wall portions 64 separated by a shoulder 66 as previously described. Four portions 63, 64 are provided in accordance with the pentagonal shape of the second through-hole. As such, the area underneath the edge portion 28 proximate the second through-hole 18 (corresponding to the part of the region on the upper surface 12 which is not taken up with the second through-hole) is not taken up by a wall of the second through-hole 18.

[0076] A plurality of male and female mating formations 30 are provided underneath the edge portion, where each of the male or female mating formations 30 is provided proximate a second through-hole 18. The male 34 and female 32 formations are arranged in regular sequence around the edge of the floor plate 10, such that male formations 34 are interposed with female formations 32. Female formations 32 are defined by an opening into the side of the floor plate 10 underneath the edge portion 28, the opening being defined by the sloped portions 64 of the walls 50 of the second through-hole 18. Male formations 34 are formed as projections which are connected to, and extend from, the sloped portion 64 of the walls of adjacent second through-holes 18– such that the male projections protrude out of the side of the floor plate 10, underneath the edge portion 28. Specifically, the male formations 34 are shaped so as provide an outer surface 76 which faces away from the floor plate 10, where when the floor plate 10 is arranged adjacent to another such floor plate 10 the male formation 34 fits into the female formation 32 of the adjacent floor plate 10 such that the outer surface 76 extends so as to be parallel with the inner surface of the edge portion 28 (referred to earlier as the first portion of the wall of the first through-hole 16), or otherwise to extend such that the outer surface 76 is set slightly back from the inner surface of the edge portion 28. The outer surface 76 has generally the same width as the part of the edge portion 28 that acts to ‘cut off’ the first shape 20 on the upper surface 12 so as to define the second through-hole 18, such that the male formation 34 fits properly into the female formation 32. The outer surface 76 has chamfered side edges 68 (to avoid sharp edges), such that the fit is not particularly tight.

[0077] In more detail, when viewing the underside 48 of the plate, the male formation 34 may be described in terms of a series of walls extending from which the sloped portion 64 of the walls 50 of adjacent second through-holes 18. First male formation walls 72 extend from the sloped portion 64 of the walls 50 of adjacent second through-holes 18 in a direction corresponding to the direction of the second nearest sloped portion 64 of the wall 50, such that the first male formation walls 72 act to reduce the width of the male formation 34 and extend to the same length as the second nearest side of the sloped portion 64 of the wall 50. Second male formation walls 74 extend from the first male formation walls 72 in a direction orthogonal to the edge 24 of the plate. The second male formation walls are joined, via chamfered edges 68, by a third male formation wall which defines the outer surface 76 of the male formation.

[0078] The underside of the male formation 34 comprises, at an interior part thereof, internal walls 78 which extends from the underside of the edge portion 28 and which corresponds to the sloped portion 64 of the walls 50 of the second through-hole 18 such that a complete wall is formed. This complete wall is identical to the wall of the first through-holes 16 but for that the complete wall exists only underneath the edge portion 28– and because the complete wall is not the wall of a through-hole, because the internal wall extends from the underside of the edge portion 28 such that the walls of the second through-hole 18 are instead formed by the section 70, i.e. the interior edge of the edge portion 28, and the second portion of the wall of the second through-hole 18. The provision of these internal walls 78 may assist in stability, in that the regular arrangement of through-holes is maintained on the underside of the floorplate 14 to the greatest extent possible.

[0079] The underside of the male formation also comprises an indented portion 56 for receiving the first grip feature 40, being aligned with the indented portion 56 on the connecting walls 54. Part of the indented portion 56 away from the centre of the floor plate 10 may have a flared shape.

[0080] The edge formation further comprises, at an outer part of the plate, tabs 80 arranged above the male formation, which may assist in aligning floor plates next to each other.

[0081] At the corners of the floor plate 10, a partial male formation 58 is provided. The partial male formation 58 is effectively half of a previously described male formation 34 and extends outwardly from the side of a floor plate 10 in a predetermined direction. When four floor plates are joined at their corners, the partial male formations 58 of two of the floor plates abut to form a complete male formation, where the partial male formations 58 of the other two floor plates abut to form a further complete male formation 34. The two male formations 34 (which would be arranged orthogonally in this scenario) would then abut so as to close the gap between the floor plates. The partial male formation 58 is shaped generally the same as (half of) a previously described male formation 34. Tabs 80 are also arranged above the partial male formations 58.

[0082] As will be appreciated, the edge portion 28 extends over the corners of the floor plate, but on the underside of the floor plate 14 only a partial male formation 58 is provided. This means that the third through-hole 38 extends only through the edge portion 28. The third through-hole 38 also does not vary in diameter throughout the thickness of the floor plate 10, unlike the first through-hole 16 and second through-hole 18.

[0083] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the floor plate; and FIG. 10 shows a side view of multiple floor plates. When floor plates are stacked (i.e. once the floor plates shown in FIG. 10 are brought on top of each other), the first grip features 40 are received into the indentations 56 (which is not apparent in FIG. 10, because the relevant formations are concealed) and the second grip features 44 are received into the first and second through-holes 16, 18.

[0084] The floor plates 10 may be formed from a plastics material, preferably a recycled material, and may be manufactured using any suitable method, e.g. injection molding. The floor plates 10 may have any suitable dimension but are preferably sized so as to balance the requirements of being easily handled while also covering an appropriately large area. 50cm x 50cm may be an appropriate size for the floor plate (in which case the thickness of the plate may be 5 – 10cm). The diameter of the first through-holes may be approximately 5cm.Example Clauses

[0085] 1. A floor plate, comprising:

[0086] a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and

[0087] 2. A floor plate according to clause 1, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged adjacent an outer part of the plate.

[0088] 3. A floor plate according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged such that a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement.

[0089] 4. A floor plate, comprising:

[0090] a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and

[0091] 5. A floor plate according to clause 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged such that, when the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged adjacently, the plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of regions of each of the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged in the regular arrangement.

[0092] 6. A floor plate according to any of clauses 3 to 5, wherein each of the plurality of second through-holes is located within a corresponding region of the plurality of regions and away from an outer part of the plate.

[0093] 7. A floor plate according to any of clauses 3 to 6, wherein each of the plurality of regions extend over: a corresponding second through-hole; and a subregion, wherein the subregion forms part of a formation being configured to cooperate with a corresponding formation of another floor plate.

[0094] 8. A floor plate according to any of clauses 3 to 7, further comprising a plurality of third through-holes arranged adjacent corners of the floor plate, arranged such that a plurality of further regions corresponding to the plurality of third through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement, preferably wherein each of the plurality of third through-holes has a third shape which is a smaller first shape.

[0095] 9. A floor plate according to any of clauses 3 to 8, further comprising a plurality of grip features arranged on an upper surface of the floor plate, preferably wherein a plurality of grip features are arranged around each of the plurality of regions and each of the plurality of first through-holes.

[0096] 10. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, wherein the second shape is a segment of the first shape; preferably wherein the first shape is octagonal, and the second shape is pentagonal, more preferably wherein the pentagonal second shape is formed as a cut-off of the octagonal first shape.

[0097] 11. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, further comprising a body portion; and an edge portion, the edge portion having a reduced thickness relative to the body portion; preferably wherein an upper surface of the plate extends across the edge portion and body portion.

[0098] 12. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, further comprising a plurality of formations being configured to cooperate with a corresponding plurality of formations of another floor plate; preferably wherein each of the plurality of formations is located adjacent one of the plurality of second through-holes.

[0099] 13. A floor plate according to clause 12, wherein the plurality of formations comprise a plurality of male formations and a plurality of female formations, preferably being arranged in regular sequence along an edge of the floor plate.

[0100] 14. A floor plate according to clause 13 when dependent on clause 11, wherein each of a subset of the plurality of second through-holes comprises an open side portion located underneath the edge portion, the open side portion defining a female formation.

[0101] 15. A floor plate according to any of clauses 12 to 14 when dependent on clause 11, wherein each of the plurality of formations is located underneath the edge portion.

[0102] 16. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, further comprising a plurality of blind apertures extending from a lower surface of the floor plate; preferably wherein the plurality of blind apertures are arranged in a further regular arrangement such that the each of the plurality of first through-holes are arranged between a subset of the plurality of blind apertures.

[0103] 17. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, further comprising at least one first feature; and at least one second feature; the at least one first feature being configured to engage with a corresponding at least one second feature of another floor plate when the floor plate is stacked.

[0104] 18. A floor plate, comprising:

[0105] a plurality of through-holes;

[0106] at least one first feature; and

[0107] at least one second feature;

[0108] the at least one first feature being configured to engage with a corresponding at least second feature of another floor plate when the floor plate is stacked.

[0109] 19. A floor plate according to clause 17 or 18, further comprising a plurality of first features; and a plurality of second features.

[0110] 20. A floor plate according to clause 19, wherein at least a further subset of the plurality of first features comprise grip features surrounding each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes; and at least a further subset of the plurality of second features comprise the at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes; preferably wherein the grip features are configured to engage into each of the corresponding at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes.

[0111] 21. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, wherein each of the plurality of through-holes has a wall.

[0112] 22. A floor plate according to clause 21, wherein at least a portion of the wall of each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes is sloped such that a diameter of the at least a portion of the wall varies with distance through the floor plate.

[0113] 23. A floor plate, comprising:

[0114] 24. A floor plate according to clause 22 or 23, wherein the diameter of the at least a portion of the wall increases with distance from an upper surface of the floor plate to a lower surface of the floor plate.

[0115] 25. A floor plate according to any preceding clause, wherein the floor plate is quadrilateral, preferably square.

[0116] It will be understood that aspects and embodiments are described above purely by way of example, and that modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the claims.

[0117] Each apparatus, method, and feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

[0118] Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Examples

example clauses

[0085]1. A floor plate, comprising:

[0086]a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and

[0087]2. A floor plate according to clause 1, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged adjacent an outer part of the plate.

[0088]3. A floor plate according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged such that a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement.

[0089]4. A floor plate, comprising:

[0090]a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; and

[0091]5. A floor plate according to clause 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged such that, when the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged adjacently, the...

Claims

1. A floor plate, comprising:a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; anda plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of second through-holes having a second shape which is a part of the first shape, the plurality of second through-holes being arranged outwardly of the plurality of first through-holes.

2. A floor plate according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged adjacent an outer part of the plate.

3. A floor plate according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged such that a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement.

4. A floor plate, comprising:a plurality of first through-holes arranged in a regular arrangement, each of the plurality of first through-holes having a first shape; anda plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of second through-holes having a second shape which is a part of the first shape, arranged such that a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of second through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement.

5. A floor plate according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of second through-holes are arranged such that, when the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged adjacently, the plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of regions of each of the floor plate and another such floor plate are arranged in the regular arrangement.

6. A floor plate according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of second through-holes is located within a corresponding region of the plurality of regions and away from an outer part of the plate.

7. A floor plate according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of regions extend over: a corresponding second through-hole; and a subregion, wherein the subregion forms part of a formation being configured to cooperate with a corresponding formation of another floor plate.

8. A floor plate according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of third through-holes arranged adjacent corners of the floor plate, arranged such that a plurality of further regions corresponding to the plurality of third through-holes, each of the plurality of regions having the first shape, is arranged in the regular arrangement, preferably wherein each of the plurality of third through-holes has a third shape which is a smaller first shape.

9. A floor plate according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of grip features arranged on an upper surface of the floor plate, preferably wherein a plurality of grip features are arranged around each of the plurality of regions and each of the plurality of first through-holes.

10. A floor plate according to claim 1, wherein the second shape is a segment of the first shape; preferably wherein the first shape is octagonal, and the second shape is pentagonal, more preferably wherein the pentagonal second shape is formed as a cut-off of the octagonal first shape.

11. A floor plate according to claim 1, further comprising a body portion; and an edge portion, the edge portion having a reduced thickness relative to the body portion; preferably wherein an upper surface of the plate extends across the edge portion and body portion; preferably further comprising a plurality of formations being configured to cooperate with a corresponding plurality of formations of another floor plate; more preferably wherein the plurality of formations comprise a plurality of male formations and a plurality of female formations being arranged in regular sequence along an edge of the floor plate; yet more preferably wherein each of a subset of the plurality of second through-holes comprises an open side portion located underneath the edge portion, the open side portion defining a female formation.

12. A floor plate according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of blind apertures extending from a lower surface of the floor plate; preferably wherein the plurality of blind apertures are arranged in a further regular arrangement such that the each of the plurality of first through-holes are arranged between a subset of the plurality of blind apertures.

13. A floor plate according to claim 1, further comprising at least one first feature; and at least one second feature; the at least one first feature being configured to engage with a corresponding at least one second feature of another floor plate when the floor plate is stacked.

14. A floor plate according to claim 13, further comprising a plurality of first features; and a plurality of second features; preferably wherein at least a further subset of the plurality of first features comprise grip features surrounding each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes; and at least a further subset of the plurality of second features comprise the at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes; more preferably wherein the grip features are configured to engage into each of the corresponding at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes.

15. A floor plate according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of through-holes has a wall; preferably wherein at least a portion of the wall of each of at least a subset of the plurality of through-holes is sloped such that a diameter of the at least a portion of the wall varies with distance through the floor plate.

Images