Trench panel & method

Abstract

A panel (12) for a trench panel arrangement (10) is disclosed. The panel (12) including a panel shell (16) formed of one or more sections (18) to provide a first panel wall (20), a second panel wall (22) and an internal space (24) between the first panel wall (20) and the second panel wall (22). Each of the one or more sections (18) may include a locating arrangement (26) adapted to locate an insert member (28) so as to extend across the internal space (24) between the first panel wall (20) and the second panel wall (22). A related method to form a trench panel arrangement (10) is also disclosed.

Description

Trench Panel & MethodRelated Applications

[0001] This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application no. 2024902518 filed on 13 August 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a trench panel and a method for manufacturing a trench panel.Background

[0003] Trench panels are used to shore up walls of a trench or in similar support type applications. Each panel may be generally rectangularly shaped and formed of a metal material such as steel. Such panels are typically formed by welding together steel sheets. In use, such panels are arranged on opposing sides of the trench and struts are fitted between the opposing panels to span the trench.

[0004] Accordingly, such panels and struts are required to be lifted into the trench in use and moved into position. Further, such panels are required to withstand a variety of forces including side wall compressive loading.

[0005] A problem with existing panels relates to their weight in which the welded steel panels may be relatively heavy, especially if the panel is fabricated with heavier duty materials to withstand higher forces.

[0006] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.Summary

[0007] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a panel for a trench panel arrangement, the panel including a panel shell formed of one or more sections to provide a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall, each of the one or more sections including a locating arrangement adapted to locate an insert member so as to extend across the internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall.

[0008] In an aspect, the one or more sections include a plurality of sections joined together in a stack.

[0009] In another aspect, the insert member is arranged to extend between adjacent ones of the plurality of sections.

[0010] In yet another aspect, each of the plurality of sections is elongate.

[0011] In yet another aspect, each of the plurality of sections includes opposing sides and a section member extending between the opposing sides.

[0012] In yet another aspect, each of the plurality of sections includes opposing sides and a section member extending between the opposing sides so as to be generally H- shaped.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the opposing sides of each of the plurality of sections include respective top ends and bottom ends, and wherein adjacent top ends and bottom ends are connected together thereby forming the first panel wall and second panel walls.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the locating arrangement includes sets of opposing locators at respective internal surfaces of each of the opposing sides of each of the plurality of sections.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the sets of opposing locators extend from the internal surfaces.

[0016] In yet another aspect, each of the set of locators include a slot to receive the insert member.

[0017] In yet another aspect, each slot is angled so that the insert member is held at an angle relative to the opposing sides of each of the plurality of sections.

[0018] In yet another aspect, wherein each slot is generally vertically aligned between an ordinary top and an ordinary bottom of the panel.

[0019] In yet another aspect, each slot is angled to that the insert member is held at a diagonal between the opposing sides of adjacently located ones of the plurality of sections in the stack.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the set of locators includes a first locator of one of the plurality of sections and a second locator of an adjacent one of the plurality of sections, the insert member being fittable between the first and second locators so as to extend between the one of the plurality of sections and the adjacent one of the plurality of sections.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the insert includes end portions and a centre portion extending therebetween, wherein each of the end portions is angled relative to the centre portion such that each of the end portions is receivable by respective slots of the first and second locators.

[0022] In yet another aspect, each of the plurality of sections are aluminium extrudes.

[0023] In yet another aspect, adjacent ones of the plurality of sections are welded together in the stack.

[0024] In yet another aspect, each of the plurality of sections is generally H-shaped in section.

[0025] In yet another aspect, the panel includes an end arrangement adapted to cover opposing ends of the panel.

[0026] In yet another aspect, the insert member is steel.

[0027] In yet another aspect, plurality of sections are reversibly connected in which adjacent ones of the plurality sections whereby adjacent ones of the plurality sections are rotated at 180 degrees relative to each other in the stack.

[0028] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a trench panel arrangement including at least two panels are defined above and herein, and at least one strut arranged to extend between the at least two panels.

[0029] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a method of forming a panel for shoring a trench, the method including: connecting a plurality of sections in a stack to form a panel shell, the panel shell including a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall; fitting one or more insert members to a locating arrangement including locators of the plurality of sections such that the one or more insert members extends between at least some of adjacent ones of the plurality of sections in the stack.

[0030] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, a method of forming a panel for shoring a trench, the method including: welding adjacent ends of a plurality of sections form of aluminium in a stack to form a panel shell, the panel shell including a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall; fitting one or more insert members formed of steel to locators of the plurality of sections which are arranged such that the one or more insert members extend at an angle between locators of adjacent ones of the plurality of sections in the stack.

[0031] In an aspect, the method further includes coupling end arrangement adapted to cover opposing ends of the panel shell.

[0032] In yet another aspect, each of the plurality of sections is generally H-shaped in section.

[0033] In yet another aspect, the one or more insert members extend diagonally between adjacent one of the plurality of sections.

[0034] In yet another aspect, the step of fitting the one or more insert members to the locators includes sliding or press fitting ends of the one or more insert members into respective slots of the locators of adjacent ones of the plurality of sections.

[0035] In yet another aspect, the step of fitting the one or more insert members, may be undertaken prior to, during or after the welding adjacent ends of a plurality of sections.

[0036] In yet another aspect, the plurality of sections are reversibly connected in which adjacent sections are rotated at 180 degrees relative to each other in the stack. The method thereby including rotating alternate sections by 180 degrees.

[0037] In accordance with a fifth broad aspect there is provided, an extruded section for forming a panel as defined above and herein.

[0038] In accordance with a sixth broad aspect there is provided, a panel for a trench panel arrangement, the panel including a panel shell formed of stacked sections to provide a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall, wherein the panel includes an insert arranged to extend between adjacent ones of the stacked sections so as to extend across the internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall.

[0039] In accordance with a seventh broad aspect there is provided, a panel for a trench panel arrangement, the panel including a panel shell formed of stacked sections to provide a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the firstpanel wall and the second panel wall, the stacked sections being formed of aluminium, wherein the panel includes an steel insert arranged to extend between adjacent ones of the stacked sections so as to extend across the internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall.

[0040] In accordance with an eighth broad aspect there is provided, a panel for a trench panel arrangement, the panel including a panel shell formed of stacked sections to provide a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall, wherein the panel includes an insert arranged to extend between adjacent ones of the stacked sections so as to extend across the internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall, wherein the stacked sections and the insert are formed of different materials such that the panel has a hybrid or composite construction.

[0041] Further aspects and features are described below with reference to the drawings.Brief Description of the Figures

[0042] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first example of a trench panel arrangement;

[0044] Figure 2 is an exploded parts perspective view illustrating the trench panel arrangement;

[0045] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a trench panel with its ends removed;

[0046] Figure 4 is a perspective end view illustrating a section of the trench panel;

[0047] Figure 5 is an end view illustrating the section of the trench panel;

[0048] Figure 6 is a perspective constructive view illustrating the arrangement of some of the sections and insert members of the trench panel;

[0049] Figure 7 is a detailed side sectional view illustrating the trench panel of Figure 8;

[0050] Figure 8 is a side sectional view illustrating the trench panel;

[0051] Figure 9 is a side sectional view illustrating of an end arrangement of the trench panel;

[0052] Figure 10 is a side part assembled view illustrating a second example arrangement of some of the sections and insert members of the trench panel;

[0053] Figure 11 is a perspective side part assembled view illustrating the second example arrangement of some of the sections and insert members of the trench panel;

[0054] Figure 12 is an inside view illustrating the second example the trench panel and showing the location of section A-A;

[0055] Figure 13 is side sectional view illustrating section A-A of the second example of the trench panel, as shown in Figure 12; and,

[0056] Figure 14 is detailed side sectional view illustrating of section B-B of the second example of the trench panel, as shown in Figure 12.Detailed Description

[0057] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 there is shown a trench panel arrangement 10 including one or more panels 12 and one or more struts 14 arranged to extend between the one or more panels 12. The trench panel arrangement 10 may have any suitable shape and size, and multiples of the trench panel arrangement 10 may be fitted end-to-end to create longer arrangements or accommodate different installation requirements and geometries.

[0058] The panels 12 each include a panel shell or body 16 formed of one or more sections 18 to provide a first panel wall 20, a second panel wall 22 and an internal space 24 between the first panel wall 20 and the second panel wall 22, each of the one or more sections 18 including a locating arrangement 26 adapted to locate an insert member 28 so as to extend across the internal space 24. The each of the panels 12 include a top 23, a bottom, 25 and opposing ends 27.

[0059] It is noted that in some examples the locating arrangement 26 could be omitted or provided by another means such as the insert member 28 itself being adapted or fixed to the one or more sections 18. For example, the insert member 28 could be welded or glued in placed without the locating arrangement 26. However, in this example, the locating arrangement 26 is preferred and the insert member 28 is fitted to the locating arrangement 26.

[0060] The one or more sections 18 are connected together to form a stack 30. The one or more sections 18 are preferably formed as aluminium extrusions and are welded together at their interfaces 32 to provide the first and second panel walls 20, 22. It is noted that other suitable materials may also be used which are extrudable or formable to provide a similar shape and / or function.

[0061] An end arrangement 34 that includes end plates 36 located at the opposing end 27. The end plates 36 may carry or support coupling arrangements 38 to which the one or more struts 14 are coupled and extend. The end plates 36 may be steel or other suitable material. The end plates 36 may encapsulate the opposing ends 27 and may be coupled to the panel shell 16 such as by a fastener such as a bolt, welding or the like.

[0062] Referring additionally to Figures 4 to 6, each of the one or more sections 18 may include a body section 40, a top section or cap 42 and a base section 44. The base section 44 may be tapered so as to have a ground engaging tip 45. The body sections40 may each be H-shaped having opposing section sides 46 and section member 48 which extends between the opposing section sides 46.

[0063] Top and bottom edges or tips 50, 52 of the opposing section sides 46 are joined such as by welding to form the stack 30. The top and bottom edges 50, 52 may be chamfered. Lengthwise ribs 54 may also be provided along internal faces or surfaces 56 of the opposing section sides 46. The joining of the opposing section sides 46 form the first and second panel walls 20, 22.

[0064] The locating arrangement 26 includes locators 58 at or extending from the internal faces or surfaces 56 of the opposing section sides 46 which are used to hold or retain the insert member 28. In this example, each of the one or more sections 18 includes locators 58 which are arranged to hold or retain the insert member 28 at an angle, such as a diagonal, between adjacent ones of the one or more sections 18. The angle is alternated for every second one of the one or more sections 18 so that when formed, the fitted insert members 28 have a zig-zag appearance when the panel 12 is viewed from the end 27 prior to the end plate 36 being fitted.

[0065] In this example, the locators 58 include locator body 59 with a slot 60 into which the insert member 28 is fitted or slid. The locator body 59 extends generally from a junction 47 between the sides 46 and the section member 48, and is generally at 45 degrees relative thereto

[0066] The insert member 28 may be a generally flat steel plate or the like. The steel may be a high tensile steel. It is noted that the fit between the slot 60 and the insert member 28 may be a press-fit or the like or an adhesive may be used. This may avoid or reduce the need for welding and thereby eliminate or reduce issues resulting from weaking of the structures due to welding heat.

[0067] Referring to Figures 10 to 14, a second example of the panel 12 is shown and like numerals are used to denote like parts. All parts and functions are not again described again. In this example, slots 60 of the locators 58 of the locating arrangement 26 are generally vertically aligned between the ordinary top 23 and bottom 25 of thepanel 12. This differs from the first example in which the slots are generally arranged at 45 degrees. The H-body sections 40 in this example therefore slightly different to the H-body sections 40 of the first example as are the insert members 28. All other parts of the first example and the second example are similar.

[0068] Accordingly, in this example, the insert member 28 is therefore modified and has end portions 70 which are angled relative to a centre portion 72 of the insert member 28. The angled end portions 70 are able to slide or fit into the slots 60 of locators 58.

[0069] Like the first example, the insert 70 may be formed steel may be a high tensile steel. However, the end portions 70 are bent relative to the centre portion 72 so that the centre portion 72 extends diagonally between the locators 58 with the angled end portions 72 received by the respective slots 60 of the locators 58.

[0070] Another difference in this example is that the top and bottom edges 50, 52 of each section 18 are adapted to allow the sections 18 to be located with one another and be fittingly stacked. The top edge 50 may include an inward step 74 to received and fit with the bottom edge 52 of the above section 18 as best shown in Figure 10.

[0071] This allows the surfaces 78, 80 of the section 18 to be generally flush when fitted together and provide a flush interface 32 as shown in Figure 14 between adjacently fitted ones of the section 18. The rib 54 toward the top edge 50 has been modified to a flange 82 extending inward of the step 74 and the bottom edge 52 also includes reinforcing rib 84.

[0072] In view of the above, a method for forming or manufacturing the one or more panels 12 may include forming a series of the one or more sections 18 including the extruded H-body section 40, top section or cap 42 and base section 44. The one or more sections 18 may be cut to the same length. Any number of the extruded H-body sections 40 may be selected to adjust the height of panel 12.

[0073] The extruded H-body section 40 may be reversibly connected in which each H- body section 40 is rotated at 180 degrees relative to the adjacent one in the stack 30 sothat the locators 58 in adjacently stacked extruded H-body sections 40 face another. The one or more sections 18 are then joined such as by welding. Specifically, for example, the top and bottom edges 50, 52 are welded together. In some examples, the top and bottom edges 50, 52 are adapted to locate with one another so that they are able to hold themselves in position whilst the top and bottom edges 50, 52 are welded together.

[0074] One or more insert members 28 may then fitted to the locating arrangement 26 including the locators 58 of the plurality of sections 18 such that the one or more insert members 28 extend between at least some of adjacent ones of the plurality of sections 18 in the stack 30. It is noted in some examples the one or more insert members 28 may be fitted at or part fitted prior to welding.

[0075] More specifically, the one or more insert members 28 which may be an elongate steel plate is slid into the respective slots 60 so as to extend at in a generally diagonal direction between adjacent ones of the plurality of sections 18.

[0076] Again, it is noted that the one or more insert members 28 may be held in place by a friction fit or the like and may not require welding. Once the one or more insert members 28 are fitted, the end arrangement 34 may be fitted with end plates 36 at the opposing ends 27. The coupling arrangements 38 may then also be fitted to the end plates 36.

[0077] Advantageously, there has been described a panel that is formed from a composite of materials having a hybrid construction of an aluminium panel shell formed of stacked “H” sections and a high tensile steel diagonal insert. Such as construction may be generally is lighter i.e. less mass than steel panels and may be stronger than aluminium panels. Initial design analysis indicates that a typical steel panel may be approximately twice the weight of these hybrid panels, and these hybrid panels may have a higher capacity (approximately 50% higher) when compared to conventional welded steel panels.

[0078] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0079] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0080] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0081] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. A panel for a trench panel arrangement, the panel including a panel shell formed of one or more sections to provide a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall, each of the one or more sections including a locating arrangement adapted to locate an insert member so as to extend across the internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall.

2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sections include a plurality of sections joined together in a stack.

3. The panel according to claim 2, wherein the insert member is arranged to extend between adjacent ones of the plurality of sections.

4. The panel according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of sections is elongate.

5. The panel according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of sections includes opposing sides and a section member extending between the opposing sides.

6. The panel according to claim 5, wherein the opposing sides of each of the plurality of sections include respective top ends and bottom ends, and wherein adjacent top ends and bottom ends are connected together to form the first panel wall and second panel wall.

7. The panel according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the locating arrangement includes sets of opposing locators at respective internal surfaces of each of the opposing sides of each of the plurality of sections.

8. The panel according to claim 7, wherein the sets of opposing locators extend from the internal surfaces.

9. The panel according to claim 8, wherein each of the set of locators include a slot to receive the insert member.

10. The panel according to claim 9, wherein each slot is angled so that the insert member is held at an angle relative to the opposing sides of each of the plurality of sections.

11. The panel according to claim 9, wherein each slot is generally vertically aligned between an ordinary top and an ordinary bottom of the panel12. The panel according to claim 9, wherein each slot is angled to that the insert member is held at a diagonal between the opposing sides of adjacently located ones of the plurality of sections in the stack.

13. The panel according to claim 9, wherein the set of locators includes a first locator of one of the plurality of sections and a second locator of an adjacent one of the plurality of sections, the insert member being fittable between the first and second locators so as to extend between the one of the plurality of sections and the adjacent one of the plurality of sections.

14. The panel according to claim 13, wherein the insert includes end portions and a centre portion extending therebetween, wherein each of the end portions is angled relative to the centre portion such that each of the end portions is receivable by respective slots of the first and second locators.

15. The panel according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein each of the plurality of sections are aluminium extrudes.

16. The panel according to claim 15, wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of sections are welded together in the stack.

17. The panel according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of sections is generally H-shaped in section.

18. The panel according to any one of claims, wherein the panel includes an end arrangement adapted to cover opposing ends of the panel.

19. The panel according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the insert member is steel.

20. The panel according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of sections are reversibly connected in which adjacent ones of the plurality sections whereby adjacent ones of the plurality sections are rotated at 180 degrees relative to each other in the stack.

21. A trench panel arrangement including at least two panels are defined any one of claims 1 to 20, and at least one strut arranged to extend between the at least two panels22. A method of forming a panel for shoring a trench, the method including: a. Connecting a plurality of sections in a stack to form a panel shell, the panel shell including a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the first panel wall and the second wall panel; b. Fitting one or more insert members to a locating arrangement including locators of the plurality of sections such that the one or more insert members extends between at least some of adjacent ones of the plurality of sections in the stack.

23. A method of forming a panel for shoring a trench, the method including: a. Welding adjacent ends of a plurality of sections formed of aluminium in a stack to form a panel shell, the panel shell including a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall;b. Fitting one or more insert members formed of steel to locators of the plurality of sections which are arranged such that the one or more insert members extend at an angle between locators of adjacent ones of the plurality of sections in the stack.

24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the method further includes coupling end arrangement adapted to cover opposing ends of the panel shell.

25. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the each of the plurality of sections is generally H-shaped in section.

26. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the one or more insert members extend diagonally between adjacent one of the plurality of sections.

27. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the step of fitting the one or more insert members to the locators includes sliding or press fitting ends of the one or more insert members into respective slots of the locators of adjacent ones of the plurality of sections.

28. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the plurality of sections are reversibly connected in which adjacent sections are rotated at 180 degrees relative to each other in the stack.

29. An extruded section for forming a panel as defined in any one of claims 1 to 20.

30. A panel for a trench panel arrangement, the panel including a panel shell formed of one or more aluminium sections to provide a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall, each of the one or more sections including a locating arrangement adapted to locate an steel insert member so as to extend across the internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall.

31. A panel for a trench panel arrangement, the panel including a panel shell formed of stacked sections to provide a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall, wherein the panel includes an insert arranged to extend between adjacent ones of the stacked sections so as to extend across the internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall.

32. A panel for a trench panel arrangement, the panel including a panel shell formed of stacked sections to provide a first panel wall, a second panel wall and an internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall, the stacked sections being formed of aluminium, wherein the panel includes an steel insert arranged to extend between adjacent ones of the stacked sections so as to extend across the internal space between the first panel wall and the second panel wall.

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