Abstract:
A protective mat for covering buried conduit in the form of a rectangular structure having upper and lower sections wherein the upper section includes elongated members, a sheet structure having a plurality of downward facing open cells, or an open grid or grating and wherein the lower section includes elongated members, a sheet structure having a plurality of upward facing cells, or an open grid or grating; a forward end that includes one or more protruding elements; and a rearward end that includes one or more recesses that are configured and dimension for receiving the protruding element(s) of a similarly configured adjacent mat. Thus, the protruding element(s) and recess(es) are associated with and located on the lower section of the mat such that the protruding element(s) of one mat can be inserted in the recess(es) of and adjacent mat to interlock the mats together.
Abstract:
A mat that includes first and second side beams (210, 240), a core support structure located between and connected to the side beams, with the support structure including longitudinal members (225A, 225B, 225C), a plurality of joining rods (260) that attach the side beams to the support structure, with the joining rods passing through the sides of the side beams and the sides of the longitudinal members of the support structure; one or more elongated members (250A, 250B, 250C) attached to the support structure to form with the top working surface of the mat, and/or one or more elongated members (255A, 255B, 255C) attached to the support structure to form the bottom working surface of the mat. If desired, steel plates (205A, 205B, 205C, 205D) can be provided between the beams and longitudinal members to increase the strength and ruggedness of the mat. The mat also includes various lifting elements (170) including D-, O- or U-shaped members, eyelets, hooks, rings, chains, or cables.
Abstract:
A temporary support surface, deck, walkway or roadway that includes a plurality of interlocked and interconnected lightweight universal panel mats (100, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100, 1500, 1800, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020) and one or more side ramps (2030) and adapters (2050). Each panel mat is made of plastic or elastomeric material and having a first section that provides a relatively flat, textured or structured top surface to facilitate movement over the upper surface, a second section having geometry that includes a plurality of cells having top surfaces that support the first section and an optional third or bottom surface. The panel mats also have sides (110, 120, 135, 145) that are configured to matingly engage with the sides of similarly configured mats. Also, adapter elements are provided to assist with the installation of the mats. Also, the side ramps and adapters themselves are additional embodiments of the invention.
Abstract:
A lightweight universal panel mat (100, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100, 1500, 1800, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020) made of plastic or elastomeric material and having a first section that provides a relatively flat, textured or structured top surface to facilitate movement over the mat and a second section having geometry that includes a plurality of cells having top surfaces that support the first section. The panel mats have first, second, third and fourth sides (110,120,135,145) that are configured to matingly engage or connect to the second, third, fourth and first sides, respectively. The connection can be by insertion or snap-locking of one side to another, or by the use of fastening elements that more securely holds the sides together. Thus, similarly configured panel mats can be connected by interlocking to form a temporary support surface, deck, walkway or roadway. Additional side ramps (2030) and adapters (2050) can be used to facilitate installation of the mats (2005, 2010, 2015, 2020) and access to the upper surfaces of the joined mats.
Abstract:
An industrial mat having a supporting structure; an upper layer provided above the supporting structure for forming an upper surface of the mat, a lower layer provided below the supporting structure for providing a lower surface of the mat; and lifting elements attached to the upper layer, the lower layer or the supporting structure. The lifting elements include a loop portion which is receivable in an opening of the industrial mat, such that said loop portion in a storage position is maintained at or below the working surface.
Abstract:
An industrial mat having a core construction that provides strength and rigidity, an encapsulation of a durable skin of a thermoplastic, thermosetting or elastomeric material that surrounds the core construction, and upper and/or lower surfaces of a plurality of elongated members. The members of the upper and/or lower surfaces are advantageously arranged in spaced relation in at least one layer and are attached together or to the core construction. The elongated members can be arranged for interlocking of the mats or for protecting the skin from abrasion and impact during transport, installation and use of the mat. The resulting industrial mat has a load bearing capacity that is able to withstand a load of at least 600 to 1000 psi without permanent deformation and typically have a width of 2 to 12 feet, a length of 2 to 40 feet and an overall thickness of 2 to 18 inches.
Abstract:
A mat having a non-wood core that provides strength and rigidity to the mat, and including a structure of a sheet, elongated members, a frame, compartments, or combinations thereof; and at least one outer layer associated with the core and made of elongated members typically made of wood or engineered wood. The core and outer layer(s) are integral or are joined together, and the structure of the core is made of one or more environmentally resistant materials to provide an extended service life when encountering rain, snow or other weather conditions that would eventually degrade wood. The mat has a load bearing capacity that is able to withstand a load of at least 500 to 800 psi or even 1000 psi without permanently deforming the core. Bumpers are preferably provided upon sides of the mat to protect them from damage due to transport or installation of the mat.