Traction mat

A flexible traction mat capable of being wound without damage into a compact storage roll around a 5-millimeter-diameter mandrel comprising an open-mesh net of strands that are encased around their individual circumferences with a frictional coating that comprises a layer of flexible elastic binder material adhered to the strands and a dense monolayer of abrasive granules partially embedded in, and partially protruding out of, the binder material so as to frictionally engage a surface against which the mat is laid, said binder material comprising an epoxy resin and a polymer having high amine functionality, and the area of the openings in the mat averaging at least 100 square millimeters, whereby the mat may be repeatedly used between an icy street surface and the wheels of a vehicle to increase the traction of the wheels.

A method for facilitating movement of a vehicle on a slippery surface comprising a) placing under one or more wheels of the vehicle a flexible traction mat that comprises an open-mesh net of strands that are encased around their individual circumferences with a frictional coating that comprises a layer of flexible elastic binder material adhered to the strands and a dense monolayer of abrasive granules partially embedded in, and partially protruding out of, the binder material so as to frictionally engage a surface against which the mat is laid, and then b) initiating movement of the vehicle.