US 9,315,949 B1 · Mat construction with environmentally resistant core

Abstract

A mat having a 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 a sheet, elongated members or combinations thereof. 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.

Claims36

Dependent claims

A mat comprising a support core that includes a frame or ladder structure configured to support other components of the mat;

upper and lower layers of elongated members attached to the core for protecting upper and lower surfaces of the core and for providing upper and lower surfaces of the mat;
and bumpers provided at least upon longitudinal sides of the core to protect the core from damage due to transport or installation of the mat, wherein the bumpers are made of a plastic or elastomeric material and have a shape that provides an outer surface that extends beyond the frame or ladder structure and compression to absorb shock, wherein:
when the longitudinal sides of the frame or ladder structure include an I-beam having a side facing open cavity, the bumpers are attached to the I-beam and fit in the I-beam cavity;
or
when the longitudinal sides of the frame or ladder structure provide a flat surface, the bumpers are positioned adjacent the longitudinal sides by additional members or lips that retain the bumpers in place.

2 more elements

A mat having substantially flat top and bottom surfaces and comprising:

first and second side beams having top, side, and bottom surfaces, with the beams having width and height dimensions of between about 1×6 inches and about 24×24 inches and a length of between about 4 and 60 feet;
a non-wood support structure located between and connecting the first and second side beams, with the support structure having upper, lower and side portions, a height that is less than that of the side beams, a width and a length, with the support structure comprising first and second longitudinal members that are joined together by a plurality of cross members spaced about 10 to 30 inches apart;
a plurality of joining rods that attach the side beams to the support structure, with the joining rods passing through the sides of the beams and support structure, with the rods spaced about 3 to 6 feet apart;
a first plurality of elongated members attached to the upper portion of the support structure;
and
a second plurality of elongated members attached to the lower portion of the support structure;
wherein the top surface of the mat is formed by the top surfaces of the beams and the first plurality of elongated members, and the bottom surface of the mat is formed by the bottom surfaces of one or both of the beams and the second plurality of elongated members.

4 more elements

A mat having substantially flat top and bottom surfaces and comprising:

first and second side beams having top, side, and bottom surfaces;
a non-wood support structure located between and connecting the first and second side beams, with the support structure having upper, lower and side portions, a height that is less than that of the side beams, a width and a length, with the support structure comprising first and second longitudinal members that are joined together by a plurality of cross members;
a plurality of joining rods that attach the side beams to the support structure, with the joining rods passing through the sides of the beams and support structure;
and
a first plurality of elongated members attached to the upper portion of the support structure;
wherein the top surface of the mat is formed by the top surfaces of the beams and the first plurality of elongated members.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mat construction with environmentally resistant core

Life of this patent

Mat construction with environmentally resistant core

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims36