# US 9,435,097 B2 · Method for joining plastic parts and foundation mat product therefor

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- Number: US 9,435,097 B2
- Document ID: US9435097B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/973,820
- Filed: 2015-12-18
- Published: 2016-06-23
- Granted: 2016-09-06
- Earliest claimed: 2014-12-22
- Assignees: F.M. Locotos Co., Inc.
- Applicants: F.M. Locotos Co., Inc.
- Inventors: Frank M. Locotos
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9435097B2

## CPC

- E02D 27/44: Foundations for machines, engines or ordnance (special layout of foundations with respect to machinery to be supported F16M9/00)
- E02D 27/016: {made mainly from prefabricated concrete elements}
- E02D 27/08: Reinforcements for flat foundations {(E02D27/48 takes precedence)}
- E02D: FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS (specially adapted for hydraulic engineering E02B); UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES {(tunnels, tunnelling, mining E21)}

## Abstract

An assembly method and resulting temporary foundation mat for equipment such as a crane, including the steps of driving a fastener through plastic either with a hydraulic force or pneumatic (air), mechanical, or by any other power assisted means, shown through experimentation to result in the plastic surrounding the bolt within itself, tightly giving added strength to the system. The fastener can have a head at the driven end and a threaded end at the lead end. When a threaded end exists exterior to the joined pieces of plank, the plastic around the threaded end can be power-wire brushed to expose the threads to a nut which then tightens the system. The penetration rate of the fastener into and through the plastic pieces can be increased by pre-heating the lead end of the fastener.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for assembling a ground-disposed foundation mat for equipment, comprising the steps of:
stacking multiple, solid blocks in side-by-side relation, wherein said solid blocks are undrilled plastic and thereby exclude pre-drilled holes;
disposing a first of said multiple solid blocks against a solid steel base to eliminate crater push-out;
heating a lead end of a hollow rod up to 400° F.; and,
using a mechanical press, power-driving said hollow rod through said blocks.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of wire brushing said lead end.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of fastening a nut to said lead end.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The foundation mat of claim 1, wherein each of said blocks has a thickness in the range of 7 inches to 9 inches.