Abstract: A mat assembly is provided for absorbing liquid, such as oil, that may be spilled near a machine or automotive vehicle. The mat assembly includes a mat with at least an upper layer formed from a woven or non-woven array of fibers. The mat assembly further includes a frame formed from strips that can be cut to match the periphery of the mat. Each strip has a bottom surface with an attachment tape that can be engaged releasably with the woven or non-woven fibers of the mat. The restraining strip may include an array of resilient hooked filaments that can engage the fibers of the mat. The strips hold the mat in a planar orientation. However, the strips can be separated from the mat easily when the mat has become saturated. The mat then can be discarded and replaced with a new mat, and the same strips can be fixed to the upper surface of the new mat.

Abstract: A barrier assembly is provided for protecting shorelines and structures adjacent shorelines from damage attributable to oil spills. The barrier assembly includes a flexible sheet material that is impermeable to oil. One surface of the flexible sheet material may also have oil-absorbing characteristics. Each sheet has a top edge from which tie downs extend for securing sheets to structures adjacent the shoreline. Each sheet also includes a bottom edge having anchors for holding the bottom edge below the surface of the water. The sheets may include structure for connecting adjacent sheets in top-to-bottom relationship and/or in side-to-side relationship.