Abstract: A movable mat is formed from a plurality of elongate beams arranged in side-by-side relationship. The mat features a recessed area formed from a pair of adjacent notched beams. An elongate connector passes through both of the adjacent notched beams at the recessed area. A portion of the connector within the notch is surrounded by a rigid sleeve. At least one pocket is formed in an upper surface of one of the beams. A rotatable coupler is situated within the pocket. The mat may be moved by attaching lifting equipment to the connector at one of the recesses or to the coupler. To form a flooring system, a plurality of mats may be arranged adjacent each other on a surface of the ground.

Abstract: A movable mat is formed from a plurality of elongate beams arranged in side-by-side relationship. The mat features a recessed area formed from a pair of adjacent notched beams. An elongate connector passes through both of the adjacent notched beams at the recessed area. A portion of the connector within the notch is surrounded by a rigid sleeve. At least one pocket is formed in an upper surface of one of the beams. A rotatable coupler is situated within the pocket. The mat may be moved by attaching lifting equipment to the connector at one of the recesses or to the coupler. To form a flooring system, a plurality of mats may be arranged adjacent each other on a surface of the ground.

Abstract: A movable mat is formed from a plurality of elongate beams arranged in side-by-side relationship. The mat features a recessed area formed from a pair of adjacent notched beams. An elongate connector passes through both of the adjacent notched beams at the recessed area. A portion of the connector within the notch is surrounded by a rigid sleeve. At least one pocket is formed in an upper surface of one of the beams. A rotatable coupler is situated within the pocket. The mat may be moved by attaching lifting equipment to the connector at one of the recesses or to the coupler. To form a flooring system, a plurality of mats may be arranged adjacent each other on a surface of the ground.

Abstract: A method of forming a crane mat includes providing a plurality of boards. Each board of the plurality of boards may be positioned adjacent to another board of the plurality of boards along at least one longitudinal edge. The method includes inserting a plurality of tie bolts through the plurality of boards to secure the plurality of boards together to form the crane mat, and providing two or more lifting plates. Each lifting plate may include a coupling portion configured to couple to a lifting tool during movement of the crane mat.

Abstract: An improved laminated mat is disclosed and includes a plurality of layers and end caps. The plurality of layers may be formed of wood, synthetic materials, wood, metal, or a combination of such materials. The end caps may form longitudinal edges of the laminated mats, and may have an outer region having a thickness equal to a total thickness of the plurality of layers. The outer region of the end caps may provide improved performance of the laminated by reducing wear and tear of the laminated mat. In an additional aspect, the laminated may include attachment means recessed within the plurality of layers, and may include a cover plate that overlies the attachment means and is flush with a top surface of the laminated mat.

Abstract: An improved laminated mat which comprises synthetic materials are provided for herein. Embodiments may include a plurality of synthetic boards disposed adjacent to each other to form a top surface. Such a top surface may be configured such that individual boards are replaceable in the event of defects, wear and the like. The top surface may be attached to a lower support layer. This layer may also include a plurality of synthetic boards arranged in a cross-hatched manner with respect to the top surface.

Abstract: An improved laminated mat which comprises synthetic materials are provided for herein. Embodiments may include a plurality of synthetic boards disposed adjacent to each other to form a top surface. Such a top surface may be configured such that individual boards are replaceable in the event of defects, wear and the like. The top surface may be attached to a lower support layer. This layer may also include a plurality of synthetic boards arranged in a cross-hatched manner with respect to the top surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide improved pipeline mats are provided herein. Such mats may include one or more of a plurality of the inventive features. For example, some embodiments provide for replaceable top surfaces which allow for portions of the mat to be replaced if in need of repairs, e.g. after excessive wear and tear, rotting, and the like. Further, embodiments may include a built-in air wick channel which allows for airflow to travel between stacked mats, thereby reducing the potential for a mat to rot. Some embodiments may also include a structure which allows for the mat to be moved using a forklift. Such structure may include grouser strips which help direct the forklift while also protecting the top surface from wear. Additionally, such structure may include built-in chocks disposed on the lower surface of the mat. These chocks may also facilitate the air wick channel.

Abstract: An improved airspring assembly that includes a collapsible support member disposed within the pressurizable chamber of an airspring having a flexible sidewall. The support member is configured such that it extends and collapses along a longitudinal axis of the chamber responsive to pressurization and depressurization of the chamber, respectively. The support member also is configured such that it retains a substantially rigid outer perimeter, thereby restricting movement of the chamber's flexible sidewall toward the longitudinal axis when the chamber is depressurized. The support member also is configured such that it does not interfere with the full stroke of the airspring.

Abstract: An improved airspring assembly includes a collapsible support member disposed within the pressurizable chamber of an airspring having a flexible sidewall. The support member is configured such that it extends and collapses along a longitudinal axis of the chamber responsive to pressurization and depressurization of the chamber, respectively. The support member also is configured such that it retains a substantially rigid outer perimeter, thereby restricting movement of the chamber's flexible sidewall toward the longitudinal axis when the chamber is depressurized. The support member also is configured such that it does not interfere with the full stroke of the airspring.

Abstract: An improved airspring assembly includes a collapsible support member disposed within the pressurizable chamber of an airspring having a flexible sidewall. The support member is configured such that it extends and collapses along a longitudinal axis of the chamber responsive to pressurization and depressurization of the chamber, respectively. The support member also is configured such that it retains a substantially rigid outer perimeter, thereby restricting movement of the chamber's flexible sidewall toward the longitudinal axis when the chamber is depressurized. The support member also is configured such that it does not interfere with the full stroke of the airspring.

Abstract: An improved airspring assembly includes a collapsible support member disposed within the pressurizable chamber of an airspring having a flexible sidewall. The support member is configured such that it extends and collapses along a longitudinal axis of the chamber responsive to pressurization and depressurization of the chamber, respectively. The support member also is configured such that it retains a substantially rigid outer perimeter, thereby restricting movement of the chamber's flexible sidewall toward the longitudinal axis when the chamber is depressurized. The support member also is configured such that it does not interfere with the full stroke of the airspring.