Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure including a plurality of mats, each mat including a substantially fixed matrix of spaced tubular rings. The mats are vertically stacked such that the tubular rings are co-extensive and form a matrix of tubular columns. Materials may be poured into the columns and into the void region between the columns, and geotextile or geomembrane-type fabric may wrap the mats and materials to form a block. The blocks may be arranged in one or more horizontal layers, and may be stacked and staggered with respect to blocks in a lower layer. A method of installing the structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure including a plurality of mats, each mat including a substantially fixed matrix of spaced tubular rings. The mats are vertically stacked such that the tubular rings are co-extensive and form a matrix of tubular columns. Materials may be poured into the columns and into the void region between the columns, and geotextile or geomembrane-type fabric may wrap the mats and materials to form a block. The blocks may be arranged in one or more horizontal layers, and may be stacked and staggered with respect to blocks in a lower layer. A method of installing the structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for applying a liquid, such as a deicing liquid, to a surface material, such as soil, sand, gravel, concrete, and asphalt. The system includes a mat possessing an array of upstanding tubular members and a pipe system maintained in the interstitial regions between the tubular members. In addition, a series of ports or nozzles may extend upwardly from the pipe such that the liquid drips or is sprayed on the surface of the material.

Abstract: Tubular segments may be nestably interconnected, with the lower end of one tubular segment compressively inserted into the upper end of another tubular segment. A mat formed of such tubular members, and a fluid storage system formed of a plurality of such vertically stacked mats, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mat for stabilizing particulate materials includes a planar quadrilateral grid formed by a plurality of intersecting struts. A reinforcement zone strengthens each of the strut intersections. Upstanding cylindrical tubular members are disposed on the grid in a rectangular array such that the central longitudinal axis of each of the tubular members extends through a strut intersection. Longitudinal ribs are formed on an interior cylindrical sidewall of each of the tubular members and are disposed such that each of the ribs perpendicularly intersects a strut adjacent a bottom end of the tubular member. Sockets are spaced uniformly along two adjacent sides of the mat, with each socket secured between two of the tubular members by a pair of struts. Pins are spaced along the other two adjacent sides of the mat, opposite the sockets, with each pin also secured between two of the tubular members by a pair of struts.

Abstract: A method of paving and resurfacing, with paving materials consisting of a matrix of particulate materials and a binder, utilizes a mat including a fabric layer with a plurality of rigid, upstanding tubular members spaced in a uniform array of staggered rows. When asphalt paving materials are employed, a conventional base layer is first coated by an asphaltic binder material. The mat is then spread over the binder material. A top layer of asphaltic paving material is applied over the mat, to a level above the tubular members. The top layer is then compacted within and around the tubular members. The mat may be applied selectively in only high volume traffic lane portions to minimize paving costs. The mat inhibits subsequent migration of the asphalt due to high temperatures and heavy loading.

Abstract: An irrigation head support includes a circular mat formed by a plurality of concentric circular ribs connected by a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending ribs. Interstitial spaces formed between the intersecting ribs allow passage of plant roots through the mat to stabilize the mat in a selected position, just buried beneath the ground surface. A central circular aperture in the mat is dimensioned for reception of an irrigation head. A plurality of arcuate upstanding struts are spaced circumferentially about the periphery of the circular mat and have a vertical extent above the mat equal to the vertical extent of the support ribs above the mat. In use, the mat is placed around an irrigation head and covered with a filler material such as earth or sod. Grass roots subsequently grow through the interstitial spaces in the mat to secure the mat permanently in place.

Abstract: A pillow adapted for use as a soil filtration and water drainage device. The pillow includes a plurality of substantially oblong, rounded, noncompressible, noncollapsible, water resistant, non-biodegradable, and nonflammable pellets. The pellets are normally about one-half inch to two inches long. The pellets are enclosed by an outer, flexible membrane permeable to water, but impermeable to soil. Thus, water, but not soil, may pass through the membrane and around the pellets. The pillow is deformable, yet sturdy and readily adapts to the shape of the surrounding soil and other materials. Moreover, the pillow is lightweight and inexpensive.

Abstract: A mat for providing a stabilized surface on sand or other loose soil and adapted to support a person stationed thereon, such as a person in a wheelchair. The mat includes a skeletal layer fashioned in the form of a grid, which is stiff and inflexible, except that it may be rolled-up. The skeletal layer is adhesively sandwiched between two blankets geotextile fabrics which remain relatively cool when exposed to sunshine. The mat also includes a plurality of spaced tubular rings, each having a tubular end glued to one of the geotextile blankets. A method of fabricating the mat is also disclosed.