VEHICLE TRACKING CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Vehicle Tracking Control Systems and Methods are provided. In one embodiment a vehicle sediment tracking control device comprises: a flexible unibody mat that includes a base segment and a plurality of tread deformation stages, the plurality of tread deformation stages extending outward from the base segment to define a tracking control surface of the flexible unibody mat, and wherein each of the plurality deformation stages extend laterally from a first edge of the flexible unibody mat to a second edge of the flexible unibody mat; a plurality of through slats each comprising a void in the base segment of the flexible unibody mat that each penetrate from the tracking control surface through to an opposing back surface of the flexible unibody mat; and a plurality of embedded fastening devices positioned within the back surface of the flexible unibody mat.
Vehicle traffic to and from construction sites has been cited as a significant contributing source of sedimentary pollution in waterways. Construction vehicles collect mud, dirt, sand and other potential pollutants while on the construction site. When these vehicles leave the site, they track these materials with them onto public roads. Then when it rains, the storm runoff carries these materials into lakes, streams and other waterways. Depending of on the size and scope of the construction project, and the requirements of the jurisdiction in which the construction site is located, different permitting may apply to ensure that applicable clean water regulations and statutes are satisfied. The construction industry in the United States has established Best Management Practices (BMPs) which, among other things, provides guidance to construction contractors as to how they can establish controls at their worksites that will satisfy the requirements set forth by permitting agencies.
One of relevant requirements set forth by the BMPs is for construction sites to establish clearly defined vehicle ingress and egress locations and to install Vehicle Tracking Control (VTC) measures at these locations. That is, these VTC measures must control the tracking of sedimentary material by vehicles from the construction site. On nearly all construction sites, the VTC measure typically used at ingress and egress locations is the temporary rock vehicle tracking pad (VTP), which comprises a temporary pad of rock material. The effectiveness of a rock VTP will depend on the size and type of rock used, the length and depth of the pad, as well as how well it is maintained. After repeated use, the rock material can become covered in mud reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, rock VTPs will typically need to be refreshed. Further, heavy vehicles tend to push the rock material into the ground and force mud to the surface. An initial nine inch deep rock pad may become over six feet deep over the course of a project due to rock added to refresh the pad.
Once construction is done, the site of the pad must be stabilized. In some cases, the site may be covered with hardscape such as with concrete or asphalt. But in other cases, the site may need to be landscaped such as with trees, mulch, bark, flowers, sod or natural grasses or other types of vegetation. For the latter, at least some depth of the rock VTP must be removed and top soil brought in to support and enable proper growth of the plant life. Further, to close out the construction permit and receive a passing final inspection of the site, a minimum density uniform coverage of established restored vegetation is required by the permitting agency. Thus, even for just a short duration construction project of only a few days, the task of restoring vegetation after removal of the rock VTP may take a year or longer and require periodic re-inspection of the site. Restoration after removal of the rock VTP may be one of the more significant costs associated with stormwater management of a project.
For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the specification, there is a need in the art for improved systems and methods for vehicle tracking control.
SUMMARYThe Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for vehicle tracking control and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.
In one embodiment, a vehicle sediment tracking control device comprises: a flexible unibody mat that includes a base segment and a plurality of tread deformation stages, the plurality of tread deformation stages extending outward from the base segment to define a tracking control surface of the flexible unibody mat, and wherein each of the plurality deformation stages extend laterally from a first edge of the flexible unibody mat to a second edge of the flexible unibody mat; a plurality of through slats each comprising a void in the base segment of the flexible unibody mat that each penetrate from the tracking control surface through to an opposing back surface of the flexible unibody mat; and a plurality of embedded fastening devices positioned within the back surface of the flexible unibody mat.
Embodiments of the present invention can be more easily understood and further advantages and uses thereof more readily apparent, when considered in view of the description of the preferred embodiments and the following figures in which:
In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughout figures and text.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONIn the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of specific illustrative embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Embodiments of the present invention provide vehicle tracking control (VTC) measures that are less destructive, easier to implement, and are re-usable. More specifically, embodiments for a reusable vehicle tracking pad (VTP) are disclosed. Using various different embodiments, a VTP may be implemented at a construction site using one or more flexible tracking devices as described herein. Where a plurality of flexible tracking devices are used, they are laid out in sections which may be secured to each other or into the ground. Vehicle weight is distributed across the device, in contrast to the vehicle weight being borne entirely in a concentrated area by a handful of rocks. Therefore, there is little settling or burying of the device into the ground, even after repeated use. If settling does occur due to prolonged repeated use, the flexible tracking device may simply be pulled up from the ground and repositioned. As explained in greater detail below, embodiments of the flexible tracking devices described herein may also aid in the post construction stabilization of the pad site because a significant portion of surface vegetation and root structure of pre-existing plants and grasses over which the flexible tracking device is applied is not disturbed. Once construction is completed, the flexible tracking devices are simply lifted up and out. It should be noted that the term “vehicle tires” and “treads” are used throughout this disclosure in a generic sense so that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover tracking control for vehicles having round tires (such as trucks and cars) as well as vehicles that convey themselves on continuous belt type tracks (such as bulldozers).
As shown in
It should be appreciated that either case, tread deformation will occur to achieve the desired result of releasing sediment from the treads onto the base segment 112 and eventually into the through slats 125. In alternate implementations, spacing between the deformations stages 115 can be selected based on the expected vehicle traffic that the device 100 will be used with. For example, the deformations stages 115 may be spaced so that the tires of a smaller vehicle (using 13 inch tires for example) do not bottom out through the slats 125 as it drives between stages 115.
In some embodiments, one more of the step-up elements may comprise deformation stages 115 that have a non-symmetrical cross-sectional profile such step-up element 320 shown in
Referring back to
The flexible unibody mat 110 portion of flexible tracking device 100 is fabricated from a flexible material such as a rubber or urethane that allows device 100 to flex to approximately follow the contour of the terrain on top of which it is deployed. Whereas a ridged structure might need to be installed over a pre-leveled area or have aggregate placed to prevent rocking or structural twisting of device 100 as it is traversed by a vehicle, the flexible material of the flexible unibody mat 110 substantially avoids this result while still functioning to release sedimentary material from the vehicle's treads. For example, in alternate implementations, flexible unibody mat 110 is fabricated from a urethane having an 85 A or 95 A shore strength. The shore strength rating indicates the relative material stiffness or hardness of the resulting material with the higher the shore rating, the harder the resulting material. Embodiments fabricated from 85 A or 95 A urethane (or other materials with similar flexibility) will also allow the device 100 to twist, flex and fold when picked up or moved, presenting the added benefit of breaking up and releasing dried and/or caked-on sediments and mud.
In some embodiments, flexible unibody mat 110 may further comprise lifting aids 160 that facilitate lifting, installing, relocating and removing device 100, as illustrated in
Similarly, as illustrated previously in
It should be appreciated that, anchor cleats and other accessories of differing sizes, shaped and materials (for example, such as a combination of anchor cleats 520, 540 and/or shims 560) may be installed across the back side surface 126 in any desired pattern or combination to accommodate non-uniform terrain conditions at the installation site. For example, when installed over an area that is partially rocky and partially loose sand, dirt or soil, can configure the back side surface 126 with different accessories arranged and positioned to best anchor the device 100 to the terrain conditions. Shims that may be strategically installed to raise portions of the device 100 to accommodate immovable obstructions (e.g. rocks, tree roots) or better support the device 100 over depressions in the terrain.
For some embodiments of flexible tracking device 100, such as where the unibody mat 110 is fabricated using a urethane (e.g. a 85 A or 95 A urethane) poured into a mold, when the cured material is removed from the mold, the surfaces of the deformations stages 115 may be slightly slick, but these surfaces will break-in after repeated use to develop a higher friction texture on the surfaces. In some embodiments, such as shown in
The method begins at 810 with deploying a vehicle tracking control (VTC) device at an access point, wherein the VTC device comprises a flexible unibody mat which includes a base segment and a plurality of tread deformation stages defining a tracking control surface, one or more through slats are positioned between neighboring tread deformation stages. In some embodiments, each of the tread deformation stages laterally run a width of the unibody molded mat extending from a first edge of the base segment to an opposing second edge of the base segment and extending upward from the base segment to define the tracking control surface. Neighboring tread deformations stages are separated with through slats that can expose regions of the ground over which the VTC device is deployed. The plurality of tread deformation stages may run parallel or approximately parallel with respect to each other. In some implementations, one or more of the tread deformation stages may further define step-up elements as described with respect to
In alternate embodiments, the VTC device used to implement method 800 may comprise any of the flexible tracking devices described herein and may be fitted with any combination of the back side surface or lifting features described above. As such, in some implementations, deploying the VTC device at 810 may further include installing or otherwise utilizing one or more aids installed within the flexible unibody mat, including embedded fasteners, cables, or other hardware as discussed above. Further, in dome implantations of method 800, deploying the VTC device at 810 may further include installing one or more of a plurality of different accessories to the back side surface of the mat for anchoring the VTC device in place or for other purposes. In such embodiments, the accessories may be installed into embedded fastening devices provided in the back side surface of the mat. It should be appreciated that accessories such as anchor cleats, shims, and other accessories of differing sizes, shaped and materials (for example, such as a combination of anchor cleats 520, 540 and/or shims 560) may be installed across the back side surface as part of deploying the VTC device in any desired pattern or combination to accommodate terrain conditions at the installation site. For example, when installed over an area that is partially rocky and partially loose sand, dirt or soil, can configure the back side surface with different accessories arranged and positioned to best anchor the VTC device to the terrain conditions.
The method 800 proceeds to 820 with removing sedimentary particles from vehicle treads while a vehicle is driving over the tracking control surface of the VTC device. Removing sedimentary particles may comprise deforming the vehicle treads with one or more of the tread deformations stages and/or rumbling the vehicle. When a vehicle drives over one of the deformations stages, the weight of the vehicle causes the deformation stages to deform the treads of the vehicle tire thereby loosening sediment embedded in the treads. In addition, crossing multiple deformation stages rumbles the vehicle causing sediment to fall off the not only the tires of the vehicle but the frame, body and other components of the vehicle. The through slats allow removed sedimentary particles to fall beneath the VTC device and may further serve to allow natural vegetation to continue to survive in the region where the VTC device has been deployed. Water and sunlight can continue to reach the underlying vegetation, and air circulation and heat dissipation can continue to take place through the slats. Even where the vegetation may begin to die off, the root structure remains in place and has a strong potential to revive once the mat is lifted.
The method may then optionally proceed to 830 with lifting the VTC device from the access point. As with deploying in block 810, lifting at block 830 may include installing or otherwise utilizing one or more aids installed within the flexible unibody mat, including embedded fasteners, cables, or other hardware as discussed above. As mentioned above, the flexible nature of VTC device will allow it to twist, flex and fold to release dried and/or caked-on sediments and mud when lifted, allowing these materials to fall to the ground through the slats. As such block 830 may be performed to completely remove the device from the premises, or just for cleaning purposes. When a project is completed, the VTC device may be simply lifted up and onto a vehicle for removal from the project site. Further digging or disturbance of the underlying ground, living vegetation, or vegetation root structures is thus avoided.
EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTSExample 1 includes a vehicle sediment tracking control device, the device comprising: a flexible unibody mat that includes a base segment and a plurality of tread deformation stages, the plurality of tread deformation stages extending outward from the base segment to define a tracking control surface of the flexible unibody mat, and wherein each of the plurality deformation stages extend laterally from a first edge of the flexible unibody mat to a second edge of the flexible unibody mat; a plurality of through slats each comprising a void in the base segment of the flexible unibody mat that each penetrate from the tracking control surface through to an opposing back surface of the flexible unibody mat; and a plurality of embedded fastening devices positioned within the back surface of the flexible unibody mat.
Example 2 includes the device of examples 1, wherein a first tread deformation stage of the plurality of tread deformation stages comprises: a plateau region; a first ramping surface extending upward from the base segment to a first edge of the plateau edge; and a second ramping surface extending upward form the base segment to an opposing second edge of the plateau.
Example 3 includes the device of any of examples 1-2, wherein each of the plurality of tread deformation stages are separated from each other by a region of the base segment that includes at least one of the plurality of through slats.
Example 4 includes the device of any of examples 1-3, further comprising: at least one anchor cleat coupled to the back surface of the flexibly unibody mat via the plurality of embedded fastening devices.
Example 5 includes the device of example 4, wherein the at least one anchor cleat comprises a spike adapted to couple to at least one of the embedded fastening devices.
Example 6 includes the device of any of examples 1-5, further comprising a plurality of anchor cleats coupled to the back surface of the flexibly unibody mat via the plurality of embedded fastening devices, wherein at least a first of the anchor cleats is different in either shape or material than a second of the anchor cleats.
Example 7 includes the device of any of examples 1-6, further comprising at least one shim device coupled to the back surface of the flexibly unibody via the plurality of embodied fastening devices.
Example 8 includes the device of any of examples 1-7, wherein the plurality of tread deformation stages are uniformly distributed longitudinally across the flexible unibody mat from a first end to a second end.
Example 9 includes the device of any of examples 1-8, further comprising at least one step-up feature comprising two or more of the plurality of deformation stages, wherein a first deformation stage of the step-up feature and a neighboring second deformation stage of the step-up feature are varied in height.
Example 10 includes the device of any of examples 1-9, wherein each of plurality of through slats are positioned between neighboring tread deformation stages.
Example 11 includes the device of any of examples 1-10, wherein two or more of the plurality of through slats are positioned between each of plurality of tread deformation stages.
Example 12 includes the device of any of examples 1-11, wherein the flexible unibody mat is fabricated from a urethane material.
Example 13 includes the device of any of examples 1-12, wherein a first tread deformation stage of the plurality of tread deformation stages comprises an embedded lifting aid at the first edge and second edge of the flexibly unibody mat.
Example 14 includes the device of example 13, wherein the embedded lifting aid comprises a cable extending out from the first edge and second edge of the flexibly unibody mat.
Example 15 includes the device of example 14, wherein the cable forms a loop.
Example 16 includes the device of any of examples 14-15, wherein a portion of the cable is embedded within the flexible unibody mat.
Example 17 includes the device of any of examples 14-16, wherein the lifting aid comprises a hollow sleeve extending from the first edge of the unibody mat to the second edge of the unibody mat, and wherein the cable is threaded through the sleeve.
Example 18 includes the device of any of examples 13-17, wherein the lifting aid comprises a first fastening device embedded within the first edge of the unibody mat and a second fastening device embedded within the second edge of the unibody mat.
Example 19 includes the device of example 18, the lifting aid further comprising lifting hardware secured to the unibody mat by the first fastening device and the second fastening device.
Example 20 includes the device of any of examples 1-19, wherein the tracking control surface includes a texture molded into the plurality of tread deformation stages.
Example 21 includes the device of any of examples 1-20, further comprising a friction enhancing grit material embedded into the plurality of tread deformation stages.
Example 22 includes a method for mitigating vehicular tracking of sediment, the method comprising: deploying a vehicle tracking control (VTC) device at an access point, wherein the VTC device comprises a flexible unibody mat which includes a base segment and a plurality of tread deformation stages defining a tracking control surface, one or more through slats are positioned between neighboring tread deformation stages; and removing sedimentary particles from vehicle treads while a vehicle is driving over the tracking control surface of the VTC device, wherein removing sedimentary particles comprises deforming the vehicle treads with one or more of the tread deformations stages.
Example 23 includes the method of example 22, wherein removing sedimentary particles further comprises rumbling the vehicle.
Example 24 includes the method of any of examples 22-23, wherein a first tread deformation stage of the plurality of tread deformation stages comprises: a plateau region; a first ramping surface extending upward from the base segment to a first edge of the plateau edge; and a second ramping surface extending upward form the base segment to an opposing second edge of the plateau.
Example 25 includes the method of any of examples 22-24, wherein each of the plurality of tread deformation stages are separated from each other by a region of the base segment that includes at least one of the plurality of through slats.
Example 26 includes the method of any of examples 22-25, further comprising: lifting the VTC device from the access point.
Example 27 includes the method of any of examples 22-26, wherein deploying further comprises: utilizing at least one lifting aid embedded within the flexible unibody mat, lifting the VTC device from the access point.
Example 28 includes the method of example 27 wherein the at least one lifting aid is embedded within a first tread deformation stage of the flexible unibody mat.
Example 29 includes the method of examples 22-28, wherein deploying further comprises: installing at least one anchor cleat to the back surface of the flexible unibody mat via the plurality of embedded fastening devices.
Example 30 includes the method of any of examples 22-29, wherein deploying further comprises: installing at least on shim to the back surface of the flexibly unibody mat via the plurality of embedded fastening devices.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A vehicle sediment tracking control device, the device comprising:
- a flexible unibody mat that includes a base segment and a plurality of tread deformation stages, the plurality of tread deformation stages extending outward from the base segment to define a tracking control surface of the flexible unibody mat, and wherein each of the plurality deformation stages extend laterally from a first edge of the flexible unibody mat to a second edge of the flexible unibody mat;
- a plurality of through slats each comprising a void in the base segment of the flexible unibody mat that each penetrate from the tracking control surface through to an opposing back surface of the flexible unibody mat; and
- a plurality of embedded fastening devices positioned within the back surface of the flexible unibody mat.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein a first tread deformation stage of the plurality of tread deformation stages comprises:
- a plateau region;
- a first ramping surface extending upward from the base segment to a first edge of the plateau edge; and
- a second ramping surface extending upward form the base segment to an opposing second edge of the plateau.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tread deformation stages are separated from each other by a region of the base segment that includes at least one of the plurality of through slats.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
- at least one anchor cleat coupled to the back surface of the flexibly unibody mat via the plurality of embedded fastening devices.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least one anchor cleat comprises a spike adapted to couple to at least one of the embedded fastening devices.
6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of anchor cleats coupled to the back surface of the flexibly unibody mat via the plurality of embedded fastening devices, wherein at least a first of the anchor cleats is different in either shape or material than a second of the anchor cleats.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one shim device coupled to the back surface of the flexibly unibody via the plurality of embodied fastening devices.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tread deformation stages are uniformly distributed longitudinally across the flexible unibody mat from a first end to a second end.
9. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one step-up feature comprising two or more of the plurality of deformation stages, wherein a first deformation stage of the step-up feature and a neighboring second deformation stage of the step-up feature are varied in height.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein each of plurality of through slats are positioned between neighboring tread deformation stages.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein two or more of the plurality of through slats are positioned between each of plurality of tread deformation stages.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the flexible unibody mat is fabricated from a urethane material.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein a first tread deformation stage of the plurality of tread deformation stages comprises an embedded lifting aid at the first edge and second edge of the flexibly unibody mat.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the embedded lifting aid comprises a cable extending out from the first edge and second edge of the flexibly unibody mat.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the cable forms a loop.
16. The device of claim 14, wherein a portion of the cable is embedded within the flexible unibody mat.
17. The device of claim 14, wherein the lifting aid comprises a hollow sleeve extending from the first edge of the unibody mat to the second edge of the unibody mat, and wherein the cable is threaded through the sleeve.
18. The device of claim 13, wherein the lifting aid comprises a first fastening device embedded within the first edge of the unibody mat and a second fastening device embedded within the second edge of the unibody mat.
19. The device of claim 18, the lifting aid further comprising lifting hardware secured to the unibody mat by the first fastening device and the second fastening device.
20. The device of claim 1, wherein the tracking control surface includes a texture molded into the plurality of tread deformation stages.
21. The device of claim 1, further comprising a friction enhancing grit material embedded into the plurality of tread deformation stages.
22. A method for mitigating vehicular tracking of sediment, the method comprising:
- deploying a vehicle tracking control (VTC) device at an access point, wherein the VTC device comprises a flexible unibody mat which includes a base segment and a plurality of tread deformation stages defining a tracking control surface, one or more through slats are positioned between neighboring tread deformation stages; and
- removing sedimentary particles from vehicle treads while a vehicle is driving over the tracking control surface of the VTC device, wherein removing sedimentary particles comprises deforming the vehicle treads with one or more of the tread deformations stages.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein removing sedimentary particles further comprises rumbling the vehicle.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein a first tread deformation stage of the plurality of tread deformation stages comprises:
- a plateau region;
- a first ramping surface extending upward from the base segment to a first edge of the plateau edge; and
- a second ramping surface extending upward form the base segment to an opposing second edge of the plateau.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality of tread deformation stages are separated from each other by a region of the base segment that includes at least one of the plurality of through slats.
26. The method of claim 22, further comprising:
- lifting the VTC device from the access point.
27. The method of claim 22, wherein deploying further comprises:
- utilizing at least one lifting aid embedded within the flexible unibody mat, lifting the VTC device from the access point.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the at least one lifting aid is embedded within a first tread deformation stage of the flexible unibody mat.
29. The method of claim 22, wherein deploying further comprises:
- installing at least one anchor cleat to the back surface of the flexible unibody mat via the plurality of embedded fastening devices.
30. The method of claim 22 wherein deploying further comprises:
- installing at least on shim to the back surface of the flexibly unibody mat via the plurality of embedded fastening devices.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 21, 2016
Publication Date: Jul 27, 2017
Inventor: Daniel G. Watkins (Watkins, CO)
Application Number: 15/003,591