Abstract: A vehicle traction mat for helping dislodge a motor vehicle that is stuck in a rut comprises a plurality of hooks and at least one mat having a top surface and a bottom surface. The mat top surface has a plurality of dimples therein. The mat has a plurality of mat connection holes therethrough. The hooks are disposed within the mat connection holes. The hooks are hingedly connected to the mat. The mat is capable of folding while the hooks are disposed within the mat connection holes. A plurality of spikes are connected to the mat bottom surface.

Abstract: A vehicle movement stabilizing device is provided which in effectively functioning braking, acceleration and turning movement during travel of the vehicle by activating the frictional force adding means, reliably controls the start and end of the operation of the frictional force adding means and prevents repetition of unnecessary operations. The vehicle movement stabilizing device is provided with frictional force adding means for increasing the frictional force of the wheels to the road surface by scattering particles and a controller. The controller is structured to start the operation of the frictional force adding means when it detects the operation start conditions based on signals from wheel speed sensors, a hydraulic pressure sensor and a step-in force sensor during braking, and to stop its operation if signals indicating disappearance of the state are detected, thereby preventing repetition of unnecessary operations.

Abstract: A vehicle traction mat for aiding in traction of a vehicle drive tire on ice is provided. The traction mat comprises a sheet of expanded metal of generally rectangular shape and has a plurality of openings formed threrethrough. The sheet is adapted to be wedged between an iced surface and the drive tire along the leading edge of the drive tire and the sheet includes anti-skid projections on opposing surfaces of the sheet to engage the iced surface and the tire. The projections on one surface of the sheet are for penetrating the ice to retain the sheet in a non-sliding relationship with the ice and the projections on the opposite surface are for engagement with the tire providing traction thereto. In addition, a kit is provided having at least two traction mats for use with different degrees of surface conditions.

Abstract: A temporary surface covering with a woven structure formed of warp threads and weft threads and whose weave is such that each warp thread intersects or intertwines with the following weft threads, and a second auxiliary woven structure being superposed having a layer of warp threads and a layer of weft threads, the connection between the two woven structures being carried out in the course of a same weaving operation simultaneously with the overlapping of the structures, so as to constitute between the two structures, from place to place, tubular pockets oriented in the direction of the warp threads or in the direction of the weft threads, the pockets serving for the reception of elements devoted to various uses.

Abstract: Anti-slip floor tiles are provided which are textured with a pattern of spikes. The spikes are preferably pyramidal or conical in shape. The height, angle, and base width of the spikes are important to slip resistance coefficients. Preferred spike dimensions range from about 0.2 to about 3.0 mm in height and from about 0.8 to about 3.0 mm in base width (or diameter). Further, a process for manufacturing an anti-slip floor tile which is textured with a pattern of spikes is provided. The tile is manufactured by pressing a powder on a mold, drying the resulting tile, and then firing the pressed tile at a high temperature. The surface texture is formed by the punch of the mold press which includes spike shaped indentations being the negative of the surface of the tile.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of reducing slippage between a mat having a flexible polymer back surface and a substrate surface contiguous to the back surface, the method comprising applying a liquid comprising an aqueous solution of poly(vinyl acetate) to the back surface and contacting the back surface with the liquid thereon to the substrate surface while the aqueous solution is still wet. The method is especially effective where the mat comprises a flexible polymeric back surface comprising a flexible polymer selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, natural elastomers and synthetic elastomers. The contacting may be performed before the aqueous solution is completely dried. The aqueous solution may be applied directly to the back surface by spraying said aqueous solution onto said surface. The aqueous solution may be applied directly to the substrate surface.

Abstract: A high traction anti-icing road cover system; the system includes a pair of base magnetic covers, for example steel plates or flexible non-porous magnetic layers, disposed in grooves in a road surface, such as a bridge span or deck, along the expected tire tracks followed by vehicles. A road cover is constructed of a lamination of a flexible non-porous magnetic layer, an intermediate thermal insulating layer and a tube layer including a plurality of bonded parallel tubes. The plurality of tubes extend obliquely across the width of each road cover. Most of the tubes contain a substance that collapses upon the temperature falling below about freezing; other tubes remain extended above the collapsed surface, to provide better traction in the event of icing of the road surface. All of the tubes are somewhat deformable by the weight of passing vehicles, which mechanically breaks forming ice. Selected tubes may contain a heating coil, coupled to a switch that controllably applies current thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a temporary road bed include a mat formed from a plurality of planks having a longitudinal dimension and spaced-apart a uniform distance by a spacer. A flexible cable extends through apertures in the planks and spacers for coupling the planks and spacers together. The flexible cable allows the mat to bend and conform to the ground surface and can be rolled and folded upon itself. In one embodiment, the planks include at least one recess in a top face for interlocking with a plank of a second mat. The mats can be coupled together in an end-to-end relation to obtain a desired length or width or in a stacked relation to obtain a desired thickness of the road bed.

Abstract: A dual purpose floor mat for providing a better floor mat for vehicles that will better protect the floor of the vehicle. The dual purpose floor mat includes a mat member having a bottom wall and also having side and end walls securely attached to and extending along a perimeter of the bottom wall with the bottom wall having a first and second portion; and also includes a floor member being attached to the mat member and having a wall and a first and second side; and further includes a plurality of scraping members being spaced apart and being securely attached to the first end portion of the bottom wall and to the first side of the floor member; and also includes fabric covering securely disposed upon the second portion of the bottom wall and upon the second side of the floor member.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-slip device for providing traction for a wheel positioned on a relatively slippery surface. The vehicle anti-slip device includes a frame having a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall integrally coupled together such that the frame generally has a rectangular shape. The first and second walls are located opposite of each other. The frame has a top edge and a bottom edge. The bottom edge of the frame has a plurality of gripping members attached thereto.

Abstract: The load distributing arrangement includes a load distributing member of the type described which is configured to define a running board for a vehicle, and a mounting apparatus for removably mounting the load distributing member in position on the vehicle so that the load distributing member serves as a running board, in use. The load distributing member may be formed of a plurality of steel channel sections attached to one another in a side-by-side relation, and the sides of the channel sections may form reinforcing ribs to inhibit deformation of the of the load distributing member, in use. The steel channel sections may include perforations to inhibit slipping of persons standing on the load distributing member, and to provide purchase for tires of a vehicle, when the load distributing member is used in its application as a sand ladder.

Abstract: A traction enhancing mat allowing a user to get their vehicle unstuck without requiring assistance from an outside source. The traction enhancing mat includes a first panel member that has plurality of upwardly extending ridges such that the ridges are adapted for enhancing traction of the tire of the vehicle in a rut. A second panel is coupled to the first panel such that the second panel is adapted for providing traction to the tire when the tire is out of the rut. A plurality of ground engaging blades is coupled to a bottom of the second panel such that the ground engaging blades are adapted for sinking into a ground surface. The ground engaging blades are adapted for preventing the second panel from being drug under the tire of the vehicle when the vehicle tries to get out of the rut.

Abstract: A moveable track cover is provided for use with a mechanism configured to move along a track. One example of such a mechanism is a pipe racking system used on off-shore oil and gas platforms. One end of the moveable track cover is connected to the pipe racking system mechanism which moves along the track. The other end of the track cover is spooled onto a drum. Rotation of the drum is controlled by a motor which exerts enough force to maintain the track cover in constant tension. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves towards the drum, the motor rotates the drum to roll the track cover onto the drum. When the pipe racking system mechanism moves away from the drum, it pulls the track cover off of the drum. By attaching a track cover to each side of the pipe racking system mechanism, the track along which the pipe racking system mechanism travels is kept covered at all times. The track cover may be constructed of a sheet of stainless steel strengthened by rib assemblies.

Abstract: A Non-Skidding Vehicle Wheel Ramp having a portable vehicle wheel ramp portion coupled to a portable anchor portion by a detachable linkage. The coupling of the portable vehicle wheel ramp portion and the portable anchor portion permits elevating a vehicle in a safe matter and the detachable linkage permits unencumbered access to the vehicle undercarriage.

Abstract: A laminated support mat for supporting and moving draglines and other heavy equipment in muddy, boggy or marshy areas. The laminated support mat includes multiple wooden laminates of typically unequal length and selected width and thickness, which laminates may be fitted with one or more wear mat or pad and are bolted together to define a support mat of desired dimension, the laminates preferably constructed of oak wood for good strength and durability. The laminates may be constructed of scrap wood and conventional cable loops may be provided on each end of the laminated support mat for locating the mat in a desired position. Where the typically rubber wear pad or pads are used, the pads may be mounted on the laminates using a pair of channels that receive the bolts securing the laminates together.

Abstract: A traction device for a wheeled vehicle arranged to be laid on the ground in engagement with a tread portion of a tire to provide a traction grip to the tire. The traction device includes a U-shaped frame and a pair of claws constructed at the ends of the U-shaped frame and arranged to engage into cavities between the tire treads by a lever action on the traction device. The traction device further includes a plurality of transverse braces extending between a pair of longitudinal bars of the U-shaped frame, each transverse brace having a pair of traction cleats extending downwardly to engage with the ground and to elevate the traction device from ground in some measure.

Abstract: There is provided a traction device which is comprised of a mat having a pair of opposed major faces with a plurality of apertures extending between the major faces and a length of chain threaded through the apertures such that successive adjacent segments of the chain lie adjacent opposite major faces. One or more mats may be employed to achieve a desired length with the mats being foldable The traction device is inexpensive to manufacture while being compact.

Abstract: An improved vehicle wheel traction apparatus comprises a plurality of barred traction plates which, when not interconnected, may be stacked together in a compact form for stowage. It includes means for interlocking the plurality of barred plates together to form a single loosely-articulated apparatus which automatically conforms in general profile to the profile of the rut in which the vehicle wheel is confined. The apparatus may be made as long as desired simply by interconnecting more individual plates. Because the combined apparatus rotates at articulated joints to conform to the rut, it is not subject to fracture from the weight of the car or other vehicle.

Abstract: A studded traction assist strip for providing emergency traction in the event of snow or ice conditions resulting in a stuck vehicle. The strip includes a generally flat and thin elongate body formed from a resilient rubber material. The body further includes a road facing surface and a wheel traction surface. The road facing surface including a plurality of metal studs extending therefrom for gripping icy surfaces, and the body further includes a plurality of transverse grooves for gripping when said body is in an extended position and to facilitate forming a compact roll for storage when the traction strip is not in use.

Abstract: A pathway for providing the transit of a wheelchair, including a person therein, over an uneven terrain surface that resists the rolling traction of a wheelchair, comprising a longitudinally extended flexible mat-like pathway configured such that the surface of the pathway is relatively porous with respect to the terrain surface, such as by providing therein a plurality of openings, and is capable of receiving thereon, at opposite side sections thereof, the front and side wheels of each side of a wheelchair. The pathways may be interconnected to pod-like landing sites at recreational locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ground cover mat that protects the terrain from a vehicle or the like. The ground cover mat is manufactured by molding recycled polyethylene plastic into a sheet-like mat, which is inexpensive, relatively light in weight, durable in harsh conditions and easy to cut. The ground cover mat includes a pattern of lugs on its upper and lower surfaces to provide a traction surface for the vehicle and to provide friction between the terrain and the ground cover mat.

Abstract: A reversible underlay device for positioning between a rug and an underlying flooring surface to inhibit movement of the rug relative to the underlying flooring surface. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a relatively resilient, conformable layer adjacent to a relatively firm layer having a plurality of outwardly extending nibs or protrusions. When a rug is placed over carpeting, the underlay may be oriented between the rug and the carpeting such that the nibs penetrate into the carpeting and the relatively resilient, conformable layer is adjacent the underside of the rug. When the rug is placed over a relatively hard flooring surface such as wood, tile or vinyl, the underlay is oriented between the rug and the carpeting such that the nibs penetrate into the back of the rug and the relatively resilient, conformable layer is against the flooring.

Abstract: An anti-skid mat for placement upon a slippery support surface comprising a resilient matrix sheet member having a top surface and a bottom surface. An abrasive structure on the bottom surface of the resilient matrix sheet member is for preventing slippage of the resilient matrix sheet member on the slippery support surface. This forms a safe walkway for a person, when the person steps upon the top surface of the resilient matrix sheet member.

Abstract: The invention consists of a plurality of hinged panels including side rails where the panels on each end are shorter in length than the panels between them. The panel on one end is shorter in length than the panel on the other end. Both end panels are tapered in thickness and in with. The top surface is covered with projects forming rectangular cavities with the top of the long sides higher at the ends than in the mid-section. The bottom surface includes fasteners for removably attaching cleats for gripping slippery surfaces. A variety of cleats are proposed for securing the mat under different conditions. Bracing arms are provided to support the mat in an upright position when it is used as a highway warning marker. The mat is brightly colored for daytime use and the side rails and bracing arms are covered with light reflective material for use during the hours of darkness. The panels are so hinged that one half will fold over the remaining half without interference for storage.

Abstract: A combined traction mat, shovel and utility device which is adapted to be stored inside a vehicle and to be used in a variety of vehicle related emergency situations. The device has a substantially flat and elongated body. The body is divided into a first gripping section located at the rearward end of the body, a second gripping section located at the frontal end of the body and an intermediate section located between the first gripping section and the second gripping section. A corrugated pattern is formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the first and second gripping sections. A central open-top channel extends longitudinally across the body of the device. A handle is formed in the first gripping section by an aperture extending therethrough. The intermediate section forms a relatively elongated and short shaft which can also be used as a handle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for pulling a vehicle free from mud, etc. using a vehicle drive wheel as a windless or winch and employing an elongated flexible strap, a gripper plate mounted on a leading end of the strap and an anchor plate mounted on a trailing end of the strap. The gripper plate is inserted between the tire and its support surface with upstanding teeth of the gripper plate engaging the tire. The drive wheel is then rotated with the vehicle engine to draw the gripper plate around the tire and wrap the trailing strap around the tire. The gripper plate is then secured to the overlapping strap, the anchor plate is anchored at a remote point aligned with the drive wheel and the vehicle is driven towards the anchor point using the strap to pull the vehicle free.

Abstract: A traction mat for vehicles has panels of flexible resilient material interconnected by sets of overlapping links which enable the panels to be folded in a stacked arrangement.Recesses or slots in the upper faces of the panels provide grip for a vehicle's tires and holes in the panel enable the panel to be pushed down through mud to a solid surface.

Abstract: A vehicle recovery aid (10), suitable for use in providing traction and support to a wheeled vehicle is elongate and has two ends. The aid (10) includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced wheel support elements (12) for supporting at least one wheel of the wheeled vehicle. At least some of the support elements (12) are hingedly interconnected to permit the aid (10) to conform to the shape of a surface on which it is laid.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing dirt and rocks from the tires of trucks and other vehicles comprises a number of elongate rigid metal ribs attached in a transverse direction to a rigid metal plate. The longitudinal spacing between the ribs, taken in conjunction with the height of the ribs relative to the upper surface of the mounting plate prevents the peripheral (i.e., the pavement contacting) surface of a tire rolling over the apparatus in a longitudinal direction from contacting the upper surface of the plate so that dirt and rocks, dislodged from the tire by the tire flexing over the ribs, fall to regions of the plate between the ribs and are not picked up by following ones of the vehicle tires as they roll over the apparatus. The plate, which may be about twelve feet long and about eight feet wide, is preferable constructed in two sections, each about six feet long by about eight feet wide to enhance portability. Pins extend through abutting ribs to detachably connect the two plate sections together.

Abstract: A traction mat is provided for use under a wheel of a motor vehicle on a soft sand terrain which consists of a generally rectangular housing having a plurality of spaced apart treads. A pair of wires extend from one end of the housing and are connected to two lug nuts on the wheel. When the wheel is driven slowly the housing will go under the wheel with the threads providing traction.

Abstract: A roadway/platform mat construction is provided for disposition over soft ground. The mat construction includes a rectangular, panel-like mat structure including opposite transverse end margins and opposite side longitudinal margins. The mat construction defines a first rectangular surface and a second rectangular surface facing opposite and paralleling the first surface and including elongated transverse members carried by the opposite ends of the mat structure and projecting outwardly of the second surface thereof. The transverse members are of a length measured longitudinally of the mat construction equal to substantially one-quarter the length of the overall mat structure and the spacing between opposite end members of each mat structure measured longitudinally thereof is equal to substantially one-half the length of the mat structure.

Abstract: A deformable slip-free, anti-skid pad comprising: a bottom surface having a plurality of spikes slightly extending vertically from recessed areas of the bottom surface; and a top surface comprising a resilient material having imbedded therein particles of abrasive materials.

Abstract: A vehicle traction assist device about two feet long that is adapted to be placed at a drive wheel of the vehicle and is stamped from a flat plate of 11 gage cold rolled steel. Apertures are punched out to provide cross bars (30, 32, 34) that are given a 90.degree. twist at each end to provide a central blade portion that engages both the tire tread and the underlying surface.

Abstract: A ribbed traction mat, having a plurality of cup-like cleats on both sides of the mat, will provide increased traction to a vehicle tire stuck in snow, ice, mud, or sand. The mat will provide a gripping surface by seizing both the tire and the ground with the cleats. It will, thereby, provide the necessary traction to free the vehicle.

Abstract: A combined shovel and utility device useful in performing a variety of functions particularly as associated with a vehicle including during emergency situations such as a snow shovel, a large ice scraper, a wheel traction mat, a work mat, an emergency sign or an emergency sled.

Abstract: A duckboard comprising a succession of treads (11) linked so as to rest, in use, in generally parallel non-co-axial corresponding-end-alignment along the ground or other surface on which the board is placed: and characterized by the features, firstly that the board is flexible enough to be rolled end-to-end; secondly, that it is light enough to be relatively portable; and thirdly, that the means (12) linking the treads (11) are resilient enough and/or rigid enough to tend to maintain the parallelism and the end-alignment of the treads (11) in use.

Abstract: A mat for providing traction between a vehicle wheel and a slippery road surface including a planar shaped rubber member providing with integrally molded downwardly extending cleats for engaging the road surface and an upper layer of carpet for frictional engagement by the vehicle wheel. The mat layer includes a retractable handle disposed within a recess formed in the member, the handle extending in a direction transverse to the direction of wheel travel for assisting the user in positioning the mat.

Abstract: An emergency traction device for vehicles which comprises a particulate traction material, such as sand, held together by a suitable binder material, such as sodium silicate, to provide an easily handled and stored article. The article may take the form of a flat, sheetlike, rectangular block, and may have gridlike, briquet sections therein, which can be broken off in one or more sections from the main block for use in lesser quantities. In another embodiment, the article may comprise a discrete briquet. To provide traction for a vehicle stuck on ice or snow, the flat, rectangular block, or the briquet sections, or the discrete briquets are placed in contact with the slipping drive wheel of a stuck vehicle in line with the desired direction of travel. Rotation of the drive wheel tire in contact with the traction device causes the traction device to be ground into traction-producing materials which spread under the drive wheel to improve traction.

Abstract: A traction/sanding device for a wheeled vehicle provides a traction strip attached at one narrow edge to an inflated, breakable container filled with an abrasive substance. The traction strip defines a package wrapping container which protects the container prior to use, preferably in the form of a cardboard box which is unfolded to extend the traction strip. In use, the strip is placed at the intersection of the tire and the road surface, gripper tabs towards the tire. Tire movement, even if spinning, draws the strip under the tire, pulling the container underneath until the weight of the vehicle breaks the container, spilling the abrasive substance on the ground to give an area of improved traction.

Abstract: A grip plate to aid in freeing a vehicle from being stuck on a slippery surface, comprising a flat rectangular iron plate with a lip at one end and an upstanding lug at the other end, with an upward angular portion of the plate between the lug and the main body portion of the plate.

Abstract: A traction device for use in extracting mired dual wheeled vehicles from a mired condition comprising a block assembly having a plurality of tower members for attachment to and between the wheels of the mired vehicle and a plate assembly for operative engagement by a rotating block assembly to move the mired vehicle to a freed location. The tower assemblies can be quickly dismantled to a transportable size, and readily assembled and installed for needed operation.

Abstract: A rollable temporary roadway is composed of individual supporting elements (2) which are articulately connected by hinge-like joints (7), each of which is formed by a bead (5) and the associated recess of a claw (6). The joints (7) are looped by at least one cable (10), with the cable being guided below the joints. A reeling device (20) for rolling up an installed temporary roadway (1) includes a pipe (21), hub members (22) which can be mounted on the pipe, and a cable arrangement (32, 33, 34).

Abstract: The present invention defines methods of forming a non-skid surface on a base member, wherein the base member may consist of a wood, plastic, metal or concrete surface structure. One method includes applying one or more coats or layers of epoxy resin to one surface of a wood base member. After the epoxy resin is set, a first coat of polyurethane is applied thereover at a thickness determined by the size of the grit material that is disseminated in the first coat of polyurethane, whereby the upper portion of the grit is exposed so as to be covered by a second polyurethane coat applied over the first coat of polyurethane, the grit being locked within and between the two coats of polyurethane. An additional method includes the step of affixing a fiber/cement panel to the base member and applying the first polyurethane coat to the surface of the fiber/cement panel, followed thereafter by the grit and the second coat of polyurethane, whereby a non-skid surface is established thereon.

Abstract: A traction mat is disclosed for use under a vehicle wheel to provide traction under conditions such as snow, ice, and the like. The mat includes a generally flat body having cleats which are movable relative to the body between inoperative condition substantially out of engagement with the ground and operative condition in engagement with the ground in response to the vehicle wheel moving over the mat. The cleats are disclosed as individual spike-like members reciprocally mounted within bores in respective elements of the body. The elements are formed in a series of generally parallel rows providing flexibility for the body. The spikes are axially movable relative to the body between inoperative positions and operative positions gripping the ground in response to the vehicle wheel moving over the spikes.

Abstract: A series of U-shaped frames have their web and legs of progressively greater length. A smaller-size frame fits between and is pivoted to the free ends of the legs of the next larger-size frame. When the device is extended, each frame projects outwardly from an adjacent frame. In folded position, each frame nests within the next larger frame. At least some of the frames have ground-engaging teeth and the smaller-size frame has tire-engaging teeth.

Abstract: The present invention defines two methods of forming a non-skid-surfaced wood panel, preferably plywood, which is treated with various coats or layers of epoxy resin, together with a finished surface coat of polyurethane combined with a hard-grit abrasive material evenly spread within the surface coat, so as to provide the non-skid substance that establishes a unique and wear-resistant structure for areas subjected to heavy foot traffic, the invention being particularly suitable for use on decking in marine environments.

Abstract: An anti-skid device for use with a vehicle ground-engaging wheel, and which includes a traction pad for wedging under a vehicle wheel to allow traction thereon upon rotation of a vehicle wheel. A retractor apparatus is adapted to be mounted on the bumper of the vehicle, and it includes a housing in which is rotatably mounted a cable and return spring reel. A cable is coiled around the reel, and it extends through an opening in the housing and is adapted to be attached to a handle on the pad. After the vehicle has moved over the pad and forward a distance equal to the length of the cable, a jerk is imposed on the cable by the forwardly moving vehicle which releases a spring loaded retainer pin that holds the reel in a wound-up position during movement of the wheel over the pad, and permits the reel to move in a reverse direction to retract the cable and move the pad to a position adjacent the retractor apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle traction device adapted to provide a traction base for a drive wheel of an automotive vehicle, comprising in combination, a length of cylindrical pipe stock, metal washers space and fastened at intervals along the length of this pipe stock in surrounding relation thereto, end portions of metal angle stock, the pipe stock intersecting with this angle stock generally at the convex surface centers and with the pipe and angle stock major axes at right angles to one another, these components being welded together so as to constitute a unitized whole.

Abstract: Oil-resistant resilient mats to protect oil field workers from dangerous, high voltage electrical discharge comprise a first oil-resistant flexible resilient elastomer of extremely high dielectric strength which is usable by itself as a mat and also in combination with other oil-resistant elastomers of higher mechanical strength but less dielectric strength at high voltages and with metallic electrically conductive meshes to equalize mechanical and electrical stress across the first elastomer.The combination of metallic mesh and elastomer of high electrical resistance at high voltage provides mechanically strong and oil resistant mats that protect personnel in oil fields against high voltage and surges. The high mechanical strength elastomer layers mechanically protect the conductive wire mesh as well as the first elastomer.

Abstract: An improved traction device for assisting vehicles when stuck in sand, snow, bog, or the like, incorporates a rigid plate having opposed upper and lower gripping ribs and an appended chain structure having transverse angle iron pieces spaced lengthwise thereof.