Abstract: A method of constructing a temporary vehicle parking lot (10) on a land area (12) comprises the steps of: providing a composite drainage material (20) through which water drains; and covering the land area (12) with the composite drainage material (20) so that the land area is underneath the composite drainage material. The composite drainage material (20) comprises a polymeric open mesh core (22) between first and second layers (24 and 26) of a non-woven geo-textile fabric. One (24) of the first and second layers contacts the land area (12). The other (26) of the first and second layers faces away from the land area (12) and provides a surface (50) on which vehicles may be parked. The composite drainage material (20) directs water which contacts the other layer (26) through the first and second layers (24 and 26), through the polymeric core (22) between the layers, and into the land area (12) covered by the composite drainage material (20).

Abstract: A temporary ramp having a plurality of segments coupled together by way of interlocking mating shapes located along the edges of adjacent ramp segments. Hinges couple adjacent ramp segments together. Fastener openings defined in the ramp segments allow a fastener to be fixed with the underlying roadway to help secure the ramp segment in position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a synthetic asphalt comprising a synthetic bitumen mixed with filler and aggregate. Pigments may be added to the synthetic asphalt so as to produce a wide range of differently-colored surfacing materials. The synthetic asphalt may be applied hot and embossed with a groove pattern so as to simulate a block paved surface.

Abstract: A protective mat for the pavement area surrounding an open manhole comprises a bottom layer of petroleum and contamination impervious preferably polyethylene sheet material laminated to an upper fibrous mat sheet layer preferably comprising cotton fibers bonded together to form a porous liquid absorbent layer.

Abstract: A landscaping tile for stabilizing hillsides is disclosed. The landscaping tile includes a top surface which is textured to simulate a bed of gravel, river rocks, or the like. The landscaping tile is flexible and conforms to the topography of the land. The landscaping tile is secured to the ground using a plurality of stakes. The stakes may be driven through preformed holes defined directly in the tile, or through a border frame which overlaps the tile.

Abstract: A kit is provided for assembling a closed-loop toy simulation of a roadway comprising at least four curved road segments and at least two straight road segments, each road segment having an upper non-skid surface and at least one marking on such surface that simulates roadway lane markings. A method is provided for constructing a closed-loop toy roadway of a desired shape and length. The method comprises positioning two road segments so they are in substantial longitudinal alignment, connecting the adjacent road segments together by engaging a plurality of loops on one segment with a plurality of hooks on an adjacent segment, and repeating such steps until the desired closed-loop play roadway has been configured. Also provided is a segment for constructing a closed-loop play roadway having a desired shape and length and having on its non-skid upper surface at least one marking that simulates a roadway marking.

Abstract: A mat comprising shorter and longer lengths of tread portions cut from recycled tires and strung on cable is specially devised for protecting small-scale ground level ecosystems from destruction by crawler track propelled heavy equipment. To prevent earth and vegetation from being ripped up when the mat is removed after being pressed into the ground by equipment operated atop it, stiffened permanent airways, rectangular in plan view, are systematically distributed throughout the main central portion of the `hoe-chucking` mat, called such by virtue of boom-mounting excavators called `hoes`, which are forbidden (by regulations) entry to certain environmentally sensitive areas unless accompanied by mats to crawl on. The same mat can be swung through the air to knock branches off trees, but cannot be used as a blasting mat, though the service duty conditions endured in the company of hoes are comparably severe.

Abstract: On a roadbed layer (4) is formed a cushion layer (5) of 50 mm to 200 mm in thickness which is formed by using elastic chips alone or in mixture with sand, each elastic chip being formed of elastic material and having a size of 7 mm to 0.05 mm, preferably 2 mm to 0.5 mm and a specific gravity of 1.8 to 3.5. The cushion layer (5) contains elastic chips of 3 wt % or more. The elastic chips are formed by mixing a material selected from the group consisting of synthetic rubber, natural rubber and synthetic resin with a specific gravity adjusting material of inorganic powder having a specific gravity of 3 or more.

Abstract: A cushioning pad or mat for protecting a rig surface or alternatively, an article placed on the pad wherein the mat is made of elements which are laminated construction with a base layer of neoprene, or similar materials, and the elements are connected with channels and the top of the elements are connected to the base of the elements using between 2 and 32 rib members, which can be rivets and a method of making such a cushioning pad.

Abstract: A pavement mat to be used in the construction of temporary roadways comprising a plurality of vehicle tire segments tightly compressed and bound between preceding and succeeding stabilizer members. Each of the stabilizer members has an end plate and a plurality of tie rods that extend perpendicularly outward from its surface. The end plates also have rod holes to receive the tie rods the next succeeding stabilizer member. The preceding and succeeding stabilizer members are held in place by bolts or other means. When the vehicle tires are compressed together between the stabilizer members they are penetrated by the tie rods of its preceding stabilizer member. These tie rods stitch the tires together and keeps the tires tightly compressed together between the stabilizer members. A cap plate stabilizer member, without tie rods, is for use as the last of the succeeding stabilizer members, the cap plate has holes for receiving each of the tie rods of its immediately preceding stabilizer member.

Abstract: A solid state porous rubber overlayment friction course is formed from recycled rubber, plastic and/or other products, and facilitates drainage of standing water from the road surface. The overlayment may have holes running through its surface to expedite water drainage, and also may have grooves on its undersurface.

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: A floor covering, in particular for sport fields, based on elastic plastics, has a substantially flat top side on which one can walk and a bottom side spaced apart therefrom. The covering has an anisotropic elasticity in the desired running direction, so that it dampens more strongly the impact of a shoe of a runner running on the top side in the desired direction than the impact of the shoe of a runner running on the top side in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A road surface formed by laying a multiplicity of molded elastic plates 2 each containing a rubber material 6 mixed with an aggregate 7 having anti-wear properties. These elastic plates 2 are laid on a roadbed 3, and are fixed by fixing means 20. Strong adhesive force between this rubber material and the aggregate greatly suppresses peeling of the aggregate 7 from the rubber 6 and prevent formation of pit holes on the surface of the road. The highly elastic nature of the elastic plates prevents plastic deformation and cracks of the road due to vehicle load, suffer little change with temperature variation, providing long-term durability. Accordingly, the frequency of repairs or modifications carried out to improve durability is drastically reduced, and the number of defects is reduced so that the safety of vehicles using the road is increased.

Abstract: An artificial surface having at least one compartment with a filler therein has the filler held in position by a vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an underlayment composition for an artificial playing surface comprised of a butadiene rubber, such as polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene that is commercially available as recycled polycord tires that have been granulized. An inorganic-base moisture-retaining agent such as vermiculite or perlite is also included in the composition in addition to a binder comprised of a mixture of isocyanate polyurethane and an inorganic acid. The present invention also provides a method of making the present composition. The method comprises the steps of mixing thoroughly granulized particles of butadiene rubber in a mixing container, mixing an inorganic-based moisture-retaining component with the butadiene rubber, mixing an acid having a pH .ltoreq.3 with the butadiene rubber and the inorganic-based moisture-retaining component, and mixing an isocyanate polyurethane with the butadiene rubber, the inorganic-based moisture-retaining component and the acid.

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: An improved surface covering includes a base having a plurality of receiving grooves on one side and a plurality of working grooves on the other side. Each receiving groove includes gripping projections and is constructed to receive and grip a filler material. To assemble the surface material, the base material is flexed so that the size of the receiving grooves is enlarged thereby making insertion of the filler material easy.

Abstract: A method of laying a bitumastic simulated paved surface includes spreading a layer of hot bitumastic material on a foundation layer, the bitumastic material including a thermoplastic rubber copolymer material, filler and reinforcing fibres, allowing the bitumastic material to cool and set, heating the surface of the bitumastic material to soften it for moulding purposes, and imprinting the softened surface with a pattern of grooves to provide simulated gaps between simulated slabs of paving. A layer of bitumastic material has a simulated paved surface, including bitumen, hydrocarbon resin, block copolymer rubber, fillers and reinforcing fibre material, and a groove pattern is impressed into the upper surface of the layer in a pattern to simulate the joints in a paved surface. A road speed control hump of material, includes a hump of material applied to the road, the material including a mixture having rubber chips bound together with a bituminous binder, and a layer applied to the surface of the hump.

Abstract: A play area surface treatment is provided comprising, from top to bottom: a layer of polymeric mesh, a layer of landscape separator, six inches of ground rubber buffing, a second layer of landscape separator, and six inches of pea gravel as a base material. Additionally, a protective edging is provided which is attached to the top layer of nylon woven mesh and provides a protective edging surrounding the play area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an underlayment composition for an artificial playing surface comprised of a butadiene rubber, such as polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene that is commercially available as recycled polycord tires that have been granulized. An inorganic-base moisture-retaining agent such as vermiculite or perlite is also included in the composition in addition to a binder comprised of a mixture of isocyanate polyurethane and an inorganic acid. The present invention also provides a method of making the present composition. The method comprises the steps of mixing thoroughly granulized particles of butadiene rubber in a mixing container, mixing an inorganic-based moisture-retaining component with the butadiene rubber, mixing an acid having a pH.ltoreq.3 with the butadiene rubber and the inorganic-based moisture-retaining component, and mixing an isocyanate polyurethane with the butadiene rubber, the inorganic-based moisture-retaining component and the acid.

Abstract: A roadway surface for private driveways, rural roads and farm lanes or other light traffic surfaces is made from recycled asphalt roofing shingles in pieces, preferably elongated strips, that overlie one another to form a cushioning mat. The roadway surface has a base layer of crushed aggregate such as paving stone, gravel or dirt, over which is a middle layer of shredded or particulated asphalt roofing shingle waste materials, such as reclaimed used asphalt roofing shingles and optionally new shingle tabs or other shingle production waste. The binding characteristics of the shingle pieces can be enhanced by adding a petroleum distillate such as asphalt, bitumen, paraffin, or tar. A top dressing layer of crushed aggregate such as paving stone or gravel protects and isolates the cushioning mat of shingle pieces. Each layer can be applied using conventional roadway grading equipment, preferably in layers of about one to two inches thick.

Abstract: Assemblies of resilient moldings are used as track crossings. A molding has a rubber surface layer which is bonded to a body formed from scrap rubber. In forming the molding, granular vulcanized rubber is mixed with a binder including crude rubber and a vulcanizing agent. The mixture is placed in a mold together with a crude rubber layer which also includes a vulcanizing agent. The molding is formed upon vulcanizing under heat and pressure.

Abstract: A rubber tire recycling process comprises the steps of granulating black rubber tire side walls and treads and granulating white rubber tire side walls to form coarse rubber crumbs, mixing the coarse rubber crumbs with fine clay particles to form a closely packed mixture, thoroughly wetting the surfaces of the coarse particles with a uncured EPDM rubber to provide a fluid, casting the fluid into a sheet-like configuration, and curing the sheet-like configuration under sufficient heat and for a sufficient time to provide an environmentally compatible paver for outdoor or indoor surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiber-reinforced rubber asphalt concrete composition suitable for paving applications and a method of making the composition. Also provided is a method for converting a conventional asphalt plant to one capable of producing the fiber-reinforced rubber asphalt concrete composition of the invention and an apparatus suitable for doing same.

Abstract: Concrete compositions are provided which contain particulate rubber, preferably recycled rubber from such sources as automobile tires, in amounts between about 0.05 and about 20 percent by weight of the concrete composition. The concrete compositions further contain portland cement, water, and an aggregate material. Additional materials such as superplasticizers and fly ash can also be admixed with the concrete compositions.

Abstract: A laminated playing surface such as a tennis court comprises: (a) a rubber like basemat which generally is formed of rubber particles bound without pollutants, in roll form; (b) a primer generally being a mixture of adhesive and dry silica sand; a layer of sand applied while the primer is wet which bonds with and fills surface gaps, holes, ravines and gorges; (d) a coating compound of sand and acrylic; (e) and a surface color coatings.

Abstract: A theft and vandalism resistant resilient surfacing system having resilient mats molded with recesses in their upper sides extending part way through the mats adjacent the edges and corners. Connector plates extend beneath the juxtaposed edges of adjacent mats and have posts extending upwardly through narrow openings in the bottom portions of the recesses. Means are provided for abutting on the upper sides of the bottom portions and retaining the upper ends of the posts. Preferably, the posts have stiffly resiliently deformable arrowhead formations on their upper ends which snap couple with the openings in the bottom portions.

Abstract: Rubber-crumb-reinforced cement-concrete structures (such as mortar (0), cement board (30), concrete masonry units (40), and concrete pipe (50)) provide resistance to cracking, increase resistance to acid rain, lower weight, improve shock wave absorption, lower heat conductivity and improve the acoustical environment. The structures preferably are made of concrete having a predetermined proportion (from about 1 to about 30 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of cement) of recycled scrap rubber crumbs which are preferably undirectionally aligned in the cross-section of the structures.

Abstract: A method of incorporating used automobile tire scrap into asphalt uses a step of saturating rubber particles with an aromatic oil. The rubber particle containing oil does not absorb additional oils from the asphalt binder materials and the integrity of the asphalt mix is not compromised.

Abstract: A tennis court surface comprising a foam material, a scrim material and a top surface containing a thermosetting resin that resists absorption of plasticizers. The composition can be varied to simulate various types of tennis court surfaces such as grass, clay and hard surfaces. The tennis court surface optionally may contain additional components including a thermoplastic back and a thermoplastic face coating on the scrim material, and a barrier layer component between the scrim material and the top surface.

Abstract: A protective ramp for placement around a temporarily elevated underground utility access hole support. The ramp includes a ramp member having a top surface and an obverse bottom surface, and an opening, usually centrally disposed, of a size to be placed in closely surrounding position around a predetermined size access hole support. The ramp member also has a thickness defining the opening approximating the height of the elevated access hole support over which the ramp is to be placed and a progressively diminishing thickness from the opening to the outer edge wherein the ratio of the thickness of the ramp member at the opening to the distance from the opening to the outer edge is no less than one to five.

Abstract: A tile for positioning on walkways, crosswalks and other areas of pedestrian traffic for providing direction and warning to visually handicapped persons. The tile includes a flat plate having top and bottom surfaces and an array of raised bumps coupled and formed integrally with the top surface of the plate and projecting upward therefrom in a tactile pattern for providing tactile information. The combination of plate and raised bumps is comprised of fiber reinforced, thermosetting resin to form a rigid tile of integral construction.

Abstract: Compositions and designs useful for fabricating safety cushion and mat assemblies which have effective protection against injuries to persons falling from a height up to seven feet are disclosed. The safety cushion compositions have a shore hardness of about 68, comprises an ethylene/propylene rubber, an activator, an accelerator, a plasticizer, a vulcanizer, a filler, a processing aid agent and optionally a colorant or a whitener. In addition, compositions useful for fabricating a reinforced rubber anchor for securing the safety cushion and mat assemblies to the ground are disclosed. The rubber anchor composition has a shore hardness of about 73 and comprises a natural rubber, a processing aid agent, a plasticizer, a filler, an antioxidant, an antiozonant, an activator, an accelerator, a vulcanizer, an inhibitor and optionally a colorant or a whitener.

Abstract: Rubber crumb reinforced cement-concrete structures provide resistance to cracking, improve shock wave absorption, lower heat conductivity and improve the acoustical environment. The structures are comprised of cement-like materials having a predetermined proportion (from about 1% to about 30% by weight of cement) of recycled scrap rubber crumbs undirectionally aligned in the cross section of said structures.

Abstract: A structural material is disclosed which comprises pieces of shredded rubber bound together using a bituminous binder with the size of the pieces of rubber being big enough for an interconnected void volume to be provided within the structural material in the range of 10 to 50% with the weight of rubber being substantially greater than the weight of binder material. The invention also relates to a roadside drain in which such structural material has been applied as an upper layer above a layer of drainage material such as 30 mm aggregate leading down to a porous drainage pipe.

Abstract: Resilient tiles having substantially uniform impact attenuation over the entire surface thereof are disclosed. The tiles of the invention have a plurality of spaced, elongated peripheral ridges and a plurality of truncated, conical legs inboard of the peripheral ridges which combine to provide the substantially uniform impact attenuation of the tiles.

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 floor structure for indoor artificial skiing ground comprises, a concrete base plate constructed on foundations, a first waterproof covering disposed on the base plate, a heat insulation layer located on the first waterproof covering, a second waterproof covering disposed on the heat insulation layer, a concrete pressing plate location on the second waterproof covering, and a plurality of drainage grooves formed on top of the pressing plate.Another floor structure for indoor artificial skiing ground comprises, a concrete base plate constructed on foundations, a first waterproof covering disposed on the base plate, a heat insulation layer located on the first waterproof covering, a second waterproof covering disposed on the heat insulation layer, and a slip preventive layer located on the second waterproof covering.

Abstract: A method of applying a bound particulate rubber outdoor surface comprises the initial step of providing a prepared base onto which the surface is to be applied. A primer layer is applied to the base, and is composed of a mixture including water such that the layer is wet when applied and dries as the water in the mixture evaporates. A fluidized stream of particulate rubber is directed onto the primer layer before the primer layer dries so that a layer of particulate rubber is formed on top of the primer layer and settles at least partially in the primer layer. Thereafter, the primer layer is allowed to dry before application of a binder layer over the particulate rubber. The binder layer also is composed of a mixture including water. A fluidized stream of particulate rubber is then directed onto the wet binder layer so that a layer of particulate rubber is formed ont op of and settles in the binder layer.

Abstract: A covering element for covering drainage channels on sports fields provides for good surface drainage with a reduction of the danger of accidents for athletes consists of a section plate, made of aluminum, for example, which rests on shoulder surfaces of the drainage channels, and includes side support walls and water drainage slots arranged in the middle. Injury preventing edge elements are mounted with support ribs and the height of support walls and the thickness of edge elements over the support walls are about equal to the height of the upstanding edges of the drainage channels, so that water can consequently flow off well. The edge elements are made of a rubber of Shore hardness A75, so that no danger of injuries to athletes exists, and the edge elements may be colored white for the track side and green or red for the turf side of the sports field.

Abstract: A method of forming and the construction of a temporary roadway mat system, comprising a number of longitudinally arrays of overlapping on-road truck tire sidewalls, the arrays covering the expected width of the roadway and being supported from beneath by a floor member made up of a number of relatively flatly arranged on-road truck tread portions, in which the sidewalls are connected together and also connected to the tread portions to create a strong unitary floatational instant roadway surface over unstable ground.

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: The invention relates to a highway structure sealing complex and a process for its application.The sealing complex comprises:a lower course of hot bituminous mix, consisting of a bituminous binder and a granulate, the bituminous binder representing from approximately 8.5 to approximately 10.5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of granulate,an intermediate course consisting essentially of a bituminous binder,an upper course of cold-cast bituminous mix.Such a leakproof complex exhibits a high capability of avoiding the propagation of ascending or descending cracks.

Abstract: Wear resistant floor coverings have a plurality of stud-like inserts which are flush with the underside of the floor covering to prevent against wear and slippage.

Abstract: Membranes are provided which minimize reflective cracking in the repair of roads. The membrane comprises a reinforcement along with a binder having a high modulus of elasticity and a binder having a low modulus of elasticity. The high modulus binder impregnates the reinforcement and is adhered to the distressed road whereas the low modulus of elasticity material is adhered to the impregnated reinforcement and is used in contact with the subsequently applied asphaltic overlay.

Abstract: An animal running surface composition and optimization technique is described. The surface provides a firm in-place foundation layer above which is spread a surface layer. The surface layer intermixes earthen material and rubber particles which may be sized from one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch. These particles may also be shredded rubber from scrap tires to assist in waste disposal. The ratio of the amount of rubber particles to earthen material in the surface, the size of the rubber particles, and the depth of the surface layer can be varied to optimize the surface for particular uses ranging from horse or equestrian tracks to dog tracks to arenas, etc. Several other variations such as the avoidance of organic material, removal of any metallic materials, and inclusion of other layers are also provided for. The present invention provides resiliency, optimizes water use, is porous for drainage, and can be reasonably constructed, among other advantages.

Abstract: Shock-attenuating seamless surface systems, for use on vertical takeoff and landing zones, can be installed on a base or installed in a recess in the base such that an integrated installation is obtained.All systems have a surface layer with a bottom and outer edges; ribs extending from the bottom of the surface layer for defining an array of air-filled cells affixed to the bottom of the surface layer; and a first layer of sealer and aggregate spread over the surface layer, the outer edges, and the base immediate to surface system.

Abstract: Impact-absorbing safety matting systems include a helipad. All systems have a surface layer with a bottom and outer edges, an array of air-filled cells affixed to the bottom of the surface layer, ribs extending from the bottom of the surface layer for defining the array of air-filled cells, sealer and aggregate spread over the surface layer and a base immediate to edges, and median ribs extending a shorter distance from the bottom of the surface layer than the defining ribs in order to give added support against a strong blow striking the surface layer and the array of air-filled cells affixed thereto. Each helipad is characterized by a void area left in place of at least one median rib in order to facilitate cutting through the surface layer, a second layer of sealer spread under the array of air-filled cells and above the base in order to hold the array of air-filled cells in a substantially vertical orientation, and a sloping outer edge surrounding all sides in order to prevent the escape of air therefrom.

Abstract: Shock-attenuating seamless surface systems for use under and around playground equipment can be either installed on a base or installed in a recess in the base such that an integrated installation is obtained.All systems have a surface layer with a bottom and outer edges; ribs extending from the bottom of the surface layer for defining an array of air-filled cells affixed to the bottom of the surface layer; and a first layer of sealer and an aggregate spread over the surface layer, the outer edges, and the base immediate to the surface system.