Portable Mat Type Patents (Class 404/35)
  • Patent number: 7757449
    Abstract: A removable floor includes a support piece (1) having a floor tile (15) affixed to the upper surface thereof, with the support piece being equipped to be secured to other support pieces, in order to facilitate the installation and removal of the floor by the user and to enable the supports to be installed in an aligned and/or out of phase manner such as to produce different decorative patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignees: Taulell S.A., Industrias Alegre, S.A.
    Inventors: Javier Portoles Ibañez, Carlos Sanchis Ballester, Carlos Soler Aguilar, Mónica Alegre Olmos, Joaquín Peña Villanueba, Antonio Carbonell Balaguer, José Emilio Gil Serrano
  • Patent number: 7748177
    Abstract: A modular tile configured to interlock with multiple tiles to form a modular floor covering over a floor. The tile includes a top surface having a periphery defining side walls extending downward from the top surface, the side walls having a coupling portion configured to couple with other tiles adjacent thereto to form the modular floor covering. The tile also includes a bottom side, opposite the top surface, having a support grid including an array of downward extending polymeric post structures, at least some of the post structures including at least one resilient end portion with a radial end surface configured to be positioned against the floor to facilitate controlled deflection of the post structures. The post structures may comprise primary and secondary post structures, with the secondary post structures limiting the deflection of the primary post structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Connor Sport Court International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Jenkins, Jeremiah Shapiro, Cheryl Forster, Vaughn W. North, David L. Stott
  • Publication number: 20100119304
    Abstract: A parking pad includes a main body portion defined by first and second sides, and first and second ends. The main body portion being a flexible sheet which can be one of rolled or folded to facilitate placing the parking pad in a storage configuration. The parking pad includes first and second sleeves located proximate the respective first and seconds sides of the main body portion. The first and second sleeves are each defined by respective sleeve openings. The parking pad further includes elongate curb members disposed within sleeves, the curb member being removable from the sleeves via the sleeve openings. The second end of the main body portion is unobstructed to thereby allow detritus falling on the main body portion to be easily removed from the parking pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Rodney Lee Nelson, LaLonni Lee Nilsson Nelson
  • Patent number: 7690160
    Abstract: The present invention provides a modular flooring system including a ramp to facilitate entry and exit from the flooring system. The ramp may be modular and interconnect with all or parts of a perimeter of the flooring system, and the ramp may also interconnect with adjacent ramp members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100028079
    Abstract: Inflatable members for incorporation into a fascine are linked together at their ends by chains or other such flexible tension members, the tension in which is such as to cause at least local compression and flattening of the inflatable members where they are in contact with adjacent members. The forces so generated between adjacent members can prevent their tendency to rotate under the action of traffic crossing the fascine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: QINETIQ LIMITED
    Inventors: Philip John Brown, Douglas Hugh Jones, Colin Peter Morgan
  • Patent number: 7634876
    Abstract: A modular floor apparatus comprising a modular-floor-locator section to be combined with a plurality of modular-floor tiles to form a flooring surface. The modular-floor-locator section may comprise a top surface and a first locator raised surface area formed in the top surface. The first locator raised surface area may be dimensioned to guide positioning of an object on the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7632036
    Abstract: A paving stone unit and a method for creating paving assemblies therewith, comprising a plurality of regular paving stone units and of notched paving stone units laid one adjacent the other, separated by lines of joint, the notched paving stone units breaking the continuity of the lines of joint, the regular paving stone units and the notched paving stone units being randomly installed from mixed skids thereof, the paving assembly having a randomized layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Rocvale Produits De Beton Inc.
    Inventor: Bruno Dupuis
  • Patent number: 7624546
    Abstract: The present invention provides a modular flooring system including a ramp to facilitate entry and exit from the flooring system. The ramp may be modular and interconnect with all or parts of a perimeter of the flooring system, and the ramp may also interconnect with adjacent ramp members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Jorgen J. Moller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7608313
    Abstract: A panel apparatus comprises a tongue-in-groove connection connecting first and second panels. A support secured to one of the panels underlies the tongue-in-groove connection for support thereof when a load is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Solomon, Paul W. Peterson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7604431
    Abstract: The invention is directed to interlocking ground cover mats that can be used to facilitate the passage of heavy equipment and vehicles on wet or disturbed ground. The ground cover mats are comprised of boards contained within a metal frame. The side surfaces of the mats are connected using an interlock member and an interlock opening. The end surface of the mats is connected using a retaining pin that feeds through openings in perpendicular plates, or alternatively using complimentary pins and recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Maxximat Inc.
    Inventor: Bob Fournier
  • Patent number: 7594777
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pattern-changing walk path on top of which some groove lines and some raised ridges or dots form an anti-skidding layer for children's play and games. The modular design may be disassembled into the units for storage, taking up little room since they can be stacked together, and can be securely attached to one another when put together for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: I-Cheng Chiu
  • Patent number: 7591605
    Abstract: The modular traffic calming device comprises a plurality of substantially rectangular modules. Each module is connectable to one or more adjacent modules using a complementary interlocking connection across a first of the side faces of modules, and using a complementary non-interlocking connection across a second of the side faces of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: GNR Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Slawomir Jonasz, Joseph Chait, Alain Masson
  • Publication number: 20090226253
    Abstract: A portable walkway system comprising a plurality of frames composed of upright assemblies attached to post base assemblies and connected by upper and lower runners. Roof panels are connected across the upper runners and floor panels are connected across the lower runners to create a covered walkway system. The frames can be anchored to the ground to secure the walkway and the various components of the walkway can be assembled and secured with bolts or screws. The walkway can be assembled easily and quickly and is particularly useful with temporary or modular buildings, since it can be easily and fully disassembled and moved to a new location as the buildings are moved or replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Dennis K. Towell
  • Patent number: 7575392
    Abstract: An essentially quadrate paving stone having a corresponding base block (21) is provided on all four side surfaces (25, 26) with flange-like, upright spacers (22) which are spaced apart from each other at intervals corresponding approximately to the width of the spacers, making it possible for them to make an interlocking connection with adjacent shaped paving stones of the same type. Furthermore, the bottom side (24) of the paving stone features a number of transverse, gutter-like depressions resulting in the formation of ribs between these depressions. This creates an additional dentification, or anchoring, in the bed surface of the installed paving stones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: SF-Kooperation GmbH Beton-Konzepte
    Inventor: Gerhard Hagenah
  • Patent number: 7540684
    Abstract: A tile for an interlocking rubber mat includes a tile body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a rectangular peripheral edge. The upper surface is imprinted with a repeating paving stone pattern of a square adjacent an octagon. Each square has four sides of equal length, and each octagon has every second side equal to the sides of the square. A series of projections extend beyond at least one side of the peripheral edge, the space between the projections being adapted to receive the projections of an adjacent tile. Each projection includes a projecting square and a projecting octagon, wherein the projecting square of each projection is adjacent a peripheral octagon of the at least one side of the peripheral edge and the projecting octagon is adjacent a remote side of the projecting square opposite the peripheral octagon. Each peripheral octagon on the at least one side having an associated projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Champagne Edition Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Lukasik
  • Publication number: 20090123228
    Abstract: A mat system includes a surface and at least first and second mat units. Each mat unit includes a respective plurality of blocks interlinked by respective cables that pass through the blocks. Each mat unit includes cable loops along at least one side section thereof. The first and second mat units are positioned on the surface in proximity to each other with cable loops of the first mat unit extending toward the second mat unit and cable loops of the second mat unit extending toward the first mat unit. A plurality of interconnecting blocks are positioned between the first mat unit and the second mat unit. Each interconnecting block includes an underside with downwardly open channels formed therein. The cable loops of the first and second mat units are positioned within the channels of the interconnecting blocks to cover the cable loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Contech Earth Stabilizations Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Lacroix, Joseph V. Salerno
  • Patent number: 7527451
    Abstract: A grid-type platform especially suited for use supporting vehicle wheels to provide traction while traveling off-road especially through environmentally sensitive topography, and to prevent unnecessary and excessive wear and damage to such off-road paths or trails. More specifically this invention relates to a grid-type platform having a plurality of grid sections defined by intersection lateral and longitudinal walls and having an intermediate support designed to provide all-terrain vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles the necessary traction to reduce tire slippage and rutting when traveling through off-road trails or paths particularly through environmentally sensitive areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventors: William B. Slater, William Davis
  • Publication number: 20090087261
    Abstract: The invention is directed to reinforced ground cover mats which can be used to facilitate the passage of heavy equipment and vehicles on wet or disturbed ground. The ground cover mats are comprised of boards contained within a metal frame. A structural support in the form of an I-beam encases the boards and frame on one side, and a tubular member such as a pipe on the other side, thereby increasing the strength at the middle of the mat ends. Further, the tubular member can be modified at its ends to facilitate insertion of a sling and stacking of adjacent mats. The mat also comprises means for lifting, including passages through which chains or cable may be threaded, lifting shackle assemblies or pear link assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: MAXXIMAT INC.
    Inventor: Robert FOURNIER
  • Publication number: 20090016817
    Abstract: A panel for use in constructing a mat or a road and method for same is provided. The panel can include a wafer having at least three sides operatively coupled to an edge having a complementary profile for overlapping and attaching to another edge coupled to another wafer. The edge can be attached to the wafer using a scarf joint or a mortise and tenon joint. The complementary profile can include a lap joint, a tapered lap joint, an S-shaped lap joint or a modified lap joint for use with fasteners for attaching two edges together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ACCUFORM CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Richard Kulhawe, Anthony G. Warren
  • Patent number: 7435034
    Abstract: A fascine comprises a plurality of elongate hollow inflatable pipes (10). The pipes (10) can be surmounted by a trackway (11) formed by track sections (28) that are also inflatable. The pipes (10) in the track sections (28) can be vacuum packed for compact transportation and easy deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Survitec Group Limited
    Inventors: Tommy Scott, Peter Gordon
  • Patent number: 7427172
    Abstract: A plurality of wood planks are embedded and encased in a one-piece rubber mat to form a monolithic one-piece roadway element. A special coupling means is used to couple one roadway element to an adjacent roadway element to form a roadway surface over which heavy equipment can traverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Champagne Editions, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Lukasik
  • Patent number: 7413374
    Abstract: A portable overlapping secured mat system with uniformly sized plastic mats joined together to form structural support surface for use by persons or equipment. The mats' edges have recessed upper and lower lips with finger projections extending from the upper lips sized to fit into holes of adjacent mats' lower lips securing the mats together when the front edge of the finger projections are moved into a recesses of the back wall of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: D. Scott Rogers, Ron Houghton
  • Publication number: 20080193213
    Abstract: An apparatus for making temporary road mats characterized by multiple layers of mutually perpendicular elongated timbers having an array of vertical intersections aligned in lateral rows. The apparatus includes a gang drill that moves relative to a roughly assembled mat for sequentially drilling the lateral rows of intersections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald Harrison
  • Publication number: 20080181723
    Abstract: A fascine for filling ditches or smoothing other discontinuities in or on the ground to facilitate the passage of vehicles across the discontinuity is composed of inflatable members wrapped with one or more fabric sheets extending back along the ground from the respective discontinuity in the path of oncoming vehicles. The overwrapping sheet(s) assist in maintaining the integrity of the fascine and provide an improved surface particularly for wheeled vehicles to cross the fascine, obviating the risk of wheels falling into gaps between individual fascine members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Charles Connor
  • Patent number: 7404689
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is attached to the upper surface of a board having upper and lower surfaces. The coupling assembly is extendable upwardly for coupling to a covering surface. A plurality of projections on the lower surface of the board are extendable downwardly for contacting a floor for support. A plurality of apertures extends through the board for functioning with the projections for ventilation and moisture abatement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Steven T. Poling
  • Patent number: 7404690
    Abstract: A road element is formed of a one-piece cage that includes two layers of orthogonally arranged rebars which are welded together. The layers are connected by connecting rebars that are welded to the rebars of the layers at the intersections and the one-piece cage is encased in a flexible material formed of crumb rubber, urethane, and fibers from land vehicle tires. Plates can be included with the one-piece cage to further enhance the strength of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Champagne Edition, Inc.
    Inventors: Marck Lukasik, Alan Champagne, Marc Poul Joseph Breault, Andre Octave Joseph Breault
  • Publication number: 20080175662
    Abstract: A portable porous pavement system includes a plurality of porous pavement units and a plurality of clamping devices, in which each of the porous pavement units is connected to an adjacent porous pavement unit by at least one clamping device. Each clamping device includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket defines a slot arrangement. The second bracket is in intimate communication with the slot arrangement of the first bracket. The second bracket has a twisted arrangement to secure the second bracket and the first bracket together. Two adjacent walls of two adjacent porous pavement units are sandwiched between the first bracket and the second bracket to secure the two adjacent porous pavement units together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Ricardo Schmalbach, Mario Moreno, Daniel F. Senf, Gary M. Bach
  • Publication number: 20080170909
    Abstract: A mat construction usable in the construction, mining and the like industries wherein timbers or other such materials are tied together into an array. The mat can be used as an underlayment for roadways built over unstable ground surfaces, or a number of the mats can be superimposed one upon the other to form a thicker mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: James Paul Hackman
  • Patent number: 7364383
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ground flooring device, system and method which includes connectable slats or panels having connection means which allow a series of slats to be quickly assembled, rolled up for storage or transport, and unrolled for deployment. The connection means can comprise specially adapted hinge members provided on the edges of the panels for flexible, yet secure attachment. The slats can be secured in a series, and a series of slats can be secured in multiple rows to create a solid, manipulable floor readily deployable on ground areas of virtually any shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ground Floor Systems, LLC
    Inventors: G. Shane Fletcher, Edward W. Bindon
  • Publication number: 20080085154
    Abstract: A plurality of wood planks are embedded and encased in a one-piece rubber mat to form a monolithic one-piece roadway element. A special coupling means is used to couple one roadway element to an adjacent roadway element to form a roadway surface over which heavy equipment can traverse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Lukasik
  • Patent number: 7329068
    Abstract: Panel for aircraft landing strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Universal Alloy Corporation
    Inventor: Dragos Ungurean
  • Patent number: 7316519
    Abstract: A paving member (2) comprising a surface (4) for being walked on, an image (6) below the surface (4), and a source of light for illuminating the paving member (2), the paving member (2) being of such a material and construction that the image (6) is viewable by a person walking on the surface (4), and the source of light being such that it makes the image (6) visible at night and also provides light at night for the environment (8) adjacent the paving member (2). The image may be a static image or a moving image. The image may be a hologram. The image may be changed by remote control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventors: Alec Leonard Ryman, Nicole Ann Leader
  • Publication number: 20070280782
    Abstract: A portable overlapping secured mat system with uniformly sized plastic mats joined together to form structural support surface for use by persons or equipment. The mats' edges have recessed upper and lower lips with finger projections extending from the upper lips sized to fit into holes of adjacent mats' lower lips securing the mats together when the front edge of the finger projections are moved into a recesses of the back wall of the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: D. Scott Rogers, Ron Houghton
  • Patent number: 7300224
    Abstract: A grid-type platform especially suited for use supporting vehicle wheels to provide traction while traveling off-road especially through environmentally sensitive topography, and to prevent unnecessary and excessive wear and damage to such off-road paths or trails. More specifically this invention relates to a grid-type platform having a plurality of grid sections defined by intersection lateral and longitudinal walls and having an intermediate support designed to provide all-terrain vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles the necessary traction to reduce tire slippage and rutting when traveling through off-road trails or paths particularly through environmentally sensitive areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: William B. Slater
  • Patent number: 7249912
    Abstract: A temporary platform or roadway is created using one or a plurality of optionally connected support components to form a top surface upon which panels are placed. The support components are comprised of gabion containers having one or a plurality of compartments into which a filler material is inserted. The filler material can optionally be composed of a buoyant material such as expanded polystyrene to enable flotation. A method for constructing the roadway or platform of the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Kirby Williams Reese
  • Patent number: 7244076
    Abstract: A method of installing paving blocks comprises preparing an area to be paved to a desired grade. A preformed, load-bearing sheet of material, e.g., extruded polystyrene, is placed on the prepared area. Paving blocks are then laid in a desired pattern on the sheet of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Bend Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Whitson
  • Patent number: 7229232
    Abstract: Terrain often hinders wheeled vehicles as cars mire in sand and wheeled carts in mud. Beaches, sandy playgrounds, and mud inhibit travel of wheelchairs. A reinforced mat upon a lattice of projections provides a stable surface for wheels and wheelchairs. The projections engage the terrain as the wheelchairs cross the mat toward a destination. Also, the projections take the form of spikes or hollow tubes, the mat has porosity or spaghetti like fibers, and the lattice has various patterns. The reinforced mat may be used with larger vehicles over a variety of terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: PEM Surface Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Amelung, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7210876
    Abstract: A rollable load bearing mat for protecting turf areas from damage caused by weight bearing loads, such as vehicle or pedestrian traffic, configured from a plurality of interconnected mat units having a plurality of spaced apart cell rows comprising a plurality of generally upstanding tubular cell members. The cell members comprise a series of first cell members and adjoining second cell members that, in the preferred embodiment, share a common sidewall and are axially offset. The cell rows are interconnected by a plurality of flexible strap members configured to allow the mat unit to be rolled for ease of handling and installation. The cell member sidewalls and the flexible strap members are configured to provide a substantially open cell member to facilitate plant growth through the mat unit. Connecting mechanisms at the periphery of the mat unit connect with adjacent mat units to form a unitary load bearing mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: National Diversified Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris M. Moralez, Clifford P. Hammond, Robert S. Juskalian, Arthur Villarreal
  • Patent number: 7163351
    Abstract: The tire cleaning apparatus provides a vibration-inducing surface for a vehicle passing over the tire cleaning apparatus in order to remove dirt and debris from the tires of the vehicle. The tire cleaning apparatus includes at least one tire-cleaning frame, which is formed from a plurality of upper C-shaped beams, which are secured to a plurality of lower C-shaped beams in a rectilinear grid-shaped pattern. Sidewalls of the upper C-shaped beams, which project upwardly, form the vibration-inducing surface, and channels formed in the upper C-shaped beams allow for the collection of dirt and debris, and also provide for the drainage of water. Similar sidewalls of the lower C-shaped beams engage the ground for secure positioning of the tire-cleaning frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Donald S. Shaver
  • Patent number: 7160053
    Abstract: A bamboo mat board element with a double-layered construction, a constant dimension, each of the elements is formed with a projecting tenon at each of two adjacent sides, respectively, and a concave mortise at each of the other two adjacent sides, respectively, for inter-tenoning the elements of the mat board, in which a surface layer of the mat board is obtained by matting a plurality of mat board stuffs having different orientations, shapes, and sizes, while each of the mat board stuffs is obtained by matting a plurality of lumbers having a parallel orientation, respectively, to form a plurality of patterns having parallel stripes by specially matting at the longitudinal section thickness of the lumbers. A method for producing the bamboo mat board at least comprises steps as follows: cutting step, boiling for blanching step, drying step, rough shaving, bottom layer pre-forming step, adhesive applying and pressing step, pattern selecting step, matting step, and refined shaving, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Ao Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 7160052
    Abstract: A continuous covered area, such as a sidewalk or patio, is formed by vertically interlocking tessellated components. One embodiment, termed PORTAPAVE™, achieves this interlocking via an array of uniquely configured two-sectioned pavers. Each paver has a first section of a first shape and a second section of a second shape impressed upon the first section and bonded together. In one embodiment, first sections of pavers in an installed bottom layer form a cavity between them having the same shape as the second section of a paver that is inverted onto the pavers of the bottom layer, thus providing a top layer. Each inverted paver in this top layer is fitted to interlock in that cavity formed between the un-inverted pavers in the bottom layer. Also provided is a method of making the components, e.g., pavers, and a method of installing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Charles A. Weiss, Jr., Philip G. Malone, Joe G. Tom, Edward J. Fransen
  • Patent number: 7160055
    Abstract: A road mat having a mat body with a first coupling end and a second coupling end. A first locking mechanism is provided at the first coupling end that includes a male coupling member and a female coupling member. A second locking mechanism is provided at the second coupling end that includes a male coupling member and a female coupling member. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the first locking mechanism is a reciprocating mirror image of the second locking mechanism. The road mat of the present invention may be used in a road mat system that includes at least one prior road mat and at least one successive road mat. The second locking mechanism of the prior road mat is suitable for interlocking with the first locking mechanism of the successive road mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventors: Shawn Beamish, Kelly Sparrow
  • Patent number: 7160054
    Abstract: An expanding grass or weed inhibitor around a growing tree or shrub trunk with a series of overlapping, semi-circular wings (16) attached to the base (10), rotating via multiple pivot bolts (18). With an expanding trunk (14) diameter, the pressure of the trunk forces the semi-circular winds to move away from the trunk. Due to the overlapping of the semi-circular wings, their mutually-applied pressure blocks sturdier grass or weeds from uplifting the wings (16) or permeating the base (10). Along the perimeter of the base (10), a barrier wall (12) prevents the semi-circular wings from rotating too far respective to the trunk (14). For the purpose of mounting, base (10) pivots via a pivot bolt (18) while opening along slit at pivot side of base (26). On the opposite side of the base (10), slit at opening side of base (24) opens to account for a wide range of trunk diameters. To secure the base (10), lockable bolt (20) transects a hole connecting to lockable bolt (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Gary LeRoy Smiley
  • Patent number: 7090430
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ground flooring device, system and method which includes connectable slats or panels having connection means which allow a series of slats to be quickly assembled, rolled up for storage or transport, and unrolled for deployment. The connection means can comprise specially adapted hinge members provided on the edges of the panels for flexible, yet secure attachment. The slats can be secured in a series, and a series of slats can be secured in multiple rows to create a solid, manipulable floor readily deployable on ground areas of virtually any shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Ground Floor Systems, LLC
    Inventors: G. Shane Fletcher, Edward W. Bindon
  • Patent number: 7048469
    Abstract: A flexible, molded, polymeric grid is embedded in a predominantly concrete mat comprising a concrete slab having relatively thicker portions defining blocks connected by relatively thinner portions, along which the concrete slab is breakable. The flexible grid has two longitudinal edges, two transverse edges, longitudinally extending members, and transversely extending members, where the longitudinally and transversely extending members connect the blocks to one another when the concrete slab is broken along the relatively thinner portions. The longitudinally and transversely extending members meet at nodes, which are spaced uniformly from one another, both longitudinally and transversely, except that, along the longitudinal and transverse edges, each node is spaced more distantly from the nodes nearest to the node. When the longitudinal and transverse members are disposed in an imaginary plane and the flexible grid is not stressed, fingers, which are unitary with the grid, extend from the imaginary plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Jan Erik Jansson
  • Patent number: 7025530
    Abstract: A road mat having a mat body with a first coupling end and a second coupling end. A first locking mechanism is provided at the first coupling end that includes a male coupling member and a female coupling member. A second locking mechanism is provided at the second coupling end that includes a male coupling member and a female coupling member. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the first locking mechanism is a reciprocating mirror image of the second locking mechanism. The road mat of the present invention may be used in a road mat system that includes at least one prior road mat and at least one successive road mat. The second locking mechanism of the prior road mat is suitable for interlocking with the first locking mechanism of the successive road mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: Shawn Beamish, Kelly Sparrow
  • Patent number: 7021012
    Abstract: The waterproof decking is a series of embodiments of extruded panels for forming a watertight deck assembly. First side, second side, and intermediate panels are provided, each having complementary edges for mating with other corresponding panels. One edge of the first side and intermediate panels is provided with a drainage gutter and the tongue or groove of a tongue and groove connection, with mating edges of the second side and intermediate panels being provided with the mating tongue or groove configuration, depending upon the embodiment. Each of the embodiments includes a depending drip rail which serves to wedge tightly against the opposite wall of the gutter of the adjoining panel to prevent relative motion between the two, and also to prevent capillary flow of liquid across the underside of the panel where it could leak into the area below. Additional sealing may be provided along the tongue and groove joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Karl Zeng, Bobby Reed
  • Patent number: 6988848
    Abstract: A drip berm for mounting onto a drip mat includes one or more inner berm members and one or more cooperating outer berm members. Each inner berm member is mountable contiguously around the circumferential edges of the drip mat. Each outer berm member is mountable along an inner edge of the outer berm member contiguously along or around an outer edge of, or perimeter of a frame formed by the inner berm member or members. Each inner berm member includes at least one clamp member for mounting onto the circumferential edges of the drip mat. Each clamp member includes a pair of jaws for mounting inwardly of the circumferential edges of the drip mat. The jaws are pivotable about a clam-shell hinge so as to, in a closed position, engage and clamp the circumferential edges of the drip mat between the pair of jaws, and so as to, in an open position, release the circumferential edges of the drip mat from between the pair of jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Roadstead Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk J. Arsenault, Michael Howard Boudreau
  • Patent number: 6954975
    Abstract: A ramp member is provided for attachment with an edge of a floor mat to facilitate transportation of an object from a floor to an upper surface of the mat. A tab is provided which extends from the ramp member and defines a plane. Two projections extend from the plane of the tab out of alignment with the plane. Additionally, two cavities are formed in the ramp member adapted for receiving at least one of the two projections therein. A method of connecting ramp members is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Superior Manufacturing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Dolinski
  • Patent number: 6945732
    Abstract: An overlapping flanged mat system for assembling the mat system for fabricating an artificial road including parallel upper surface boards extending longitudinally in one array, an intermediate plurality of surface boards transverse to the upper layer, and a lower set of boards extending parallel to the upper boards, said lower set having an inner-connecting section, extending outwardly from the longitudinal position of the first and second set of boards, creating a landing surface. The mats are inner-connected by laying down a succession of such three-ply mats to form an artificial road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Streamline Production Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Renick