Abstract: A grid plate of plastic material, with a rough, slippage-impairing top side and a rib-reinforced bottom side. The individual grid plates are kept together by a lockable, but again disconnectable, plug-in connection. The grid plates serve as fastening elements for parking places, road embankments, road ramps, and the like.

Abstract: A temporary device is used for street repair work to provide a ramp between the ground roadway surface and the upper end of such structures as manhole supports, storm sewer inlet grates, etc. The device of this invention is secured to the roadway by a plurality of stakes driven downwardly through the device and embedded in the roadway.

Abstract: The specification discloses a modular and reusable wheelchair ramp capable of ready assembly and disassembly while providing a strong and safe construction. The ramp includes a plurality of leg assemblies fabricated of PVC plumbing components and a plurality of ramp sections each extending between and mounted on a pair of adjacent leg assemblies. Each leg assembly includes a pair of legs and an interconnecting crossbar slidably received thereon for ready height adjustability. The ramp sections are hooked over the crossbars. In a preferred embodiment, handrails also fabricated of PVC plumbing components are also slidably mounted on the legs.

Abstract: A mat construction usable in the construction, mining and the like industries wherein tire beads from used tires are tied together into an array with the use of strips of used tire casing. 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 blasting mat. The mats can be formed by inexpensive laborers at the construction site, for example.

Abstract: A grid system for stabilizing an underlayer and providing a support surface ncludes 60 longitudinally extending polyethylene strips which are bonded one to another in an offset manner and are adapted for providing a grid. The grid has a first collapsed orientation wherein the strips are generally linearly aligned and substantially contiguous and a second expanded orientation wherein the strips are generally longitudinally sinusoidal for providing a plurality of cells. The cells are filled with compacted naturally occurring beach sand. An asphalt layer is applied to the upper surface of the grid and penetrates the cells to a predetermined depth for thereby providing a roadway surface adapted for vehicler traffic.

Abstract: A bomb crater repair mat is secured to intact pavement surrounding a crater with a novel anchor which secures the mat without piercing it and provides a tapered threshold which reduces jarring of aircraft and prevents the mat from being snagged by aircraft tail hooks or uplifted by jet blast. A slot is cut in the runway adjacent and parallel to the leading and trailing edges of the mat. An extruded member having a T-shaped cross-section is pressed into the slot to secure the mat. The member is retained within the slot by strips projecting from its vertically depending projection and optionally, by also injecting a hardenable filler into the slot.

Abstract: An impact absorbing safety matting system for playground structures is set forth herein. The basemat tile utilizes a honeycombed structure beneath the basemat tile's surface layer. The honeycomb structure utilizes a rib network which forms air cavities that in turn compress when impacted to absorb energy. Affixed to the top of the basemat tile surface layer is a texture coat aggregate.

Abstract: A resilient ramp structure for highways, especially useful as a highway speed bump has at least two ramp plates fixable to a highway surface. Each ramp plate has an inclined surface leading to a level platform surface which can be abutted against another such plate or to a flat platform plate. In the ramp plate, the inclined and platform sections are formed integrally. A reinforcing strip runs along the inclined portion of the ramp plate and receives screws to be affixed in the underlying material. Junctions between abutting ramp and/or platform plates are secured by pressure plates that are disposed in recesses at the corners of the plates and hold each adjacent plate to the underlying material.

Abstract: A pavement tile includes a section of reinforcing geotextile fabric coated on a top side with asphalt adhesive and a layer of asphalt aggregate mix or "hot mix" over the adhesive. The asphalt aggregate mix is compacted to a desired thickness and degree of compaction. Asphalt is applied over a bottom side of the fabric, and a peelable backing applied over the asphalt. For repair of deteriorated pavement, the protective backing is simply peeled off, and the pavement tile applied over the deteriorated spot of wear course. New paved surface or large repairs can be made by simply adjoining tiles. The tiles are preferably made in batches. A large sheet is spread with the layers of asphalt adhesive and asphalt aggregate mix, and compacted. The large sheet is cut into tiles, and the asphalt and backing applied to individual tiles. The tiles are stacked in batches of six on a convenient crate with handles.

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: Drainage mat comprising three-dimensional openwork covered on at least a major surface with a water permeable fabric having a permittivity from 0.2 seconds.sup.-1 to 2.0 seconds.sup.-1 and exhibiting a dynamic permeability after 10.sup.6 loadings of at least 10.sup.-4 centimeters per second.

Abstract: A device designed to be secured to a chain link fence improves the appearance of the fence and partially closes the openings in the fence so as to provide privacy and wind protection. Decorative blocks, such as of wood or plastic, are installed onto the obliquely angled wires of the fence via a wire-receiving groove formed in one surface of each block. Each block extends partially over each of two adjacent fence openings on either side of the wire. Flexible connectors, such as of light wire, are strung generally in lines to connect the series of blocks and secure their position and orientation. Installation of a large number of the blocks provides the appearance of a closed fence, improves the appearance of the fence and provides some wind protection.

Abstract: Low profile portable panels consisting of fiberglass-reinforced plastic cosite mats which include hollow inorganic silica spheres in the plastic resin to reduce weight have recessed molded lips and bushings along all edges for connecting panels together with bolts to form expedient airfield surfacing and repair having high flexural strength and high structural capacity.

Abstract: A grass paving unit of honeycomb cell construction with side walls and underlying base surfaces contoured to provide complementary interlocking surfaces and cleat members to add positional stability to the units.

Abstract: A portable airfield runway having an anchoring and tensioning system is crised of a plurality of fiberglass reinforced plastic panels anchored with earth anchors at each end of the runway and uses self-contained hydraulic tensioning and load maintenance units to maintain constant tension on the runway while allowing for both expansion/contraction due to temperature and dynamic aircraft braking loads.

Abstract: A system of prefabricated board mats for assembling plank roads for supporting heavy equipment on unprepared surfaces. The system is based on a standard eight foot by sixteen foot three-ply treated lumber prefabricated board road section. Individual board mat sections are linked in the direction of travel using a mating male and female plug and socket system to evenly transfer the weight load of heavy equipment in the direction of travel. Angle iron interlocks are provided laterally at the corners. The mats are lifted by use of three or more eyebolts countersunk into the top of the mat at strategic locations so that balance is maintained.In practice a porous protector filter cloth section is laid on an area where a board mat is to be placed.

Abstract: An interlocking wooden mat assembly for supporting heavy equipment and vehicles around oil field drilling sites and the like comprises a three layered lamination of substantially parallel and closely spaced wooden planks forming each layer. Selected planks of the top layer are offset longitudinally and extend beyond the intermediate layer at one end to provide a male extension on one end and a female recess at the other end. Selected planks of the intermediate layer are offset laterally to extend beyond the surface and underlying layers at one side to provide a male extension on that side and a female recess at the other side. The surface layer has one less plank than the underlying layer to provide an exposed area on the side of the intermediate layer and to expose recessed areas on one side plank of the underlying layer. The mats may be removably secured together in end-to-end and edge-to-edge relation by the male extensions fitting the female recesses and being nailed together at the point of overlap.

Abstract: Elongated, bendable drainage mat having a rectangular transverse cross section and comprising a polymeric core having a plurality of substantially rigid fingers extending from one side of a layer and an enveloping water permeable fabric having a permittivity from 0.2 seconds.sup.-1 to 2.0 seconds.sup.-1 and a dynamic permeability after 10.sup.6 loadings of at least 10.sup.-4 centimeters per second.Apparatus and systems using such drainage mat.

Abstract: A garden structure includes a plurality of adjacent plastic base members with each of the base members including a frame portion, a filler portion, a sealing portion and a fastening portion. The frame portion includes spaced substantially flat major sections, sections having substantially the same configuration and being disposed substantially parallel to each other. Sidewall sections extend between adjacent peripheral edges of the major sections and at least two opposed sidewall sections are substantially parallel to each other throughout their lengths. The spaced major sections and sidewall sections together form a cavity within the base member. The filler portion includes particulate material compressed within the cavity of the base member and filling same. The sealing portion includes an opening in one sidewall of the base member and a cover section engageable with and completely enclosing the opening.

Abstract: A fascine capable of conforming to the contours of a supporting surface, comprises a core of cylindrical pipes loosely disposed within a surrounding flexible sleeve comprised of similar pipes transversely and continuously interconnected by tensioned flexible ties. All the pipes are capable of elastic cross-sectional deformation, the sleeve pipes being held in diametral compression by the flexible ties to provide increased resistance to external compression forces acting substantially perpendicularly to the direction of diametral compression, and the core pipes being selected to have less resistance to deformation than the sleeve pipes so as to absorb external point loading forces acting on the sleeve pipes. The fascine is suitable for use by both wheeled and tracked vehicles.

Abstract: A jacket for protecting rope, cable, chain or other connecting means used to interconnect blocks, grids or other forms in a revetment structure. The protective jacket comprises tubing which extends in substantially continuous form through the revetment structure and surrounds the connecting means and protects it from abrasion, as well as from degradation and deterioration caused by contact with water, salt sand, ice, sunlight and ultraviolet light, and other components of the environment.

Abstract: A method of constructing a playing surface for sports such as soccer, cricket and tennis is disclosed, comprising the steps of laying one or more flexible water-permeable envelopes containing an unbonded base material comprising sand on a drained or water-permeable surface, and placing a sheet of resilient material on to the envelope. In a preferred embodiment, a second sheet of resilient material having different bounce characteristics from the first is placed on the first sheet, and an artificial turf material is laid on top.

Abstract: A machine and method for assembling cables and precast grids or blocks into articulated erosion control revetment mats which utilizes a transfer roller conveyor oriented at right angles to a mat receiving belt or roller conveyor and communicating with the mat receiving conveyor by means of a right angle transfer table, together with a hydraulical powered push bar. One embodiment utilizes a belt-type mat receiving conveyor and an automatic push bar position sensing mechanism to activate the mat receiving conveyor and stop the mat and push bar at the proper position and return the push bar after it reaches its extreme of travel. A second embodiment of the invention is designed to be easily transported and assembled at a construction site and to have low power consumption requirements. A cable handling rake utilized with the machine and method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transportable modular assault vehicle water egress and bridge access/egress surfacing or trackway system wherein a plurality of rectangularly shaped planks or sections are joined by flexible hinge members and can be folded accordion fashion and suspended in a container for storing, transporting and rapidly deploying to provide a surfacing upon the shores or banks of bodies of water for the access and egress of military vehicles into and out of bodies of water during military operations.

Abstract: A reinforcing track for soft ground comprises two rows of pressed sheet metal rib members 1. The inner ends of corresponding rib members 1 in the two rows are articulated to connecting rods 5 near their lower, pointed edges. Longitudinal ties 2 and 8 and transverse ties 3 all of spring steel strip reinforce a plastics sheet covering 7 which together with the ties 2 and 3 are sandwiched between track plates 9 and flanges on the rib members 1. The track is flexible and can be reeled onto, and unreeled from a reel on a vehicle for recovery of and laying the track. The reel is carried by a frame supported on a turntable bearing on the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A landing mat for compacted terrain is formed by assembling a multiplicity of mat elements in contiguous relationship. Each of these elements has a rectangular plan configuration and is formed along its longitudinal edges with downwardly bent flanges, and between these flanges, with flattened corrugations forming longitudinal ribs perpendicular to the planar upper surface of the element. Stabilizing plates can extend transversely to the ribs and flanges and can have upwardly open slots snugly receiving the ribs. Clips bridging contiguous edges of adjoining elements are fitted into elongated windows spaced inwardly of these edges to hold the elements together and an edge member, likewise having a flattened-corrugation rib, is fixed along one edge of the mat and has downwardly turned tongues fitted into the window of the elements along the latter edge.

Abstract: A tissue mat protecting against erosion comprising a water-pervious tissue layer provided with anchoring loops. The anchoring loops have the form of a yarn woven across the tissue and protruding from the surface of the tissue. It is possible to use a rugged yarn guaranteeing a satisfactory anchorage to this end. The anchoring loops of the tissue ensure that the mat penetrates into the ground and is thus anchored. It is also possible to anchor concrete blocks of means of the anchoring loops by pouring the concrete on the mat or by pressing it thereon.

Abstract: A plurality of sections of portable roadway are removably interconnected for use during periods of adverse weather conditions during which soil conditions are such that it is impossible to build a permanent road, or when the economics are such that a temporary road is advantageous. Each section consists of a hardwood frame which is connected to and supports a plywood surface. At the front and rear of each section, a transverse stiffening bar extends through and laterally to the side of the section. Connecting members are attached between the free ends of these stiffening bars. In the center of each section, a lifting bar is disposed to aid in removal and placement of the sections in an expeditious manner.

Abstract: Platform elements each comprising a porous blanket material are deployed end-to-end to form a continuous traversable pathway through a pool of flammable fluid. The blanket material is heat-resistant and of thickness sufficient to prevent penetration of flame from its top surface to the fluid that is in contact with the bottom surface of the blanket.

Abstract: An improved, foldable traction mat comprising a plurality of bars pivoted together to form a grid-like traction member when the mat is opened up for use. The bars pivot into generally parallel, closely adjacent position when the mat is folded up for storage.

Abstract: A closely spaced array of modules forms an athletic playing surface characterized by a high degree of vertical compliance, an extreme resistance to lateral shear, and a high degree of uniformity of response. Each module has a laminated construction that includes a pair of stiffly resilient plates in a generally parallel, spaced relationship. One or more spacer plates and a plurality of resilient members are "sandwiched" between the plates. The lower plate is supported on a frame that allows it to flex in response to an applied force, typically the impact of a runner's foot on the upper plate. The spacer plate is configured, positioned, and secured to the upper and lower plates to mechanically couple them in a manner that, to a large degree, compensates for a non-uniformity of the deflection response of the module introduced by the frame support. The resilient members are selected and positioned to provide a substantially uniform deflection response at the upper plate.

Abstract: A fascine capable of conforming to the contours of a supporting surface, comprises a core of loose cylindrical pipes disposed within a surrounding sleeve of similar pipes transversely and continuously inter-connected by flexible ties. Binding straps attached to the sleeve are reeved so as to cause axial pleating of the sleeve when tensioned, thereby to bind the core into rigid cylindrical form. The fascine is transported in bound condition and the binding straps slackened on deployment.

Abstract: A wooden mat assembly is disclosed for construction of temporary roadway surfacing, such as can be used to form a roadway or assembled to form a flat platform surface where wheeled or tracked vehicles can be turned around. The wooden mat assembly is formed from interlocking mats, each mat being formed from a plurality of layers or boards, each layer being formed from boards parallel to each other and perpendicular to boards forming the adjacent layer, the layers being fastened together at points of intersection by screw shank nails or other fastening means. The assembled roadway or turn-around has particular utility at or near oil well drilling sites, building construction sites, and the like.

Abstract: A motor vehicle traction aid device including a plastic bag containing a sand mixture for insertion under a tire on a drive wheel of a motor vehicle for improving traction on ice, snow or the like. The bag is partially filled with the sand material and includes a foam or sponge rubber tab on one side. The bag is inserted between the driving surface and the tire of the motor vehicle such that the tab engages the tire. Rotation of the wheel toward the driving surface causes the tire to engage the tab, drawing the bag and the sand material under the tire in a rolling action, bursting the bag and dispensing the sand beneath the tire.

Abstract: A transportable roadway which can be folded layer upon layer on a flat bed ransporter/launcher vehicle and be easily deployed in a swampy or marshy area to provide a temporary roadway during military operations. The roadway comprises a plurality of sections each including an array of edge to edge planks bonded to a flexible membrane or fabric, with adjoining sections being connected by hinges connecting the end planks of each section in such a way that the roadway can be folded for transport and easily deployed from said transporter/launcher, either from the front or rear thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in controlling soil erosion comprising a matrix of cellular concrete blocks, having foliage growth passageways therethrough, and held together by a series or system of cables or the like passing through internal passageways within each block. The cables are anchored into the ground to retain the blocks in position.

Abstract: A ground covering with adjoining plates clamped to one another by means of tensioning elements extending essentially parallel to the plates and through the plates. Positive locking elements are provided between neighboring plates and effective transversely to the plane at the plates. The positive locking elements comprise spacer holders having domed or arched impact or contact surfaces engaging in sockets at the narrow sides of the plates, and the width of such spacer holders, measured parallel to the plane containing the plates, is smaller than the spacing between the plates.

Abstract: A vehicle-receiving structure which is made up of a series of side-by-side supports each having a downturned leg at each side for interfitment and coupling with the corresponding leg of the next-adjacent support, each such leg being made from sheet metal which is cranked through a right-angle at least three times along its depth. The outer end of the lowest member of the cranked limbs may be flanged upwards to form a channel to accommodate an abutment element between the internested legs of the adjacent supports.

Abstract: A pavement mat is disclosed comprising a fibrous mat impregnated with a bituminous material and an aggregate. The bottom layer of the mat has an adhesive such as an asphalt base adhesive on it whereas the top layer comprises a wear surface. A release coating such as rock or slate dust is applied to the adhesive so that the mats may be stacked one on top of the other without sticking to one another, the release coating also being forced into the adhesive when the mat is placed on a road surface which has been prepared by being swept and sprayed with a solvent (i.e., kerosene or No. 2 fuel oil) so that the adhesive layer may be bonded to the road surface.A process for resurfacing a road with such mats is disclosed comprising placing a plurality of mats on a first vehicle and partially removing one of the mats from the vehicle by means of chain attached to an anchor vehicle and to the mat with spring clamps so that a relatively small portion of the adhesive surface of the mat is placed on the road surface.

Abstract: A means of stabilizing a surface area of soil comprising a plurality of rings formed of rigid material which is resistant to wear and corrosion, soil rings being fastened together in spaced relationship to each other, said means being intended to be laid over the surface area.

Abstract: A lifesaving apparatus for use, for example, in rescuing a person who has fallen through the ice, includes a series of slats, flexibly connected to one another, forming a long flexible mat. One end of the mat is provided with an anchoring device, used to fix the end of the mat to the shore. The other end is provided with a flotation device, which may also serve as a core on which to roll the mat. The slats serve to spread the weight of the rescuer over the ice and the entire mat serves as a path to lead the endangered person to safety.

Abstract: A portable structure which consists of a plurality of I beams placed side by side and hinged together in a parallelogram fashion such that adjacent I beams may be folded together.

Abstract: A core having a repetitive pattern for ribbing comprising triangles and hexagons where each side of any given hexagon is extended pinwheel fashion toward the appropriate side extensions of each of the six adjoining hexagons, all of the hexagons having sides extending to form pinwheels having the same sense, i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise. The triangles are defined by the extensions and are located between the hexagons. Panels using this core are stiff about all axes and do not have an angle of inherent weakness. The core may be stamped, rolled or vacuum-formed out of many materials including paper, cardboard, sheets of various metals and reinforced or thermosetting plastic.

Abstract: A resilient open-comparted three-dimensional structure suitable for use as a ground surface covering comprising an interlocked assembly of two pluralities of strips respectively formed at intervals with apertures and profiled regions which co-operate to interlock together the two pluralities of strips, a slit, slot, groove or the like extending into each aperture to facilitate interlocking of the two pluralities of strips. Two or more such structures may be superimposed on one another and a layer of resilient material may be provided between superimposed structures.

Abstract: An inflatable roadway includes elongate flexible upper and lower panels sred and sealed together about their peripheries. The roadway is stored and transported in a laterally rolled configuration and when it is placed on the near side of an area of unfirm terrain, it is immediately ready for deployment. Coupling a source of pressurized gas to an appropriately disposed fitting on the roadway inflates at least one longitudinal envelope to cause an unrolling of the roadway across the unfirm area. A multitude of strands extending between the upper and lower panels ensures that the exposed surface of the upper panel maintains an essentially flat configuration. Personnel and vehicles can safely traverse a body of water, thin ice, swamp or similar unfirm areas, safely. An air bearing cargo transportor also can traverse the unfirm terrain since the strands ensure that a smooth upper exposed surface is presented for pneumatic cooperation with the air bearing.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a solution to the problem of distortion and deformation of the floor of a lightweight shipping container. Heretofore, relatively heavy loading of lightweight shipping containers has caused the floor thereof to deflect sufficiently to distort the side walls and end walls of the container and often permanently deform the floor. In practicing the present invention, the floor boards adjacent the side walls of the container are modified so as to increase the resistance thereof to shear loads and thus minimize deflection.

Abstract: An element for use in making a playing surface, particularly an out door tennis court. The element is, for example, a square of 10 cm side, two sides having hooks and two having loops. A series of elements can be laid side-by-side with a hook of one element engaging a loop of another. The hook and loop provide for contiguous location of the elements while allowing for slight movement between the elements. Thus, the elements can expand in hot weather and contract in cold weather without adversely affecting the playing surface.The element has a cellular structure. Each cell has inclined faces converging towards an aperture. The inclined faces of adjacent faces come together towards the top along a line which forms an intangible upper plane. The lines have a rounded crest. Thus, rain which falls on the playing surface will run down the inclined faces and drain through the apertures of the cells leaving the playing surface free of rain water.

Abstract: A plurality of portable road-type structures which contain a variety of differently shaped surfaces to simulate driving conditions which might be experienced by an individual driving a vehicle, for example, a motorcycle. The portable road-type structures are used as an educational tool for giving the driver the fundamental knowledge and technique for driving a motorcycle before he is exposed to actual driving conditions.