Abstract: A connector apparatus includes first and second spaced apart generally coplanar walls and a support between the first and second walls. The first wall includes a first guiding surface and a first stopping surface extending at a first angle to the first guiding surface. The second wall includes a second guiding surface opposite at least a portion of the first guiding surface and generally facing towards the first guiding surface, a second stopping surface extending from the second guiding surface and away from the first guiding surface, and a third stopping surface extending at a second angle to the second stopping surface. The support has a fourth stopping surface, and the fourth stopping surface is disposed at third and fourth angles to the first and third stopping surfaces respectively.

Abstract: A paver assembly includes a substrate member having a bottom wall adapted to support the paver assembly above a roof surface, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and at least one engagement member extending above the bottom wall, and an over-molded paver member having a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a top surface adapted to support a person thereon, wherein the bottom surface is molded about the at least one engagement member, thereby securing the paver member to the substrate member.

Abstract: A rig mat is formed by rectangular panels fastened end to end by cooperating connectors. In one arrangement the first connector is C-shaped shaped to form a slot and the second T-shaped shaped with a flange of the T wider than the mouth inserted through the mouth. In a second arrangement two L shaped connectors are interengaged with an additional flat plate which defines a slot with an end of one of the L-shaped connectors. The panels are composite and formed from a honeycomb core panel with a foam material filling the tubular cells and a fibrous reinforcing cover sheets extending over the top and bottom of the panel. The cover sheets are filled with a set resin material which extends into the porous fibrous material of the walls of the core panel so as to form an integral structure of the resin extending between the walls and the sheets.

Abstract: A component mat combines with similar mats to form a vehicle tracking pad assemblage, with juxtaposed ends joined by mechanical interlock. Optional turnout mats are interlocked to sides of the component mat. A top mat surface carries a finish formed of an array of upstanding mud removal elements of effective height. Mud removal element heights may be uniform among spaced apart elements or may vary among juxtaposed elements. The intermat interlock may carry the top finish to establish continuity over the junction. Suitable mud removal elements include cylinders, pyramids, ribs, and simulated rock patterns.

Abstract: A rubber access mat includes a rubber slab having opposed side edges defining a width and opposed end edges defining a length. A rigidifying grid of reinforcing wire is embedded within the rubber slab. The grid consists of a plurality of parallel spaced wires extending between the opposed side edges for most of the width of the rubber slab and a plurality of parallel spaced wires extending between the opposed end edges for most of the length of the rubber slab. The reinforcing wire is not less than number ten gauge wire.

Abstract: A concrete cast stone resembling a flagstone for use with other ones of the concrete cast stones for covering a surface. The concrete cast stone comprising a body having a peripheral contour of non-repetitive jagged shape for interlocking engagement of a plurality of the concrete cast stone. The peripheral contour defining a distinguishable orientation with interlocking side sections and part-interlocking side sections such that said concrete cast stones placed side-by-side interlock by one or a combination of (1) matching the interlocking side sections in a linear arrangement of the concrete cast stones, and (2) matching the part-interlocking side sections in a herringbone arrangement. A method for assembling the concrete cast stone is also provided.

Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of generally congruent irregularly-shaped first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; a second pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; a third pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; wherein the sides of each of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational image

Abstract: A surface support structure is provided with at least one cell having a plurality of upright walls. A first wall of the plurality of upright walls has a recessed portion forming at least a portion to allow extension and contraction in multiple directions of the at least one cell. The plurality of upright walls of the at least one cell define a perimeter such that the recessed portion extends towards a second wall of the plurality of upright walls and is within the perimeter.

Abstract: Provided are a connection apparatus and a connection method capable of rapidly and fixing a pre-cast deck slab with a beam. The connection apparatus includes a main body buried in the pre-cast deck slab and having a hollow part formed in an axial direction thereof! a plurality of support portions integrally formed with an outer surface of the main body, each of which has a body having a certain length and a hook integrally formed with an end of the body; a bolt having a bolt body inserted into the hollow part of the main body and a fixing hole of the beam, and a head integrally formed with an upper end of the bolt body! and a nut threadedly engaged with the bolt body of the bolt.

Abstract: A dry-cast concrete block for use in a structure comprising a plurality of concrete blocks. The dry-cast concrete block comprises three convex sides and three concave sides alternating with the three convex sides. The dry-cast concrete block also comprises a surface located between the three convex sides and the three concave sides and comprising at least one portion having a cast texture with a natural stone appearance. Each of the three convex sides is adapted to register with either one of three concave sides of an adjacent one of the concrete blocks to enable positioning of the dry-cast concrete block in different positions relative to the adjacent one of the concrete blocks.

Abstract: A gymnastic floor structure includes an elastic collective floor substrate 30 having a given area formed by arranging a plurality of plywood unit floor panels 3 equipped with a plurality of elastically supporting leg members 2 provided on a bottom surface thereof on a floor surface of a building, and an elastic layer including a flat cushioning air mat 4 and a fiber mat 5 as essential structural elements provided on the floor substrate 30. The air mat 4 includes a linking body 41 in which a pair of textile inner sheets 41a and 41b are linked by a plurality of linking threads 43 and airtight external sheets 42 and 42a entirely covering the linking body 41, and has an airtight space 44 therein.

Abstract: A paving block that closely resembles a used mined cobblestone. The blocks are manufactured by a bi-layer concept that is subjected to processes that cause the layers to structurally integrate. The process and composition permit the mass production of blocks having independent top topographies that emulate the surfaces of original cobblestones and with a comparable strength.

Abstract: A portable flooring system has one or more hinge members which can be used to quickly connect and secure panels or slats of the flooring system for deployment, while also allowing fast disassembly and stacking for storage or transport. The hinge member(s) can comprise a living hinge element interfacing with a pair of female elements or a female element and a male element of adjoining flooring slats. In one embodiment, the hinge elements are welded or otherwise permanently affixed to the flooring panels.

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.

Abstract: A connector apparatus includes first and second spaced apart generally coplanar walls and a support between the first and second walls. The first wall includes a first guiding surface and a first stopping surface extending at a first angle to the first guiding surface. The second wall includes a second guiding surface opposite at least a portion of the first guiding surface and generally facing towards the first guiding surface, a second stopping surface extending from the second guiding surface and away from the first guiding surface, and a third stopping surface extending at a second angle to the second stopping surface. The support has a fourth stopping surface, and the fourth stopping surface is disposed at third and fourth angles to the first and third stopping surfaces respectively.

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.

Abstract: A portable porous pavement system includes a plurality of porous pavement units and a plurality of clamping devices. Each porous pavement unit is connected to adjacent porous pavement units by at least one clamping device. Each clamping device includes a first and a second bracket. The second bracket is in intimate communication with a slot arrangement of the first bracket. The second bracket has a twisted arrangement to secure the second bracket and the first bracket together. Adjacent walls of adjacent porous pavement units are sandwiched between the first and second brackets to secure the adjacent porous pavement units together. A method for assembling a portable porous pavement system includes mounting a clamp over two adjacent walls of adjacent porous pavement units; mounting a locking bracket over the clamp; and twisting two arms together to secure the locking bracket and clamp around the adjacent porous pavement units.

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.

Abstract: A deck panel is adapted to be secured on a supporting frame structure to create a deck surface. The deck panel comprises a thermoplastic material impregnated with a fibrous stranded material. The panel includes a top surface and four lateral sides extending downward from the top surface. The top surface is formed as a grid having a plurality of openings. A plurality of supporting ribs extend parallel to each other from one of the four lateral sides to an opposite one of the four lateral sides. The upper surface of each supporting rib is adapted to form longitudinal portions of the grid pattern of the top surface. A plurality of tabs extend outward from the lateral sides that are adapted to interlock with a corresponding plurality of tabs extending from a like deck panel so that a plurality of deck panels may be juxtaposed in abutting relationship.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A paver system comprising a plurality of paver pieces and at least one substrate. Each of the paver pieces has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the paver pieces is configured for mating with the upper surface of the substrate, whereby paver pieces coupled to the substrate are prevented from moving laterally.

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.

Abstract: An mat system with each mat having sloping lips which overlap with an adjacent mat's sloping lips and are secured by interlocking joints in the mats' lips and/or by captive locking pins to form an easily assembled and interconnected flat surface. In use, opposing ledges forms a slot within holes in the top overlapping lips to receive a captive locking pin. The pin is captive by mid body prongs which fix underneath the ledges in a mat's upper lip's holes, and the pin locks and unlocks with rotary turning of the pin resulting in the pin's keeper feet fixing underneath the similar ledges in the holes of the lower lip of an adjacent mat.

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.

Abstract: A cluster of paving elements is formed with a peripheral edge having a re-entrant formation formed between the upper supporting surface and the lower, supported surface. The formation engages a complimentary formation on an adjacent cluster to inhibit relative movement between the clusters. The re-entrant formation may be applied to individual paving elements in the cluster or to the exposed faces of the elements at the periphery of the cluster. The elements in the cluster may be shaped to inter-engage to inhibit relative movement between the elements with in the cluster.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface is disclosed. The subsurface drainage assembly includes a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart tubular support members projecting therefrom.

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.

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.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced polymer composite deck module is used to form a deck constructed by assembling the deck modules.

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.

Abstract: Interlocking paver system for the use of constructing sidewalks, pathways and decks being formed from a light weight material for easy handling. Joined together by a plastic spline with gripping teeth, which when placed in spline receiver slots on sides of paver, which has a protruding upper edge that surrounds the entire perimeter allowing the pavers to tilt up or down, which allows the pavers to be placed on uneven or unlevel surfaces and prevents pavers from separating and from moving side to side, back and forth, and from settling downward and lifting upward which establishes a stable walking surface that is easy to install or assemble.

Abstract: An environmental water resource recycling system of the invention comprises pluralities of drainpipes units, which includes pluralities of drainpipes engaged in pluralities of holder holes formed by coupled frame strips, and sealing lids covering the opening at one end of the drainpipes. An instant water-absorbing sand layer is applied on the soil layer exposed on the ground surface before inserting the lower end of the drainpipes held in the drainpipe unit into the sand layer. Concrete is poured onto the ground to be constructed such that the concrete can integrally cover the drainpipe units. The sealing lids can be removed from the openings on the upper end of the drainpipes after the concrete is solidified, thereby accomplishing a permeable paving and instantly draining the rain on the permeable paving to the sand layer and further to the underground for being recycled as water resource for further utilization.

Abstract: There is disclosed a paving block for use in the construction of a paved surface, which paving block has a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one lateral surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces and abutting in use at least part of a lateral surface of at least one adjacent paving block, wherein a portion of the lateral surface of the paving block adjacent to the top surface is tapered.

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

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

Abstract: Main bars end intersecting cross bars each have mated slots in their aligned edges. Deformable pairs of arms on one of the sets set of bars are crimped into openings in the other set of bars at the bar intersections to hold the bars together and make a strong and attractive grating.

Abstract: A prefabricated cement concrete slab for road pavement by which rapid and convenient construction and repair and maintenance can be achieved and which is durable and cost effective. Prefabricated cement concrete slab units each being a size adapted to the width of a roadway can be easily transported to a construction site by means of a lifting equipment installed on each slab unit. Also, a connection equipment is installed for fixedly connecting the respective slab units without being moved with respect to each other or the ground. Watertight members for preventing infiltration of water into the ground are installed between neighboring slab units connected continuously. Therefore, the road pavement using the cement concrete slab units can be easily repaired and maintained in a cost-effective way. Also, the appearance of the road can be improved and an even road surface can be attained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a temporary automotive vehicle parking lot (10) on a land area (12) is provided. A composite drainage material (20) is provided through which water drains. 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. The land area (12) is covered with the material (20) by placing rolls (28) of the material adjacent one another. The rolls (28) are unrolled over the land area (12) so that longitudinal edge portions (30 and 40) of adjacent rolls adjoin one another. A portion (34, 44) of the longitudinal edge portions (30 and 40) are overlapped and secured to each other, and not to the land area (12), to create a gapless and continuous surface (84) of the material (20), with the majority of the land area (12) lying underneath the material. The first layer (24) of each of the rolls (28) contacts the land area (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a temporary automotive vehicle parking lot (10) on a land area (12) is provided. A composite drainage material (20) is provided through which water drains. 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. The land area (12) is covered with the material (20) by placing rolls (28) of the material adjacent one another. The rolls (28) are unrolled over the land area (12) so that longitudinal edge portions (30 and 40) of adjacent rolls adjoin one another. A portion (34, 44) of the longitudinal edge portions (30 and 40) are overlapped and secured to each other, and not to the land area (12), to create a gapless and continuous surface (84) of the material (20), with the majority of the land area (12) lying underneath the material. The first layer (24) of each of the rolls (28) contacts the land area (12).

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

Abstract: A gutter duct structure for a concrete roadway mainly comprises a plurality of duct elements each is formed as a hollow cone shaped strut with an opening at each end thereof, and a plurality of seal elements engageable respectively with a top openings of the duct elements. During constructing the roadway, the duct elements are laid on the ground with the bottom end of the duct elements buried in a water seeping layer. The seal elements may be removed rapidly after a top surface layer of the roadway is laid and finished thereby to channel water on the top surface layer to the water seeping layer for draining, and thus may speed up construction of the roadway and reduce costs, and allows rainfall seeping into earth for recycling to conform to environmental conservation and protection requirements.

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