Foraminous Traffic Surface Patents (Class 404/36)
  • Patent number: 6543190
    Abstract: A weight strip constructed from a plurality of stacked sheets of elastomeric material slackly assembled for resting upon an uneven surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Robert W. Hitch
  • Patent number: 6539681
    Abstract: A spacer plate for use in making a hollow floor has a plurality of truncated cone-shaped spacer elements extending from one side of the plate, and distributed in a row wise and column wise arrangement, for supporting the spacer plate from an underfloor, and also formed in the spacer plate are grooves formed in the same side of the plate as the spacer elements for holding a pipe conducting a heating or cooling medium, with the grooves surrounding at least a half of the circumference of the pipe to securely hold the pipe in place on the plate, so that the heating or cooling medium conducted through the pipe can come into heat exchange relationship not only with an upper floor laid on top of the spacer plate but also with air conducted through space existing between the spacer plate and the underfloor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Helmut Siegmund
  • Patent number: 6474905
    Abstract: A temporary support structure for use in soft and environmentally sensitive areas to construct roads and pads to support heavy equipment and the like on rough and normally impassable terrain. Roads and pads are constructed by interlocking a plurality of mats together to build a road or pad of the desired size. Each mat is comprised of two layers of boards made of a material with a shear stress equal to or greater than that of hardwood lumber. The top layer of boards are superimposed over the bottom layer and fastened by bolts, nails, glue, etc. Forklifts, cranes, etc., are used to handle individual mats and to position the mats and lock them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: Clarence R. Smith, Jr., Thomas O. Kelley, Jr., Jerry R. Kelley
  • Publication number: 20010048848
    Abstract: A weight strip constructed from a plurality of stacked sheets of elastomeric material slackly assembled for resting upon an uneven surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Robert W. Hitch
  • Patent number: 6206607
    Abstract: A porous pavement construction formed from environmental porous pavement materials is formed with a number of aqueduct channels located underneath the pavement surface, so that water can percolate downward into the pavement and enter the channels. Methods of forming this pavement structure are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: John, J. Medico, Jr. Christine Meoli Medico Family Trust
    Inventors: John J. Medico, Jr., Christine Meoli Medico, Peter J. Medico, John C. Medico, III
  • Patent number: 6102613
    Abstract: Environmental porous pavement materials are formed by encapsulating inner aggregates with cementitious material, adhesive admixture and sealant compounds. Recycled asphalt and recycled concrete products can be used. A mixing machine produces a homogeneous mix of the paving material by surrounding at least part of an aggregate with a coating liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: John J. Medico, Jr., Christine Meoli Medico, Peter J. Medico, John C. Medico, III
  • Patent number: 6089784
    Abstract: In an articulated sequence or array of ground-reinforcement panels, each panel has parallel rectilinear edges, one of them provided with a number of male interlock members projecting therefrom in the plane of the panel and the other provided with a corresponding number of female interlock members recessed therein, so constructed and arranged that the male members can be forcibly but detachably interengaged with the female members in a next-adjacent panel in a direction vertical to the plane of the panels but cannot be disengaged therefrom in the plane of the panels, while, when interengaged, the respective male and female members and the adjacent panels associated therewith are capable of limited rotation with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Fergus Johnathan Ardern
  • Patent number: 6074127
    Abstract: The top surface of a resin decking has an inclined plane which inclines downward from the center to the periphery. The height of the periphery of the top surface is uniform. Convex elongated portions or protrusions for guiding drainage are provided extending radially on the top surface. Drainage holes are provided near ends of the elongated protrusions. The decking allows efficient drainage on the top surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Miyagawa Kasei Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuki Suetsugu
  • Patent number: 6071039
    Abstract: On a roadbed layer (4) is formed a cushion layer (5) of 50 mm to 200 mm in thickness which is formed by using elastic chips alone or in mixture with sand, each elastic chip being formed of elastic material and having a size of 7 mm to 0.05 mm, preferably 2 mm to 0.5 mm and a specific gravity of 1.8 to 3.5. The cushion layer (5) contains elastic chips of 3 wt % or more. The elastic chips are formed by mixing a material selected from the group consisting of synthetic rubber, natural rubber and synthetic resin with a specific gravity adjusting material of inorganic powder having a specific gravity of 3 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignees: Dyflex Corporation, Ay Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Ogura, Yoshio Aihara
  • Patent number: 6055784
    Abstract: To improve the flow-off of liquids from the laying pattern and mechanical laying in a concrete paving block, the ground area of the body (1) of the block has a rectangular shape formed by three squares (2, 3, 4) of equal size, the upright side surfaces of the body (1) extend evenly transversely to the ground area and each side surface of the body (1) has at least one projecting strip-like extension (5) which can be supported in the pattern with the formation of seams on adjacent bodies (1) and form interlocks or the like with extensions (5) of adjacent bodies (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Peter Geiger
  • Patent number: 6048129
    Abstract: A pavement mat to be used in the construction of temporary roadways comprising a plurality of vehicle tire segments tightly compressed and bound between preceding and succeeding stabilizer members. Each of the stabilizer members has an end plate and a plurality of tie rods that extend perpendicularly outward from its surface. The end plates also have rod holes to receive the tie rods the next succeeding stabilizer member. The preceding and succeeding stabilizer members are held in place by bolts or other means. When the vehicle tires are compressed together between the stabilizer members they are penetrated by the tie rods of its preceding stabilizer member. These tie rods stitch the tires together and keeps the tires tightly compressed together between the stabilizer members. A cap plate stabilizer member, without tie rods, is for use as the last of the succeeding stabilizer members, the cap plate has holes for receiving each of the tie rods of its immediately preceding stabilizer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Herman Rue
  • Patent number: 6026625
    Abstract: A angular interlocking floor tile is provided with a generally flat top surface, a parallel bottom surface, wherein the tile includes two elongated sides which converge to a point or short inner side at one end and which sides diverge at an internal angle of less than 90.degree. to be joined at their other ends by a beveled outer edge surface. The elongated sides are formed with a plurality of female cavities located adjacent to each of the sides. Each of the female cavities is positioned to mate with a corresponding male connecting member of a neighboring tile of a runner mat whereby the runner mat is able to make variety of turns. Alternatively, each of the elongated sides may be formed with an additional integral interlocking strip having male connecting members which may be used to mate with a corresponding female cavities of a neighboring tile. When the interlocking strip is not needed it may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: John Austin
  • Patent number: 5993107
    Abstract: A paver block edging system is described for positioning a row of edge blocks over a support surface. The edging system includes an elongated channel including a floor formed to receive and support a paver block. A connector is provided on the channel to be releasably received over a bendable member that is not part of the system. The connector releasably secures the channel to the bendable member and angularly orients the channel relative to the bendable member. The bendable member may thus be used to determine a line along which a number of the channels are oriented to receive paver blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Kirk W. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5833386
    Abstract: A modular platform suitable for use as a portable roll-out walkway or floor comprising a plurality of interconnected treads of a lightweight molded or formed thermoplastic material, each of the treads comprising a top surface for supporting loads thereon, a ground-engaging bottom surface, and four side portions comprising two adjacent male side portions and two adjacent female side portions disposed between the bottom and top surfaces, the side portions comprising interconnecting member integral with the tread for selectively disengageable interconnection with adjacent treads to configure the platform in variable sizes as desired. The top surface comprises drainage apparatus to allow passage therethrough of air and water. The bottom surface comprises a plurality of ribs spaced so as to form cavities in cooperative relation with the drainage apparatus so as to disperse weight loads, allow passage thereto of water drained through the drainage apparatus, and maintain a moisture canopy underneath the treads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Teletek Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Rosan, Arnon J. Rosan
  • Patent number: 5820294
    Abstract: A pathway for providing the transit of a wheelchair, including a person therein, over an uneven terrain surface that resists the rolling traction of a wheelchair, comprising a longitudinally extended flexible mat-like pathway configured such that the surface of the pathway is relatively porous with respect to the terrain surface, such as by providing therein a plurality of openings, and is capable of receiving thereon, at opposite side sections thereof, the front and side wheels of each side of a wheelchair. The pathways may be interconnected to pod-like landing sites at recreational locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Edwin M. Baranowski
  • Patent number: 5713155
    Abstract: A grid plate for stabilizing natural ground comprises a base and side walls formed in one piece with the base which form chambers open to the top being in the form of regular polygons, the base having water outlets, the chambers being in the form of sectional chambers which are laterally open on their periphery which form closed chambers with laterally open sectional chambers of adjacent grid plates complementary thereto when two similar grid plates are assembled and the ends of side walls of both grid plates forming the sectional chambers come into contact, the side walls having flattenings in the regions of contact, the flattenings of complementary chambers lying flat on one another when two similar grid plates are joined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Alexander Kienle
    Inventor: Eugen Prestele
  • Patent number: 5689912
    Abstract: Honeycomb lawn plates for seeding surfaces have honeycombed chambers open at the top and hexagonal in cross-section. So that peripheral chamber walls do not really contact one another, peripherally open chambers are provided on the plate edges, the cross-section of which is less than the cross-section of the hexagonal chambers. So that stable plate edges are obtained, the cross-section of the peripherally open chambers is, at maximum, half as large as the cross-section of the hexagonal chambers. In addition, peripherally closed chambers are located between the peripherally open chambers. On opposite plate edges, the change from peripherally open chambers to peripherally closed chambers alternates, as a result of which the peripherally open chambers are sealed by the peripheral chamber walls of the peripherally closed chambers of the adjacent plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Eugen Prestele
  • Patent number: 5616389
    Abstract: A surface covering tile is disclosed having integral connecting elements about its edges to enable hinged interconnection between adjacent-like tiles. The connecting elements are longitudinally arranged about the peripheral edges of the tile and comprise semi-cylindrical curved female elements, protruding tongue elements and semi-cylindrical bar-like male elements. The elements are arranged such that the female and tongue elements cooperate to engage with the male elements of adjacent tiles. The tile is further adapted to receive a surface covering such as a carpet or mat, preferably an air permeable covering which will permit air to pass through apertures in the surface of the tile to the ground below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Warren J. Blatz
  • Patent number: 5476339
    Abstract: A pathway for providing the transit of a wheelchair, including a person therein, over an uneven terrain surface that resists the rolling traction of a wheelchair, comprising a longitudinally extended flexible mat-like pathway configured such that the surface of the pathway is relatively porous with respect to the terrain surface, such as by providing therein a plurality of holes, and is capable of receiving thereon, at opposite side sections thereof, the front and side wheels of each side of a wheelchair. The pathways may be interconnected to pod-like landing sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Edwin M. Baranowski
  • Patent number: 5467554
    Abstract: A grid plate for seeding surfaces, having cells open at the top comprised of cell walls, each of the cells having openings at the bottom which enable root growth into earth below the grid plate, the cell walls between adjacent cells forming nodal points, wall connections at right angles to the cell walls at the bottom of at least some nodal points each having a range limited to the region of a respective nodal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Eugen Prestele
  • Patent number: 5418036
    Abstract: A tile application backing material is disclosed having as an object thereof to greatly simplify tile allocation, positioning, and affixing and the like, and to strongly affix tiles and backing material to a laying surface; in order to achieve this object, this tile application backing material is formed with a plurality of frame members disposed extending along sides of tiles having a polygonal shape, said frame members being connected at mutual points of intersection; these frame members comprise a base portion which is in contact with a laying surface and dividing plate portions which are disposed thereabove. By means of this, after allocation has been determined by means of this backing material, in a state in which this backing material is temporarily attached to a laying surface to which tiles are to be applied, adhesive is allowed to flow into a plurality of regions demarcated by means of the dividing plate portions and by means of the inlaying of tiles, tile application is easily accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Fukuyi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Tokikawa, Teruo Azuma, Hisakazu Komi
  • Patent number: 5405211
    Abstract: A lightweight block useful as a patio tile, a border piece or a landscaping component, which has a density of 800 to 1,200 kg/m.sup.3 and is made from a concrete mix comprising stabilized wood aggregates prepared by sterilization of wood chips by thermal treatment, followed by a chemical treatment with a calcium salt first and then with at least one soluble silicate, the concrete mix also comprising, based on 750 liters of the stabilized wood aggregates: from 200 to 350 kg of sand; from 200 to 350 kg of cement, such as silica fume or Portland cement; from 8 to 15 kg of polymer additive, preferably a melamine-based polymer; from 80 to 175 kg of water; and optionally, at least one pigment such as iron oxide. This block is particularly interesting in that it is lightweight, it has a high bending resistance; it has a pronounced and decorative texture; and it is very porous, thereby making it self-draining and efficient as a sound absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Agrestech Industries LTEE
    Inventor: Fouad Halwani
  • Patent number: 5287649
    Abstract: A grid plate is comprised of a base and vertical one piece side walls which form chambers open to the top, the bottom of each chamber being provided with a drainage hole and the bottom having projections on a plate rim which protrude beyond the rim of the grid plate and grip the bottom area of an adjacent grid plate, the plate rim of the grid plate intersecting at least every second rim-bordering chamber, the chambers forming additional chambers with side walls of adjacent grid plates and the side walls of a pair of grid plates only coming into contact along their vertical edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Eugen Prestele
  • Patent number: 5282692
    Abstract: A plurality of rigid bars, made of wood, plastic or other material, are joined together to form an articulated assembly. A rope is threaded through bores formed in the bars. Spacers are placed over the rope between the bars. Ends of the spacers can be angled for inclining, declining or flat arrangements of adjacent bars. In the alternative, ends of spacers can be rounded and received in a rounded depression of the bore. In an alternate embodiment, flexible interlocking elements are connected to adjacent bars. Interlocking elements can have engaging male and female portions or can be screwed together. Each male and female portion can pass through a plurality of bars. When laid flat over a surface, the articulated assembly may be used as a support that forms a deck, walkway, or similar structure. Other uses of the assembly include a latticework, a barrier and a vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Warren H. McLeod
  • Patent number: 5250340
    Abstract: A mat for stabilizing particulate materials includes a planar quadrilateral grid formed by a plurality of intersecting struts. A reinforcement zone strengthens each of the strut intersections. Upstanding cylindrical tubular members are disposed on the grid in a rectangular array such that the central longitudinal axis of each of the tubular members extends through a strut intersection. Longitudinal ribs are formed on an interior cylindrical sidewall of each of the tubular members and are disposed such that each of the ribs perpendicularly intersects a strut adjacent a bottom end of the tubular member. Sockets are spaced uniformly along two adjacent sides of the mat, with each socket secured between two of the tubular members by a pair of struts. Pins are spaced along the other two adjacent sides of the mat, opposite the sockets, with each pin also secured between two of the tubular members by a pair of struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: William W. Bohnhoff
  • Patent number: 5204159
    Abstract: A deformable slip-free, anti-skid pad comprising: a bottom surface having a plurality of spikes slightly extending vertically from recessed areas of the bottom surface; and a top surface comprising a resilient material having imbedded therein particles of abrasive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Domingo K. L. Tan
  • Patent number: 5118542
    Abstract: A plurality of rigid bars, made of wood, plastic or other material, are joined together to form an articulated assembly. A rope is threaded through bores formed in the bars. Cylindrical spacers are placed over the rope between the bars. In an alternate embodiment, flexible interlocking elements are connected to bores formed in the bars. When laid flat over a surface, the articulated assembly may be used as a support that forms a deck, walkway, or similar structure. Other uses of the assembly include a latticework, a barrier and a vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Warren H. McLeod
  • Patent number: 5020937
    Abstract: A temporary road is provided which includes a plurality of sets each defined by a first and second matrices which include an upper surface for supporting heavy vehicles and the like over rough or impassable terrain and a second matrices which comprises support members for the upper or first matrices. Thus, one set is laid down such that the first matrices is in a top or upper position and cross members of the second matrices support the top member or upper matrices and thereafter a second set is positioned such that the first matrices is on the ground or in mud or the impassable surface is such that the second matrices or bottom of the second set with its spaced cross-support members interlocks with the spaced cross-support members of the first set and thereafter each set is interlocked such that the first, third, and fifth et sequence provide the upper surface of the road and the second, fourth and sixth et sequence sets provide the support for the upper sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Joseph E. Pouyer
  • Patent number: 4889444
    Abstract: A temporary road is provided which includes a plurality of sets each defined by a first and second matrices which include an upper surface for supporting heavy vehicles and the like over rough or impassable terrain and a second matrices which comprises support members for the upper or first matrices. Thus, one set is laid down such that the first matrices is in a top or upper position and cross members of the second matrices support the top member or upper matrices and thereafter a second set is positioned such that the first matrices is on the ground or in mud or the impassable surface is such that the second matrices or bottom of the second set with its spaced cross-support members interlocks with the spaced cross-support members of the first set and thereafter each set is interlocked such that the first, third, fifth et sequence provide the upper surface of the road and the second, fourth and sixth et sequence sets provide the support for the upper sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Joseph E. Pouyer
  • Patent number: 4785604
    Abstract: Collapsible gridworks for confining fluent materials within cells defined by the gridworks to form stable columns capable of withstanding substantial vertical and horizontal loading are each made up of a plurality of interwoven/intermeshed longitudinal and latitudinal strips. In the preferred embodiment, the strips include slots formed on alternating sides thereof, with the gridworks being formed by interweaving the slots on one side of the longitudinal strips with corresponding slots on the opposite side of the latitudinal strips such that the gridwork is defined by mechanically interlocking joints which permit motion for collapsing the gridwork into both a multilayer strip and a substantially flat sheet. The open state of the gridwork and both of its collapsed states are similarly stable and can be freely handled without fear of the gridwork falling apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Robert H. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4671699
    Abstract: A modular system of rectangular pavers which can be laid down across a grass area to support foot or vehicle traffic while permitting grass to grow through apertures in the pavers. Each paver is made up of a base plate having a rectangular grid of upstanding walls secured thereto. An aperture is provided through the base plate within each grid cell. The maximum distance between opposite walls in each cell is about one inch. Typically, the pavers will have thicknesses of up to about one inch. The base plates extend slightly beyond the edge of the grid on two sides, with the grid extending the same distance beyond the base plate on the other two sides so that a plurality of pavers can be assembled in a contiguous overlapping relationship. Abutting pavers may be secured together, such as by staples. To hold the assembly in place, anchoring spikes are provided having a rectangular head corresponding to the interior area of the bottom of each cell and an elongated, pointed shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Inventor: Edward F. Roach
  • Patent number: 4634084
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft de-icing system comprising an aircraft-washing hardstanding (1) onto which an aircraft can be moved, and pipes and nozzles, (3) for spraying de-icing fluid onto the aircraft, and discharge and drainage pipes combined with a sloped impervious layer (11) for collecting and carrying away the fluid.In order to enable the fluid to be removed from the hardstanding quickly and reliably, the hardstanding is constructed so as to comprise a substantially planar surface layer (12) of so-called drainage asphalt, and an impervious layer (11) which is located beneath the planar surface layer and which slopes steeply down towards drainage pipes (15), so as to collect and carry away the de-icing fluid passing down through the surface layer (12). The system also preferably includes a pump (7) arranged to draw air down through the surface layer so as to entrain therewith any water vapor formed and thus prevent the formation of vapor clouds liable to rise from the hardstanding (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: De-Icing System K.B.
    Inventor: Kjell-Eric Magnusson
  • Patent number: 4621942
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Bartron Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald F. Hill
  • Patent number: 4596731
    Abstract: A grass protecting walkway having a substantially flat elongated grid-like structure which defines a plurality of polygonal apertures is disclosed. The grid allocates its bottom and top planar surface areas approximately equally between the surface area of the apertures and the surface area of structured cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Inventors: Warner J. G. Cudmore, Doug O. Vilven, H. Keith Cudmore
  • Patent number: 4596729
    Abstract: A non-slip floor mat assembly made from a plurality of rectangular shaped floor mat panels which are coupled together provide a mat with a number of improved safety features including non-slip, not dangerous to high heels and good drainage. Each of the floor mat panels is integrally molded with a plurality of parallel extending first elongate members on one portion of each of the floor mat panels, and a plurality of parallel extending second elongate members on another portion of each of the floor mat panels. The first elongate members extend in a different direction to the second elongate members and openings are provided between the elongate members. Parallel ridges with breaks between are provided extending in line along the elongate members to provide a tread surface, and cross members extend across and support the first and second elongate members positioned below the tread surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Inventor: Richard A. Morrison
  • Patent number: 4584221
    Abstract: By means of the coupling members and corresponding supporting feet of adjacent elements a coupling between an arbitrary number of elements of the floor covering assembly is possible. In order to prevent the separation of the engaged respective pairs supporting feet-coupling members in a positive manner locking cams having upwards facing abutment surfaces lock behind side sections of respective adjacent elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Sportforderung Peter Kung AG
    Inventor: Peter Kung
  • Patent number: 4490069
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for warning drivers of temporary and/or hazardous road conditions ahead comprising a portable flat mat of resilient material which is either removably or permanently secured to the road surface in or near the path of an oncoming vehicle, and which has a plurality of equidistantly sapced slotted openings formed therein each of a size to completely, momentarily receive at least one of the front tires of the vehicle. When the said front or any other tire runs over said slotted openings, an audible and mechanical rumbling of the vehicle is set up thereby warning and physically alerting the driver of a road condition ahead which requires special attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Inventors: Robert P. Cushman, Robert P. Cushman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4478901
    Abstract: A floor mat construction of rubberized material including a base and feet of barbell-like configuration which extend integrally downwardly from the underside of the base for the support thereof in upwardly spaced relation on a supporting surface. A plurality of apertures the upper ends of which are of substantially hexagonal configuration, extend through the base to define a hexagonal honeycomb-like configuration in the upper portion thereof. The mat is lightweight but structurally efficient, the upper surfaces of the common walls between the hexagonal upper ends of the apertures providing durable scraping surfaces for a nonskid effect, and the feet firmly gripping the supporting surface therebeneath to resist creeping of the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Teknor Apex Company
    Inventors: David R. Dickens, Waldo Smith, Herbert Malin
  • Patent number: 4468910
    Abstract: A floor mat assembly is disclosed which is molded from resilient plastic material, and made up of only two different elements, mat modules and ramp strips. The mat module comprises a rectangular shape with two adjoining edges, each of the edges having an upper coupling edge flap with a row of downward directed projections, and two other adjoining edges, each of the other edges having a lower coupling edge flap with a row of vertical holes to couple with a row of projections on an upper coupling edge flap of a ramp strip or an adjoining mat module. The ramp strip comprises a tapered face with an upper coupling edge flap adjacent the tapered face, and a lower coupling edge flap joined by a severable link to the upper coupling edge flap, the lower coupling edge flap of the ramp strip to couple with an upper coupling edge flap of a mat module, and when the link is severed, the upper coupling edge flap of the ramp strip to couple with a lower coupling edge flap of a mat module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Inventor: Richard A. Morrison
  • Patent number: 4462712
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the construction of a flooring system for use at a construction site such as an oil well drilling site. The flooring system is formed by interlocking a plurality of flooring units. Each of the flooring units includes a rectangular base section and a surface section attached to and overlaying the base section. One end of the rectangular base section is aligned with one end of the surface section which has at least one open-ended locking slot along its length. Located on the opposing end of the surface section is at least one locking tab formed from the surface section and projecting beyond and above the edge of the base section. The locking tab is aligned with the locking slot of the flooring unit. The method of constructing a flooring system utilizing such units includes positioning one unit, with the use of a lifting device such as a crane, adjacent to a second flooring unit and inserting the locking tab of the first unit into the adjacent second unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Assignee: Quality Mat Company
    Inventor: Joe E. Penland, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4453844
    Abstract: Large area concrete structures, such as roadways, parking lots and playing field bases are monolithically cast with integral drainage elements using an especially formulated water-permeable concrete material having strength and durability comparable to conventional concrete. Such structures provide minimal interference with natural water flow patterns, optimal use of available land, and minimal harm to adjacent vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Inventor: Arthur Shaw
  • Patent number: 4453283
    Abstract: A pallet for use in decking a bridge constructed from girder sections of the type disclosed in Patent No. GB 1209747 comprises a plurality of decking units (1) held in pre-determined disposition by tie bars (7) and spacers (6) so as to engage directly with corresponding recesses (4) in the girder sections (5). The pallet is provided with slinging eyes (9) and may be used to carry additional decking units for manual distribution along the girder sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
    Inventors: James P. Fitzgerald-Smith, Michael Willis
  • Patent number: 4376595
    Abstract: Large area concrete structures, such as roadways, parking lots and playing field bases are monolithically cast with integral drainage elements using an especially formulated water-permeable concrete material having strength and durability to conventional concrete. Such structure provide minimal interference with natural water flow patterns, optimal use of available land, and minimal harm to adjacent vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1983
    Inventor: Arthur Shaw
  • Patent number: 4348840
    Abstract: A structure for trapping hazardous dust in a work place which also serves as a walkway is disclosed. A removable cover member (12) includes a frame and a central support member (18), the frame and central support member (18) being covered with expanded metal mesh (22). The cover rests upon a shallow pan (10), the pan (10) having a raised central ridge (28) which is aligned with the central support member (18) in the cover (12) when the cover (12) is placed on the pan (10). The central support member (18) and the central raised ridge (28) cooporate to limit the deflection of the expanded metal mesh (22) under the weight of a user. The lower pan (10) is provided with a hook (34), for engaging other similar pans (10) for assembling a walkway or other desired configuration of dust collecting pans. The pan may be filled with a non-evaporating liquid to permanentaly retain dust falling into the pan, and also dust being scraped from the shoes of a user by the expanded metal mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: Eltra Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Strader, Richard V. Walle
  • Patent number: 4276728
    Abstract: A floor grid is provided for a trafficway for removing debris from traffic passing thereover. The grid comprises a support structure below the surface of the trafficway, a plurality of spaced tread rails defining an upper surface which is generally flush with the surface of the trafficway and being supported by the support structure, and a plurality of traverse spacer bars or channels positioned immediately beneath the tread rails. Each tread rail is secured to each spacer channel by a bolt where both cross. Each bolt has a head which is received in and is slidable, when the bolt is not tightened, along a pair of confronting slots in an associated tread rail. Each of the slots has a flat vertical surface which respectively butt against a pair of flat vertical surfaces of the bolt head preventing rotation of the bolt relative to the tread rail. Preferably the slots are just high enough to snugly receive the bolt heads. Feet extend outwardly from the lower end of each tread rail and engage the spacer channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Assignee: Balco, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude P. Balzer, Edward M. Corman
  • Patent number: 4202646
    Abstract: A helicopter landing platform comprises a fine mesh grid supported on a coarse mesh grid above a horizontal surface such as an ordinary helicopter landing pad. The grid structure is supported in superposed spaced relationship by a supporting framework; and conduits and nozzles for foam fire extinguishing agent are disposed in the space between the grid work and the horizontal surface. Burning oil thus falls through the mesh and is extinguished by the foam, the mesh preventing the foam from blowing away and also providing an anti-skid surface for the helicopter. The platform can be subdivided into a number of units; and the periphery of the platform is surrounded by a rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Inventor: Oystein Herstad
  • Patent number: 4167599
    Abstract: A mat, such as a bath mat, is made up of a plurality of units which are releasably joined to each other to form a continuous mat structure. Each of these units has a continuous peripheral flange provided with upper and lower edges and an open network of intersecting ribs surrounded by and integral with this flange while being situated at least in part between the upper and lower edges thereof, and in particular spaced upwardly from the lower edge of the peripheral flange. Each unit has a plurality of short feet integral with and distributed along while extending downwardly from the lower edge of the peripheral flange and a plurality of long feet integral with the open network of intersecting ribs and extending downwardly therefrom, all of these feet terminating in lower ends which are situated in a common plane parallel to the lower edge of the peripheral flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1979
    Inventor: Esko Nissinen
  • Patent number: 4111585
    Abstract: A modular structure for supporting weight loads and traffic in extensively used turfgrass areas comprising a plurality of identical modules having open cells defined by vertical wall portions and a bottom wall. The modules are disposed in laterally adjacent interengaging interlocked relation to form the modular structure which is imbedded in the turfgrass area to a depth slightly less than the height of the module cells so that the upper edge portions of the cell side walls extend into the turfgrass to support and bear the weight and wear of traffic passing over the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Inventor: Thomas C. Mascaro
  • Patent number: 4067196
    Abstract: A decorative stone or tile, preferably for the fortification of sloping surfaces such as embankments, banks, or the like, which consists of parallel ribs and crosspieces extending at right angles to the ribs with several of the ribs projecting beyond the outer crosspieces and several crosspieces projecting beyond the outer ribs. The projecting ends of the ribs and crosspieces are provided with either grooves or tongues corresponding to the grooves. The grooves or tongues are formed respectively by boundary surfaces extending vertically to the stone surface and are arranged in an alternate pattern about the periphery of the stone or tile. At least one extension is provided between the projecting ends of the externally disposed ribs and crosspieces. The extension is shorter than the length of the projecting ends of the ribs and crosspieces. The extension includes an end face which extends parallel to the vertical plane in which the crosspieces and/or ribs extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1978
    Inventor: Paul Schraudenbach
  • Patent number: 4035536
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1977
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Hadley F. Morrison