Methods of manufacturing mats for use as support surfaces include mixing pre-used material with virgin material to form a blended material and forming the mat for use as a support surface from the blended material. Mats for use as support surfaces include a body having a composition of at least 30% by weight of pre-used material and the remainder being virgin material.
Apparatus and methods related to mats and connects are described. The apparatus include a mat having a top side, a bottom side, and an interior defined between the top side and the bottom side, and at least one connector post extending within the interior of the mat, wherein the at least one connector post comprises a connector pin cavity extending within the interior of the mat and configured to receive a connector pin and at least one locking structure configured to engage with a portion of the connector pin and secure the connector pin to the at least one connector post.
Mats and panels of mats and methods of making the same are described. The panels include a first portion defined by a first material and a second portion defined by a second material. The first material and the second material have at least one of different compositions and different material properties. The methods include depositing a first material into a mold of a panel, depositing a second material into the mold of the panel after deposition of the first material, and applying at least one of pressure and heat to the mold of the panel to form a panel having the first material and the second material having at least one different compositions and different material properties.
B32B 37/02 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by a sequence of laminating steps, e.g. by adding new layers at consecutive laminating stations
Mats and methods associated therewith are described. The mats include a main body defined by a plurality of sidewalls and two exterior surface walls opposing each other. The main body includes a pattern of internal walls that define internal voids within the main body. At least one primary structural support rib is arranged within the main body and extends between the two surface walls and from one of the plurality of side walls to another of the plurality of side walls. The at least one primary structural support rib traverses the internal voids defined by the pattern of internal walls.
A mat comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side is disclosed. The mat has a body with a thickness defined between the first side and the second side and a width defined between a first edge and a second edge. A plurality of fortifying members can be positioned between the first side and the second side extend within the body substantially vertically with respect to the width. A lip can extend from the body of the mat and have a first rib having a first rib thickness. A first channel portion can have a first channel thickness whereby the first rib thickness is greater than the first channel thickness.
A mat comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side is disclosed. The mat has a body with a thickness defined between the first side and the second side and a width defined between a first edge and a second edge. A plurality of fortifying members can be positioned between the first side and the second side extend within the body substantially vertically with respect to the width. A lip can extend from the body of the mat and have a first rib having a first rib thickness. A first channel portion can have a first channel thickness whereby the first rib thickness is greater than the first channel thickness.
A holding container includes a plurality of pre-formed, releasably interlocking, load- bearing panels configured to form an at least partially curved, load-bearing wall extending around the perimeter of at least one storage area capable of containing at least 100,000 gallons of liquids, solids or a combination thereof. At least one among the width and length of each panel is less than 102 inches in a non- load-bearing state.
A power tool for unlocking a releasable attachment pin from at least two ground covers includes at least one gripper carried by a carrier and selectively moveable relative to the carrier to grip a first portion of the attachment pin. At least one rotator also carried by the carrier is selectively rotatable relative to the first portion of the attachment pin to rotate a second portion of the attachment pin to unlock the attachment pin from the ground covers. A power-driven actuator associated with the carrier is operatively coupled to the rotator(s) and configured to selectively rotate the rotator(s).
E01C 19/52 - Apparatus for laying individual preformed surface elements, e.g. kerbs
B25B 21/00 - Portable power-driven screw or nut setting or loosening toolsAttachments for drilling apparatus serving the same purpose
B25B 23/10 - Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation using mechanical gripping means
B25B 27/14 - Hand tools or bench devices, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same
12.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSULATING AN ELECTRICALLY-GROUNDABLE SUPPORT SURFACE
An insulated, electrically groundable, support surface includes at least one heat shield (400) configured to be disposed between a ground cover (26) and an electrically-conductive cover (110) of the support surface to insulate the ground cover (26) from heat generated by electric current flowing through the electrically-conductive cover (110).
B32B 33/00 - Layered products characterised by particular properties or particular surface features, e.g. particular surface coatingsLayered products designed for particular purposes not covered by another single class
E01C 9/00 - Special pavingsPavings for special parts of roads or airfields
E04B 5/02 - Load-carrying floor structures formed substantially of prefabricated units
H05F 3/02 - Carrying-off electrostatic charges by means of earthing connections
Systems useful for reinforcing a support mat over at least one seam formed between upper and lower panels of the mat include at least one extruder configured to apply weld-forming material over the seam(s) to form at least one weld atop the seam(s) and at least one electronic controller associated with the extruder.
A method of reinforcing a support mat includes at least one extruder applying at least a first stream of weld-forming material over at least one seam formed between upper and lower, interconnected, at least partially overlapping, panels on the top of the mat and at least one automated extruder applying at least a second stream of weld-forming material over at least one seam formed between the panels on the bottom of the mat.
Apparatus, systems and methods for providing one or more accessories on a support surface include a base releasably engageable with the support surface, a housing configured to carry at least a first accessory and be releasably engaged with the base and an elongated carrier rod configured to carry at least a second accessory and be releasably engaged with the base.
An adjustable, releasable locking pin for connecting at least first and second adjacent mats of a support surface includes a body and at least one foot operatively connected to the body proximate to the lower end thereof and configured to secure the locking pin to the mats. The foot is selectively movable from an unlocked position to at least one locked position and then, while in a locked position, selectively moveable upwardly relative to the body and the first and second mats.
System for electrically grounding a reusable load-supporting surface includes at least two mats and a plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers. Each cover extends at least partially across the top face of one of the mats without extending over any of the edges thereof and is flexibly coupled to the mat sufficient to allow the mat to flex, expand and contract relative to the cover due to environmental factors and the movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface during normal, typical or expected use conditions.
E01C 11/24 - Methods or arrangements for preventing slipperiness or protecting against influences of the weather
H01R 43/26 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device
18.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICALLY COUPLING MULTIPLE ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE GROUND COVERS
Apparatus and methods for electrically coupling first and second ground covers involves at least first and second electrically-conductive covers configured to be associated with the first and second ground covers, respectively. The electrically-conductive covers are electrically interconnectable with at least one electrical connector (i) which may be coupled to the electrically-conductive covers without mechanically engaging either ground cover or extending along any of the outer edges thereof, (i) which is engageable between a solid portion of each respective electrically-conductive cover, (ii) which is engageable between at least one upwardly facing connection port or interface associated with each electrically- conductive cover or, in some embodiments, a combination thereof.
System for electrically grounding a reusable load-supporting surface includes at least two mats and a plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers. Each cover extends at least partially across the top face of one of the mats without extending over any of the edges thereof and is flexibly coupled to the mat sufficient to allow the mat to flex, expand and contract relative to the cover due to environmental factors and the movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface during normal, typical or expected use conditions.
H01R 4/64 - Connections between or with conductive parts having primarily a non-electric function, e.g. frame, casing, rail
H01R 43/20 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
H05F 3/02 - Carrying-off electrostatic charges by means of earthing connections
20.
APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR SUPPORTING ONE OR MORE UPRIGHT ITEMS FROM A SUPPORT SURFACE
System for supporting an upright member from a support surface includes an elongated carrier releasably engageable with at least one mat of the support surface, a base adapted to extend around at least part of the lower end of the carrier and abut the mat, a lock engageable with the carrier above the base to assist in securing the base against the mat and at least one anchor associated with the carrier and configured to grip the upright member when the upright member is inserted into a bore of the carrier.
Apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around an opening formed in the earth's surface includes a reusable load-supporting surface having at least two sealingly interconnected mats surrounding and spaced-away from the borehole opening. At least one flexible, planar spanner is configured to extend between the borehole wall and mats. At least one elongated spanner support is used to mechanically couple one or more spanners to the borehole wall. At least one elongated lip support is used to mechanically couple one or more spanners to the mats.
APPARATUS FOR FORMING A LIQUID-TIGHT SEAL ACROSS GAPS FORMED BETWEEN ADJACENT COMPONENTS OF A LOAD-SUPPORTING SURFACE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A LOAD-SUPPORTING SURFACE
Apparatus for forming a liquid-tight seal across gaps (22) formed between adjacent components (26a, 26b) of a load-supporting surface (16) useful at an outdoor worksite includes a liquid-impermeable, elongated, seal member (10) configured to be sealing coupled to first and second mats in the load-supporting surface and extend across the gap formed therebetween. And method of assembling a load-supporting surface having a liquid-tight seal across gaps formed between adjacent thermoplastic mats thereof.
APPARATUS FOR FORMING A LIQUID-TIGHT SEAL ACROSS GAPS FORMED BETWEEN ADJACENT COMPONENTS OF A LOAD-SUPPORTING SURFACE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A LOAD-SUPPORTING SURFACE
Apparatus for forming a liquid-tight seal across a gap (22) formed between adjacent, interconnected first and second mats (26a,26b) in a load-supporting surface (16) includes first and second liquid impermeable, elongated seal members (118a,118b) extending into the gap from the first and second mats, respectively. The seal members abut one another in the gap to form a liquid tight seal therebetween. And method of assembling a load-supporting surface having a liquid-tight seal across gaps formed between adjacent, releasably interconnectable, thermoplastic mats thereof.
Apparatus for electrically connecting and grounding at least two mechanically interconnectable, planar mats in a reusable load-supporting surface includes at least one removable, electrically-conductive cover configured to be engaged with each mat and extend at least partially across the top and/or bottom face thereof. Each cover includes at least one conductive interface configured to electrically connect its associated mat with at least one other mat in the load-supporting surface.
Apparatus for electrically connecting and grounding at least two mechanically interconnectable, planar mats in a reusable load-supporting surface includes at least one removable, electrically-conductive cover configured to be engaged with each mat and extend at least partially across the top and/or bottom face thereof. Each cover includes at least one conductive interface configured to electrically connect its associated mat with at least one other mat in the load-supporting surface.
Apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around an opening formed in the earth's surface of an underground borehole includes a clamp and at least one platform. The clamp is configured to engage a wall extending around the borehole and the platform is configured to extend outwardly from the clamp over the earth's surface adjacent to the borehole.
Apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around an opening formed in the earth's surface of an underground borehole includes a clamp and at least one platform. The clamp is configured to engage a wall extending around the borehole and the platform is configured to extend outwardly from the clamp over the earth's surface adjacent to the borehole.
Apparatus for providing illumination from a support surface includes a shell releaseably engageable with the support surface. An electronics system is seated within the shell and projects light up and out of the shell. A power pack releasably engages the shell and electrically engages the electronics system to provide power thereto. The electrical interface between the electronics system and power pack is fluidly sealed.
F21S 8/02 - Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters
F21S 9/02 - Lighting devices with a built-in power supplySystems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
29.
LIQUID CONTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR USE WITH LOAD-SUPPORTING SURFACES
System (10) for containing liquid introduced onto a reusable load- supporting surface (16) includes a plurality of interconnectable berm members (80) configured to releasably sealingly engage the load-supporting surface to prevent leakage of liquid from the load- supporting surface around its perimeter without the use of any liners beneath the load-supporting surface.
System (10) for containing liquid introduced onto a reusable load- supporting surface (16) includes a plurality of interconnectable berm members (80) configured to releasably sealingly engage the load-supporting surface to prevent leakage of liquid from the load- supporting surface around its perimeter without the use of any liners beneath the load-supporting surface.
An adjustable locking pin (10) for connecting at least first (12) and second (14) overlapping mats includes an elongated main body (30), an elastomeric seal (80) extending around the periphery of an enlarged head (40) of the main body (30) and an elongated rotor (50) threadably engaged in a bore (36) of the main body (30). The rotor (50) is rotatable through at least two 360 degree revolutions of rotation relative to the main body (30) and includes a foot (66) at its bottom end (68). The rotational adjustability of the rotor (50)allows the first (12) and second (14) mats to be tightly held together.
Apparatus for sealing the gap between adjacent interconnecting mats in a reusable load- supporting surface deployed on the ground includes a seal member. The seal member includes an elongated main body and an elongated planar tail extending outwardly therefrom. The main body is positionable in the gap and the tail is configured to extend into at least a portion of the interface formed between upper and lower lips of the adjacent mats.
Apparatus for sealing the gap between adjacent interconnecting mats in a reusable load- supporting surface deployed on the ground includes a seal member. The seal member includes an elongated main body and an elongated planar tail extending outwardly therefrom. The main body is positionable in the gap and the tail is configured to extend into at least a portion of the interface formed between upper and lower lips of the adjacent mats.
A portable overlapping secured mat system with uniformly sized plastic mats joined together to form structural support surface for use by persons or equipment. The mats' edges have recessed upper and lower lips with finger projections extending from the upper lips sized to fit into holes of adjacent mats' lower lips securing the mats together when the front edge of the finger projections are moved into a recesses of the back wall of the hole.
