Load-Bearing Mat

Abstract

A load-bearing mat includes longitudinal tire members and transverse tire members that are interwoven and secured at their ends via fasteners. Typically, the longitudinal tire members and transverse tire members are constructed from the treads of tires. The load-bearing mat may include lifting cables to facilitate transportation, installation, and removal. The load-bearing mat may be used to protect turf areas or soft soil from heavy vehicles or loads.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION[0001]This application hereby claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 537,872, for a Load-Bearing Mat (filed Sep. 22, 2011), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of load-bearing mats for distributing the weight of heavy loads across a broader surface.[0003]In a variety of industries, it is necessary to drive vehicles over turf, soft soil, or other grassy areas instead of more typical asphalt or concrete roadways. Driving heavy vehicles over such areas can damage the turf, soil, or grass. In some circumstances, the vehicle may actually sink into the soil and become entrapped. Various solutions have been employed to prevent these problems.[0004]Some solutions include embedding a supportive mat within the turf area, such that the turf or grass grows between the pieces of the mat, thereby hiding the mat from view. Embedded suppo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a load-bearing mat that includes longitudinal tire members and transverse tire members that are interwoven together. The mat has fasteners that secure the tire members to each other, and the tire members have treads. The mat can also include lifting cables at its ends. The technical effect of this invention is a stronger, more durable load-bearing mat that can withstand heavy loads and has improved stability and performance.

Problems solved by technology

Driving heavy vehicles over such areas can damage the turf, soil, or grass.

In some circumstances, the vehicle may actually sink into the soil and become entrapped.

Embedded support mats, however, are not easily removed from the turf area.

Furthermore, shifting soil may require costly removal and repositioning of the support mat.

Although these mats are more temporary in nature than embedded mats, they present additional problems.

As an initial matter, these cell or panel-based interlocking mats are expensive to manufacture and maintain.

Additionally, these mats typically have gaps in their surface that result in an uneven and less efficient spreading of the load across the turf area.

Furthermore, these mats must be joined at each of their interlocking points making installation more time-consuming.

Wood mats are more temporary in nature than embedded mats and less expensive than interlocking mats, but still present their own set of problems.

For example, wood mats cannot be folded for transport.

Additionally, wood mats can split and splinter thereby creating a safety hazard for installers and those using the wood mats.

Furthermore, wood mats have a relatively short service-life.

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