Ecologically friendly traction mat

Abstract

A system and method of an operating surface for vehicles in a roadless area is provided. More specifically, a mat that provides a vehicle operating surface in a roadless area is provided. The mat includes pockets forming ridges with a predetermined orientation. A variety of materials may be positioned within the pockets to provide a predetermined thickness and rigidity to the pockets. The pockets of a first portion of the mat alternate with pockets of a second portion of the mat. In this manner, the mat may be folded for transport, handling, and storage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 159,023 filed May 8, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 244,500 filed Oct. 21, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 159,033 filed May 8, 2015 which are each incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to mats for temporary roads and access areas. More specifically, the present invention relates to mats that provide a temporary surface for vehicles in a roadless area, such as a construction site.BACKGROUND[0003]Vehicles frequently operate in construction sites and must cross open fields to access work areas. Such areas rarely include adequate roads that can accommodate heavy equipment which causes several problems. Vehicles operating in roadless areas can damage top soil and vegetation which may r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a mat that can be used for temporary vehicle use and to prevent dirt and debris from being carried onto public roads. The mat has two traction areas and a thin, flexible middle section that can fold. The middle section can be made up of two sheets of material that are interconnected. The mat can be easily folded and retained in a compact way for easy transport and storage. Overall, the technical effects of the patent are a mat that is durable, flexible, and can be easily folded and saved for later use.

Problems solved by technology

Such areas rarely include adequate roads that can accommodate heavy equipment which causes several problems.

Vehicles operating in roadless areas can damage top soil and vegetation which may require expensive remediation by the vehicle operator.

In addition, heavy vehicles can create ruts and render areas more susceptible to erosion.

Vehicles can also be damaged when crossing roadless areas.

For example, roadless areas may not provide a stable surface for vehicles, increasing the risk of loads shifting within vehicles or vehicles overturning.

Vehicles may also become stuck when crossing roadless areas due to lack of traction.

In addition, vehicles and vehicle tires may accumulate rocks, soil (or mud), and other foreign objects in the roadless area.

These foreign objects can damage the vehicles.

When the vehicle enters an improved road after operating in a roadless area, foreign objects that have accumulated on the vehicle can be dropped onto the road, which can be a hazard to other vehicles.

Foreign objects may also contribute to water contamination by migrating into drainage systems and streams.

One obvious drawback is the pre-cast planks are heavy and must be lifted and positioned with a lifting rig. in addition, the rigidity of concrete planks may cause problems on uneven or unstable terrain, such as on uneven sand or soil.

That is, when unevenly supported, concrete planks may tip back and forth.

The planks may also fracture and break when installed over a depression.

Also, similar to the concrete planks described by Sanders, the stiff mat of Marsh may cause problems on uneven or unstable terrain.

Accordingly, these mats may be difficult to transport and handle and may take up a large amount of storage space.

Due to these and other limitations associated with known systems and methods, there is an unmet need for a temporary operating surface for vehicles.

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