Drilling machine pad system

Abstract

A drill pad system operable to assist in operation of vehicles and machines under unstable soil conditions, wherein the drill pad system of the present invention is configured to facilitate in-situ replacement of individual support members. The present invention includes a first embodiment and a second embodiment, both of which employ a removable separate support member. A first embodiment includes a longitudinal central support member, a plurality of lateral support members configured to operably couple a plurality of individual support members thereto. For both embodiments, a peripheral track member releasably secures the individual support member. The peripheral track member is releasably secured along a peripheral edge to facilitate removal of the peripheral track member to access the individual support member. Between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the individual support members are oriented in different directions. The individual support member is made of bamboo and an anti-slip material is present on its upper surface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 468,995, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on September 18, 2023, and entitled “RIGGING MATS SYSTEM,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to access mats, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a rig mat system that is deployed for use in environments such as, but not limited to, pipelines, mining and oil fields, construction, power generation, power transmission, telecommunications, public services (transportation and infrastructure), where unstable soil conditions create an environment unsuitable for vehicle and machinery operations without the additional assistance of a rig mat, and where the rig mat system of the present invention is configured to facilitate field replacement of individual support members. In addition, the rig mat system of the present invention is manufactured from ecologically sustainable materials and environmentally friendly resins. Background Art

[0004] As is well known in the art, industries such as, but not limited to, the oil and gas industry, pipelines, power generation, and telecommunications have important infrastructure deployed in remote areas. As an example and not limitation, oil rigs are often located in remote areas where there is no paved infrastructure providing access thereto. Often, temporary roads are created using bulldozers and other similar equipment to access the area where the oil rig is located. The area surrounding the rig, etc., often has soil conditions that make it difficult to operate heavy machinery.

[0005] Conventional technology deploys elements such as, but not limited to, rig mats made of wooden planks that are placed on top of terrain in areas that may have a lot of mud or be unstable, so vehicles may cross the planks. The deployment of these rig mats is cumbersome and requires a lot of manpower and time. One problem with conventional mats is that the material is made of wood, which is inherently absorbent, which can weaken the planks over time, causing breakage and requiring replacement. The prior art does not provide a structure for the mat that provides access to the individual planks within the rig mat, so these access mats must be transported to another location for repair.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a rig mat system configured to be deployed on terrain to assist vehicles and machinery in operating at a desired location, wherein the access mat system is fabricated to provide access to individual support members for replacement of individual support members at a job site. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a rig mat system operable to be deployed on terrain for vehicles and machinery to operate thereon, wherein the invention comprises a body of rectangular shape and planar manner.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a rig pad system operable to assist vehicle operation on unsuitable terrain wherein the body of the first embodiment of the present invention includes a longitudinal center support member.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a rig mat system operable to be deployed on terrain for vehicles and machinery to operate thereon, wherein the body of the first embodiment includes lateral support members.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a rig pad system operable to assist vehicle operation over unsuitable terrain wherein said longitudinal center support member and said lateral support members are made of metal.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rig mat system operable to be deployed on terrain for vehicles and machinery to operate thereon, wherein the body of the first embodiment comprises a plurality of individual support members, wherein the individual support members are located intermediate the lateral support members.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rig mat system operable to assist vehicle operation on unsuitable terrain, wherein the body of the first embodiment includes peripheral track members along opposite side edges thereof, and wherein the separate support member is operably coupled between the peripheral track member and the longitudinal support member perpendicular to the separate support member.

[0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a rig mat system operable to be deployed on terrain for vehicles and machinery to operate thereon, wherein the body of the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of lateral support members.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a rig mat system operable to assist vehicle operation over unsuitable terrain wherein said body of the second embodiment includes perimeter track members along opposite side edges thereof.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a rig pad system operable to be deployed on terrain for vehicles and machinery to operate thereon, wherein the body of the second embodiment comprises a plurality of individual support members, wherein the individual support members are parallel to the perimeter track members and perpendicular to the lateral support members.

[0016] In order to achieve the above and related purposes, the present invention can be implemented in the form shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are only illustrative. Changes are considered part of the present invention and are limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by referring to the following detailed description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a detailed view of the side edge of the center support member;

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a track member of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 is a detailed view of a track member operably coupled along an edge of the body of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Referring now to the drawings filed herein, wherein the various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein like elements are designated by like reference numerals throughout the views and figures, there is shown a rig pad system 100 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are discussed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings submitted herein. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the detailed description of these drawings herein is for the purpose of explanation, and it is reasonable to expect alternative embodiments within the scope of the present invention. As an example and not limitation, according to the teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that in addition to the specific implementation selections in the embodiments described herein, multiple alternatives and suitable methods can also be used according to the needs of specific applications to implement the functions of any given details described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific methods, materials, uses and applications described herein, because these can change. In addition, it should also be understood that the terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that, as used herein and in the claims, unless the context clearly stipulates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "a kind of" and "the" include plural references. Therefore, for example, a reference to "element" is a reference to one or more elements, and includes its equivalents known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used should be understood in the most inclusive sense. Therefore, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the word "or" should be understood to have a definition of logical "or", rather than a definition of logical "xor". The structure described herein should also be understood to refer to the functional equivalent of this structure. Unless the context clearly stipulates otherwise, it can be interpreted as expressing approximate language should be so understood.

[0027] References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” etc. may indicate that the embodiments of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

[0028] With particular reference to the drawings filed herein, a rig mat system 100 includes a first embodiment 5 and a second embodiment 10. The rig mat system 100 is used on unsuitable terrain, such as but not limited to mud for operating primary and auxiliary equipment to ensure a stable surface for equipment operation. In addition, the rig mat system 100 can be deployed in a staging area, wherein the staging area is used to store additional equipment. In addition, the present invention can be deployed in areas where it is necessary to create a safe walking area. The first embodiment 5 includes a body 15, wherein the body 15 is in the shape of an elongated rectangle, having a first end 3 and a second end 4. The body 15 includes a longitudinal center support member 20, wherein the longitudinal center support member 20 extends between the first end 3 and the second end 4. The longitudinal center support member 20 is made of a lightweight rigid material, such as but not limited to metal. A plurality of lateral support members 25 are operably coupled to the longitudinal center support member 20. The lateral support members 25 extend outwardly from the longitudinal center support member 20, and the longitudinal center support member 20 extends outwardly perpendicular to the lateral support member 25 to the opposite peripheral edges 1, 2. The lateral support members 25 are made of a lightweight rigid material, such as, but not limited to, metal. Although a certain number of lateral support members 25 are shown herein, it should be understood that the body 15 can have more or fewer lateral support members 25 than shown herein within the scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that the body 15 can be manufactured in alternative lengths within the scope of the present invention.

[0029] The lateral support member 25 includes an upper edge member 26 formed along its peripheral edge. The upper edge member 26 extends outward from the lateral support member 25 near an upper surface 27 parallel thereto. Although not specifically shown herein, the lateral support member 25 includes a lower edge member near the lower surface of the lateral support member 25 of the same construction as the upper edge member 26. There is a gap between the upper edge member 26 and the lower edge member, wherein the gap accommodates a portion of a separate support member 40 therein. The body 15 includes a first peripheral track 30 and a second peripheral track 32 extending the length of the body 15. The first peripheral track 30 and the second peripheral track 32 are parallel to the longitudinal center support member 20. The first peripheral track 30 and the second peripheral track 32 both include holes 35 present at their ends. The holes 35 are present for journaling mechanical fasteners therethrough, wherein the mechanical fasteners are fixed to the lateral support member 25. The first peripheral track 30 and the second peripheral track 32 are disposed in a section that is substantially equal to the length of the section of the body 15 in the middle of the lateral support member 25. The first and second perimeter rails 30, 32 are releasably secured with mechanical fasteners to facilitate their removal, thereby providing access to the separate support members 40 for replacement thereof when necessary. The first and second perimeter rails 30, 32 may be used in a variety of lengths and widths to achieve the desired purposes discussed herein.

[0030] A plurality of individual support members 40 are present in the middle of each lateral support member 25. The individual support members 40 are elongated in shape and extend between the longitudinal central support member 20 and the first and second peripheral rails 30, 32 perpendicular thereto. The individual support members 40 are releasably fixed to the longitudinal central support member 20 to facilitate its removal. In a preferred embodiment, the individual support members 40 are made of bamboo or wood, but it should be understood that the individual support members 40 may be made of various alternative materials within the scope of the present invention. The body 15 includes end members 45, 46, which are configured to facilitate the operable connection of multiple bodies 15. It should be understood that the end members 45, 46 may be constructed in various alternative ways within the scope of the present invention to achieve the desired purposes discussed herein.

[0031] Special References Figure 2, wherein a second embodiment 10 of a rig pad system 100 is shown. The second embodiment 10 includes a body 120 in the form of an elongated rectangle having a first end 111 and a second end 112. It should be understood that the body 120 may have various alternative lengths within the scope of the present invention. The body 120 includes a plurality of lateral support members 130. The lateral support members 130 extend through the body 120 between peripheral edges 118, 119 perpendicular thereto. The lateral support members 130 are made of a lightweight rigid material, such as but not limited to metal. The lateral support members 130 include holes 133 on ends thereof, wherein the holes 133 are configured to receive fasteners therein to secure the peripheral track members 140. The lateral support members 130 include upper edge members 126 formed along the peripheral edges thereof. The upper edge members 126 extend outwardly from the lateral support members 130 adjacent to an upper surface 127 parallel thereto. Although not specifically shown herein, the lateral support member 130 includes a lower edge member proximate to the lower surface of the lateral support member 130 of the same construction as the upper edge member 126. There is a gap between the upper edge member 26 and the lower edge member, wherein the gap accommodates the end of the separate support member 160 therein, thereby providing a technique for operably coupling the separate support member 160.

[0032] The second embodiment 10 includes a peripheral track member 140 that is releasably secured to the body 120 along the peripheral edges 118, 119. The cross-section of the peripheral track member 140 is shown in the accompanying drawings. Figure 3 . The perimeter track member 140 is made of a suitable material, such as but not limited to metal, and has a length generally equal to the distance between adjacent lateral support members 130. The perimeter track member 140 is releasably secured along the perimeter edges 118, 119 of the body 120 to secure the individual support members 160 in place. The perimeter track member 140 can be used in a variety of alternating lengths and widths to achieve the desired purposes discussed herein.

[0033] The individual support members 160 are elongated in form and are releasably fixed between adjacent lateral support members 130. The individual support members 160 are placed adjacent to each other and are captively fixed with the peripheral track member 140. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the individual support members 160 are made of bamboo, wood or other suitable materials. The peripheral track member 140 is formed to have a void 141, wherein the void 141 accommodates a portion of the outermost individual support member 160 therein.

[0034] Both the first embodiment 5 and the second embodiment 10 have an anti-skid material on their upper surface. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the anti-skid material may be made of materials such as, but not limited to, crushed aggregate, crushed rubber, crushed glass, and resin.

[0035] In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which specific embodiments in which the present invention can be practiced are shown by way of illustration. These embodiments and some variations thereof have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized, and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The specification may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the foregoing detailed description is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such substitutions, modifications and equivalents that may be reasonably included in the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rig pad system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions, wherein the rig pad system comprises: a body, the body being rectangular in shape and having a first end and a second end, the body having an upper surface, the body having opposing lateral peripheral edges; a longitudinal central support member extending along a central axis of the body between the first end and the second end; a plurality of lateral support members extending between the opposed lateral peripheral edges of the body, the plurality of lateral support members being perpendicular to and operably coupled to the longitudinal central support member; a first peripheral track member releasably secured to one of said opposed lateral peripheral edges; a second peripheral track member releasably secured to one of said opposed lateral peripheral edges opposite said first peripheral track member; as well as A plurality of separate support members are located in the middle of the plurality of lateral support members, the plurality of separate support members have a first end and a second end, and the plurality of separate support members are parallel to the plurality of lateral support members and perpendicular to the longitudinal central support member.

2. A rig pad system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of said plurality of individual support members are releasably secured between said longitudinal center support member and said first perimeter track member.

3. A rig pad system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions as in claim 1, wherein a portion of said plurality of individual support members are releasably secured between said longitudinal center support member and said second perimeter track member.

4. A rig pad system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions as claimed in claim 3, wherein the length of the first track member is substantially equal to the distance between adjacent lateral support members.

5. A rig mat system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions as claimed in claim 4, wherein the body further comprises a non-slip coating on an upper surface thereof.

6. A rig pad system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions as claimed in claim 5, wherein the length of the second track member is substantially equal to the distance between adjacent lateral support members.

7. A rig pad system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions as claimed in claim 6, wherein ends of the first track member and the second track member are releasably secured to outer edges of the plurality of lateral support members.

8. A rig pad system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions, wherein the rig pad system comprises: a body, the body being rectangular in shape and having a first end and a second end, the body having an upper surface, the body having opposing lateral peripheral edges; a plurality of lateral support members extending between the opposed lateral peripheral edges of the body, the plurality of lateral support members being perpendicular to the opposed lateral peripheral edges; a first peripheral track member releasably secured to one of said opposed lateral peripheral edges; a second peripheral track member releasably secured to one of said opposed lateral peripheral edges opposite said first peripheral track member; as well as A plurality of separate support members are located in the middle of the plurality of lateral support members, the plurality of separate support members have a first end and a second end, and the plurality of separate support members are perpendicular to the plurality of lateral support members.

9. The rig pad system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions of claim 8, wherein the length of the first track member is substantially equal to the distance between adjacent lateral support members.

10. The rig pad system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions of claim 9, wherein the length of the second track member is substantially equal to the distance between adjacent lateral support members.

11. The rig mat system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises a non-slip coating on an upper surface thereof.

12. A rig mat system for assisting a vehicle or machine in traversing unstable soil conditions as claimed in claim 11, wherein said plurality of individual support members are made of bamboo.

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