Fully maneuverable, moon shaped ground mat

Abstract

This application relates to a ground mat suitable for use in laying gravel. In the prior art, such devices are often referred to as gravel grids. The ground mat of the invention is characterised by be

Description

Field of invention This invention relates to a moon-shaped, maneuverable device for laying gravel, pebbles, other aggregates or top soil in order to create pathways in an adaptable and aesthetically pleasing fashion. Background When laying areas or pathways using aggregate to create a surface, it is common practice to use a ground mat. This ensures that the aggregate remains in place, and that there is minimal erosion or compression of the aggregate into the underlying ground or surrounding area. This is especially important when laying aggregate or building pathways in areas of high foot traffic such outdoor leisure areas or country paths prone to erosion from high numbers of walkers. These mats typically utilize a grid-like structure to ensure permeability and efficient weight distribution, and they are generally manufactured from plastic to ensure longevity. However, these ground mats are typically large and square in their design. This means they are often unsuitable for domestic gardens or spaces, while simultaneously limiting the opportunity for creative, adaptable placement of aggregate pathways by the user. Statement of Invention In order to address these limitations, the present invention proposes the use of a more compact, moon-shaped ground mat that is designed to create fluid non-linear pathways outside of the confines of the large square ground mats previously mentioned. This invention is ground mat with geometry containing two arcs with the same radius of curvature, but different lengths such that when one mat's small arc abuts another mat's large arc, the first mat can be rotated around the centre of curvature of the second mat's larger arc without a gap occurring and so allowing a sequence of mats can be arranged in a path on a two-dimensional surface such that the path can change direction by several degrees with each mat. By using an appropriate number of these moon-shaped ground mats, it is possible to create aggregate pathways in a variety of curved shapes, while retaining all the benefits of ground mats previously discussed. These moon-shaped ground mats are designed in such a way that they can be manufactured via plastic moulding, though it is conceivable that other methods could be used in their construction. Summary of Drawings The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a top-down view of the moon-shaped ground mats, illustrating the grid structure required to ensure permeability and equal weight distribution. It is envisioned that the sections of this grid will be filled with aggregate by the end user. Figure 2 illustrates overall shape on the ground mats and their method of fitting together. The connection employs an overlapping male / female edge mechanic to slot each mat into place without requiring a fixed connecting location. The outer diameter of the circle (2.1) is fitted with the male edge, while the concave section of the circle (2.2) is fitted with the female edge. Figure 3 shows a close-up diagram of the male / female ground mat connections, illustrating the mechanism used to lock these in place. This mechanism utilizes a grooved edge (similar to a traditional cable / zip tie) (3.1) to lock the mats into place as one is pressed vertically down into another. These are then locked in place, but can be separated by means of sliding the mats in a horizontal clockwise or anti-clockwise direction to release the locking mechanism. Figure 4 is a 3D model of the moon-shaped ground mats, illustrating its relative thickness and overall structure. Figures 5 and 6 are 3D models of the moon-shaped ground mats, showing how these could be fitted together to form a fluid path, ready to be filled with an aggregate material. Figure 7 is a mockup of an aggregate pathway as installed using a series of moon-shaped ground mats.

Claims

1. A moon-shaped ground mat with geometry containing two arcs with the same radius of curvature, but different lengths such that when one mat's small arc abuts another mat's large arc, the first mat can be rotated around the centre of curvature of the second mat's larger arc without a gap.

2. A specific moon shaped mat such that a sequence of mats can be arranged in a path on a two-dimensional surface and that the path can change direction by several degrees with each mat without the need to adhere to specific angles of direction.T +44(0)30 0300 2000A

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