Rig mat system

Abstract

A rig mat system operable to assist vehicles and machinery operate in unstable soil conditions wherein the rig mat system of the invention is constructed to facilitate onsite replacement of individual support members. The invention includes a first embodiment and a second embodiment wherein both embodiments employ removable individual support members. The first embodiment includes a longitudinal central support member, a plurality of lateral support members being configured to have a multitude of individual support members operably coupled therewith. Perimeter rail members releasably secure the individual support members for both embodiments. The perimeter rail members are releasably secured along perimeter edges in order to facilitate removal thereof for access to the individual support members. The individual support members are oriented in different directions between the first embodiment and the second embodiment. The individual support members are manufactured from bamboo and an anti-slip material is present on the upper surface thereof.

Description

RIG MAT SYSTEMFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to access mats, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a rig mat system that is deployed for environments such as but not limited to pipeline, mining and oilfields, construction, power generation, power transmission, telecommunications, public servicesftransportation and infrastructure] wherein unstable soil conditions create an environment unsuitable for vehicle and machinery operation without additional assistance from rig mats and wherein the rig mat system of the present invention is constructed to facilitate onsite replacement of individual support members. Furthermore, the rig mat system of the present invention is manufactured from ecologically sustainable materials and environmentally friendly resins.BACKGROUND

[0002] As is known in the art, industries such as but not limited to the oil and gas industry, pipelines, power generation and telecommunications have significant infrastructure deployed in remote areas. By way of example but not limitation, an oil drilling rig is often located in a remote area that does not have paved infrastructure providing access thereto. Typically, temporary roadways are created to access the area where the oil drilling rig is located utilizing bulldozers and other similar equipment. Areas around drilling rigs and the like often have soil conditions that are difficult for operation of heavy machinery.

[0003] Conventional techniques deploy elements such as but not limited to rig mats manufactured from wood planks that are placed on top of the terrain in areas that may have a lot of mud or are unstable so a vehicle may traverse across the wood planks. Deployment of these rig mats is cumbersome and requires significant manpower and time. An issue with conventional mats is the materials aremanufactured from wood that intrinsically has water absorption which weakens the wood planks over time resulting in breakage and requires replacement. Existing technology does not provide a structure to the mat that provides access to single wood planks within the rig mat and as such these access mats must be shipped to another location for repair.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a rig mat system that is configured to be deployed over a terrain so as to assist in vehicles and machinery operating in a desired location wherein the access mat system is manufactured so as to provide access to the individual support members for replacement thereof at the job site.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is the object of the present invention to provide a rig mat system operable to be deployed over a terrain for vehicles and machinery to operate thereon wherein the present invention includes a body that is rectangular in shape and planar in manner.

[0006] Another obj ect of the present invention is to provide a rig mat system operable to assist vehicles operate on unsuitable terrains wherein the body of a first embodiment of the present invention includes a longitudinal central support member.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a rig mat system operable to be deployed over a terrain for vehicles and machinery to operate thereon wherein the body of the first embodiment includes lateral support members.

[0008] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a rig mat system operable to assist vehicles operate on unsuitable terrains wherein the longitudinal central support member and lateral support members are manufactured from metal.

[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a rig mat system operable to be deployed over a terrain for vehicles and machinery to operate thereon wherein the body of the first embodiment includes a plurality of individual supportmembers wherein the individual support members are intermediate the lateral support members.

[0010] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a rig mat system operable to assist vehicles operate on unsuitable terrains wherein the body of the first embodiment includes perimeter rail members along the opposing lateral edges thereof and wherein the individual support members are operably coupled intermediate the perimeter rail members and the longitudinal support member being perpendicular thereto.

[0011] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a rig mat system operable to be deployed over a terrain for vehicles and machinery to operate thereon wherein the body of the second embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of lateral support members.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rig mat system operable to assist vehicles operate on unsuitable terrains wherein the body of the second embodiment includes perimeter rail members along the opposing lateral edges thereof.

[0013] Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a rig mat system operable to be deployed over a terrain for vehicles and machinery to operate thereon wherein the body of the second embodiment includes a multitude of individual support members wherein the individual support members are parallel with perimeter rail members and perpendicular to the lateral support members.

[0014] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 is a detailed view of a lateral edge of a central support member; and

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional of a rail member of the present invention; and

[0019] Figure 4 is a detailed view of a rail member operably coupled along the edge of the body of the present invention; and

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a rig mat system 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0022] An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0023] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms "a”, "an” and "the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or” rather than that of a logical "exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] References to "one embodiment”, "an embodiment”, "exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiments] of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

[0025] Referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the rig mat system 100 includes a first embodiment 5 and a second embodiment 10. The rig mat system 100 is employed over unsuitable terrain such as but not limited to mud for operation of main and auxiliary equipment to ensure a stable surface for the equipment to operate. Additionally, the rig mat system 100 can be deployed in staging areas wherein the staging areas are utilized to store additional equipment. Furthermore, the present invention can be deployed in areas where needed to create safe walking areas. The first embodiment 5 includes a body 15 wherein the body 15 is elongated and rectangular in shape having a first end 3 and a second end 4. The body 15 includes a longitudinal central support member 20 wherein the longitudinal central support member 20 extends intermediate the first end 3 and second end 4. The longitudinal central support member 20 is manufactured from a lightweight rigid material such as but not limited to metal. Operably coupled to the longitudinal central support member 20 are a plurality of lateral support members 25. The lateral support members 25 extend outward from the longitudinal central support member 20 being perpendicular thereto extending outward to the opposing perimeter edges 1,2. Thelateral support members 25 are manufactured from a lightweight rigid material such as but not limited to metal. While a certain quantity of lateral support members 25 are illustrated herein, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 15 could have more or less lateral support members 25 than illustrated herein. It should also be understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 15 could be manufactured in alternate lengths.

[0026] The lateral support members 25 include an upper edge member 26 formed along the perimeter edge thereof. Upper edge member 26 extends outward from the lateral support member 25 proximate the upper surface 27 thereof being parallel therewith. While not particularly illustrated herein, the lateral support members 25 include a lower edge member identically constructed as the upper edge member 26 proximate the lower surface of the lateral support member 25. A void is present in between the upper edge member 26 and lower edge member wherein the void receives a portion of an individual support member 40 therein. The body 15 includes a first perimeter rail 30 and a second perimeter rail 32 extending the length of the body 15. The first perimeter rail 30 and second perimeter rail 32 are parallel to the longitudinal central support member 20. Both the first perimeter rail 30 and the second perimeter rail 32 include apertures 35 present at the ends thereof. Apertures 35 are present for journaling of mechanical fasteners therethrough wherein the mechanical fasteners are secured to the lateral support members 25. The first perimeter rail 30 and the second perimeter rail 32 are provided in sections generally equal to the length of a section of the body 15 intermediate lateral support members 25. The first perimeter rail 30 and the second perimeter rail 32 are releasably secured with mechanical fasteners so as to facilitate removal thereof providing access to the individual support members 40 for replacement thereof if required. The first perimeter rail 30 and the second perimeter rail 32 can be employed in a multitude of lengths and widths to accomplish the desired objective discussed herein.

[0027] A multitude of individual support members 40 are present intermediate each of the lateral support members 25. The individual support members 40 are elongated in shape and extend intermediate the longitudinal central support member 20 and the first perimeter rail 30 and the second perimeter rail 32 being perpendicularthereto. The individual support members 40 are releasably secured to the longitudinal central support member 20 in order to facilitate removal thereof. The individual support members 40 are manufactured from bamboo or wood in a preferred embodiment but it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the individual support members 40 could be manufactured from various alternate materials. The body 15 includes end members 45,46 that are structured to facilitate operable coupling of multiple bodies 15. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the end members 45,46 could be constructed in various alternate manners in order to achieve the desired objective discussed herein.

[0028] Referring in particular to Figure 2, a second embodiment 10 of the rig mat system 100 is illustrated therein. The second embodiment 10 includes a body 120 that is elongated and rectangular in form having a first end 111 and a second end 112. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the body 120 could be provide in various alternate lengths. The body 120 includes a plurality of lateral support members 130. The lateral support members 130 extend across the body 120 intermediate the perimeter edges 118,119 being perpendicular thereto. The lateral support members 130 are manufactured from a lightweight rigid material such as but not limited to metal. Lateral support members 130 include apertures 133 on the ends thereof wherein the apertures 133 are configured to receive a fastener therein so as to secure the perimeter rail member 140. The lateral support members 130 include an upper edge member 126 formed along the perimeter edge thereof. Upper edge member 126 extends outward from the lateral support member 130 proximate the upper surface 127 thereof being parallel therewith. While not particularly illustrated herein, the lateral support members 130 include a lower edge member identically constructed as the upper edge member 126 proximate the lower surface of the lateral support member 130. A void is present in between the upper edge member 26 and lower edge member wherein the void receives an endof an individual support member 160 therein providing a technique to operably couple the individual support members 160.

[0029] The second embodiment 10 includes a perimeter rail member 140 releasably secured to the body 120 along the perimeter edges 118,119. A cross sectional of the perimeter rail member 140 is illustrated in Figure 3 submitted herewith. The perimeter rail member 140 is manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to metal and is provided in lengths generally equal to the distances between adjacent lateral support members 130. The perimeter rail member 140 is releasably secured along the perimeter edges 118,119 of the body 120 so as to secure the individual support members 160 in position. The perimeter rail member 140 can be employed in a multitude of alternate lengths and widths to accomplish the desired objective discussed herein.

[0030] The individual support members 160 are elongated in form and releasably secured in between adjacent lateral support members 130. The individual support members 160 are placed adjacent each other and are captively secured with the perimeter rail member 140. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the individual support members 160 are manufactured from bamboo, wood or other suitable material. The perimeter rail member 140 is formed to have void 141 wherein the void 141 receives a portion of the outermost individual support member 160 therein.

[0031] Both the first embodiment 5 and second embodiment 10 have on the upper surface thereof an anti-slip material. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the anti-slip material could be manufactured from materials such as but not limited to crushed aggregate, crushed rubber, crushed glass and resin.

[0032] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forthherein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions wherein the rig mat system comprises: a body, said body being rectangular in shape having a first end and a second end, said body having an upper surface, said body having opposing lateral perimeter edges; a longitudinal central support member, said longitudinal central support member extending between said first end and said second end along a center axis of said body; a plurality of lateral support members, said plurality of lateral support members extending in between said opposing lateral perimeter edges of said body, said plurality of lateral support members being perpendicular to said longitudinal central support member and operably coupled thereto; a first perimeter rail member, said first perimeter rail member being releasably secured to one of said opposing lateral perimeter edges; a second perimeter rail member, said second perimeter rail member being releasably secured to one of said opposing lateral perimeter edges opposite said first perimeter rail member; and a multitude of individual support members, said multitude of individual support members being located intermediate said plurality of lateral support members, said multitude of individual support members having a first end and a second end, said multitude of individual support members being parallel with said plurality of lateral support members and perpendicular with said longitudinal central support member.

2. The rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions as recited in claim 1, wherein a portion of said multitude of individual support members are releasably secured between said longitudinal central support member and said first perimeter rail member.

3. The rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions as recited in claim 1, wherein a portion of said multitude of individual support members are releasably secured between said longitudinal central support member and said second perimeter rail member.

4. The rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions as recited in claim 3, wherein said first rail member is provided in lengths generally equivalent to a distance between adjacent lateral support members.

5. The rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions as recited in claim 4, wherein said body further includes an anti-slip coating on the upper surface thereof.

6. The rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions as recited in claim 5, wherein said second rail member is provided in lengths generally equivalent to a distance between adjacent lateral support members.

7. The rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions as recited in claim 6, wherein ends of the first rail member and second rail member are releasably secured to outer edges of said plurality of lateral support members.

8. A rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions wherein the rig mat system comprises: a body, said body being rectangular in shape having a first end and a second end, said body having an upper surface, said body having opposing lateral perimeter edges; a plurality of lateral support members, said plurality of lateral support members extending in between said opposing lateral perimeter edges of saidbody, said plurality of lateral support members being perpendicular to said opposing lateral perimeter edges; a first perimeter rail member, said first perimeter rail member being releasably secured to one of said opposing lateral perimeter edges; a second perimeter rail member, said second perimeter rail member being releasably secured to one of said opposing lateral perimeter edges opposite said first perimeter rail member; and a multitude of individual support members, said multitude of individual support members being located intermediate said plurality of lateral support members, said multitude of individual support members having a first end and a second end, said multitude of individual support members being perpendicular with said plurality of lateral support members.

9. The rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions as recited in claim 8, wherein said first rail member is provided in lengths generally equivalent to a distance between adjacent lateral support members.

10. The rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions as recited in claim 9, wherein said second rail member is provided in lengths generally equivalent to a distance between adjacent lateral support members.

11. The rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions as recited in claim 10, wherein said body further includes an anti-slip coating on the upper surface thereof.

12. The rig mat system configured to assist a vehicle or machinery traverse across unstable soil conditions as recited in claim 11, wherein said plurality of individual support members are manufactured from bamboo.

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