connector

Abstract

A two-part connector for mesh grids with a bottom plate for seating below at least one mesh grid and a top plate for seating above the at least one mesh grid, and a fastener extending from the bottom plate through the top plate for securing the at least one mesh grid therebetween. In an alternate embodiment, a bottom surface of the bottom plate seats in an adhesive applied to a geomembrane, whereby the mesh grid fastens to the geomembrane. A method secures at least one mesh grid with a two-part connector of a bottom plate and top plate seating on opposing sides of the mesh grid.

Description

CONNECTORTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to two-part connectors and methods for interconnecting adjacent mesh grids in joined relation and for connecting mesh grids to geomembrane ground covers.Background Of The Invention

[0002] Mesh or extruded elongated grid sheets are used for soil and ground reinforcement and stabilization while also providing a high strength structure for resisting separation of soil and aggregate layers in ground layer structures. The mesh sheets form with an extruded sheet that is punched to define openings of a mesh pattern and then the sheet is stretched. This stretching defines longitudinal and transverse strands that remain interconnected or joined at intersections. The punches define openings or apertures of the mesh pattern. The punched mesh may be stretched longitudinally for a uniaxial mesh or both longitudinal and transverse directions for a biaxial mesh. The mesh commonly is provided as a roll of an elongated sheet for unrolling on a surface such as ground at a land site. In soil stabilization applications, aggregate such as stones and rocks seat into the openings of the mesh as strike-through materials. The strike-through materials interconnect the mesh with the surrounding soil to restrict movement of the mesh relative to the surrounding soil.

[0003] Adjacent mesh sheets are placed in side-by-side adjacent relation on a surface. While the strike-through aggregate restricts relative movement, applications would be strengthened by interconnecting edge portions of adjacent mesh sheets. The mesh sheets may be positioned in adjacent abutting relation, or alternatively, adjacent edge portions may overlap, for example,overlapping of one or two rows of openings. Pins or staples driven through edge portions of adjacent mesh (adjacent or overlapping) may satisfactorily engage the mesh together.

[0004] However, there are drawbacks as well as restrictions to use of such connectors. For example, some industrial applications for mesh coverings overlay a land site with an impermeable geomembrane. The impermeable geomembrane restricts infdtration of ambient or environmental water such as rain or snow below the ground surface. Such applications do not permit installation of structures that penetrate the impermeable geomembrane to prevent creating leak paths into the ground or weaken the resistance of the geomembrane to stress forces such as from high velocity water flow or wind. For example, PCT / US21 / 53097 discloses a cover system for overlying ground sites that preferably restrict inflow of ambient environmental water such as from rain, snow, and other precipitation below the ground surface. These ground sites include landfills that receive waste material and trash for long-term storage and degradation as well as laydown sites for industrial byproducts. Inflow of ambient environmental water below grade may lead to leaching of contaminates into water tables below grade or into streams and ponds.

[0005] Environmentally restricted cover systems overlay large acreage land sites with elongated geomembrane sheets placed in side-by-side relation. Adjacent edge sides of the geomembrane sheets weldingly join as a water impermeable barrier. The geomembrane however is exposed to shear forces, primarily from wind but also from high velocity water flow. The shear forces cause uplift of the geomembrane and the geomembrane moves with rolling wavelike motion. The geomembrane also experiences movement dur to expansion and contraction due to heating from the sun during daylight and cooling from rain and overnight darkness. Such movements causes displacement and wear of the geomembrane that may lead to covering failure.

[0006] While various techniques have been developed to resist movement from shear forces, there are drawbacks to such including materials and installation costs, periodic maintenance, and unsatisfactory shear resistance performance. This includes overlying the impermeable geomembrane with webs of ropes held down by weights such as tires. Such however is unsightly and has been found ineffective as resisting geomembrane movements due to forces discussed above. Alternatively, the geomembrane is overlaid by a tufted geotextile having yams tufted as simulated blades of grass. Such overlay however experiences relative movement of the tufted geogeotextile and the overlaid geomembrane due to the layer’s different responses to the loading forces. Surprisingly, a mesh sheet overlying a ground surface or geomembrane manages resistance to wind shear. Particularly, a geomembrane installed on a ground surface is overlaid by elongated mesh sheet grids typically installed from rolls. Adjacent installed grids preferably attach together on opposing sides. Attaching systems that weld abutting or adjacent sheets however have not been satisfactory as to installation time and costs and service life of connections.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the industry for a connector that engagingly connects mesh grid sheets in side-by-side adjacent joined relation and that connects mesh grid sheets to geomembranes overlying a ground surface. It is to such that the present invention is directed.Brief Summary Of The Invention

[0008] The present invention meets the need in the industry by providing a two-part connector for engagingly connecting mesh grid sheets in side-by-side adjacent joined relation and for connecting mesh grid sheets to geomembranes overlying a ground surface. The connector comprises a bottom plate for seating below at least one mesh grid, said bottom plate having afastener extending therefrom, and a top plate for seating above the at least one mesh grid in alignment with the bottom plate and for engaging said fastener securely, whereby the bottom plate and the plate secure the mesh grid therebetween with the fastener.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting mesh grids, comprising the steps of (a) seating a bottom plate below at least one mesh grid, said bottom plate having a fastener extending therefrom; (b) seating a top plate above the at least one mesh grid in alignment with the bottom plate; and (c) engaging said fastener securely, whereby the bottom plate and the plate secure the mesh grid therebetween with the fastener.

[0010] Objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates in exploded perspective view a two-part connector in accordance with the present invention for holding mesh grids together.

[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates in side partially cut-way elevational view the two-part connector illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 2 A illustrates in side partially cut- way elevational view an alternate embodiment of the two-part connector with a fastener extending through a transverse passageway for securing the plates of the connector together.

[0014] Fig. 3 illustrates in perspective view an alternate embodiment of the two-part connector having an adhesive layer for attaching a mesh grid to a geomembrane.

[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates in cross-sectional view the alternate embodiment of the two-part connector attaching the mesh grid to the geomembrane with the adhesive layer.

[0016] Fig. 5 illustrates in perspective view an alternate embodiment of the two-part connector for a mesh grid.

[0017] Fig. 6 illustrates in exploded cross-sectional view the alternate embodiment of the two- part connector illustrated in Fig. 5 with an engaging member for attaching to the fastener for holding the two-part connector secured together.

[0018] Fig. 7 illustrates a rivet formed to hold the two-part connector secured together attached to a geomembrane.Detailed Description

[0019] The two-part connector and method provides for interconnecting adjacent mesh grids in joined relation and for connecting the mesh grids to a geomembrane ground cover overlying a ground surface. The connector for mesh grids comprises a bottom plate for seating below at least one mesh grid, said bottom plate having a fastener extending therefrom and a top plate for seating above the at least one mesh grid in alignment with the bottom plate and for engaging said fastener securely. The bottom plate and the plate secure the mesh grid therebetween with the fastener.

[0020] The fastener comprises a threaded member for extending through an opening in the bottom plate; and said top plate defining a through passage for receiving a distal end portion of said threaded member therethrough.

[0021] In one embodiment, the through passage is sized for friction gripping the threaded member, to mechanically engage the bottom plate and the top plate together.

[0022] The connector further comprises a cap member for engaging the distal end portion of the threaded member extending from the top plate for securing the bottom plate and the top plate with the at least one mesh grid therebetween.

[0023] The cap member comprises a threaded nut.

[0024] The top plate defines a through passage for receiving said threaded member therethrough, said through passage sized for friction gripping the fastener to mechanically engage the bottom plate and the top plate together.

[0025] The connector further comprising an adhesive for bonding a lower surface of the bottom plate to an elongated geomembrane, whereby the bottom plate engaged to the top plate holds the at least one mesh grid fixed to the geomembrane.

[0026] The connector, wherein said at least one mesh grid comprises a first mesh grid and a second mesh grid, said first mesh grid and second mesh grid having a respective edge portion in overlying relation, whereby securing the top plate to the bottom plate holds the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid together.

[0027] The connector further comprising an adhesive for bonding a lower surface of the bottom plate to an elongated geomembrane, whereby the bottom plate engaged to the top plate holds the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid fixed to the geomembrane.

[0028] In an alternate embodiment, the fastener comprises a rivet that extends through the top plate.

[0029] In an alternate embodiment, the rivet comprises a meltable pin that extends through the top plate, said meltable pin for being heated and pressed against the top plate to form in situ a radially extending flange to secure the bottom plate to the top plate.

[0030] The connector, further comprising a cap member for engaging the fastener extending from the top plate for securing the bottom plate and the top plate with the at least one mesh grid therebetween.

[0031] In an embodiment, the cap member comprises a wing clip.

[0032] In an embodiment, the cap member comprises a nut.

[0033] In an embodiment, the cap member comprises a cotter pin; and wherein a distal end portion of the fastener defines a through opening for receiving the cotter pin.

[0034] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting mesh grids, comprising the steps of seating a bottom plate below at least one mesh grid, said bottom plate having a fastener extending therefrom; seating a top plate above the at least one mesh grid in alignment with the bottom plate; and engaging said fastener securely, whereby the bottom plate and the plate secure the mesh grid therebetween with the fastener.

[0035] The method further comprising the step of extending the fastener through an opening in the bottom plate and a through passage in the top plate, whereby a distal end portion of said fastener extends therethrough.

[0036] The method further comprises engaging the distal end portion of the fastener with a securing member.

[0037] The method further comprising the step of threading the securing member onto the distal end portion of the fastener.

[0038] The method, wherein the through passage, being sized for friction gripping the fastener, mechanically engages the bottom plate and the top plate together.

[0039] The method further comprising the step of applying an adhesive to an elongated geomembrane and seating the bottom plate with a lower surface therein, whereby the bottom plate engaged to the top plate holds the at least one mesh grid fixed to the geomembrane.

[0040] The method further comprising the step of positioning a respective edge portion of a first mesh grid and a second mesh grid in overlying relation, whereby securing the top plate to the bottom plate holds the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid together,

[0041] The method further comprising the steps of applying an adhesive to an elongated geomembrane; and seating a lower surface of the bottom plate into the adhesive, whereby the bottom plate engaged to the top plate holds the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid fixed to the geomembrane.

[0042] The method, wherein engaging the bottom plate and the top plate comprising installing a rivet for holding the bottom plate and the top plate together.

[0043] The method, wherein installing said rivet comprises forming a radially extended portion of the fastener on an upper surface of the top plate.

[0044] With reference to the drawings, in which like parts have like identifiers, Fig. 1 illustrates in exploded perspective view a two-part connector 10 for holding at least one mesh grid 14 as disclosed herein for (a) attaching the at least one mesh grid to a geomembrane or (b) holding together the mesh grid 14 and a second mesh grid 16 in overlying relation in adjacent joined-together relation. Fig. 1 illustrates the connector 10 securing a respective edge portion 22 of the first mesh grid 14 overlapped by a respective edge portion 24 of the second mesh grid 16.

[0045] The connector 10 includes a pair of opposing plates 30 as a bottom plate 32 and an opposing top plate 34. The plate 30 in the illustrated embodiment is a circular disc but may be other shapes. The circular shape provides an arcuate perimeter edge in the event wind blows the a portion of the mesh grid into overlapping contact with the plate, which arcuate edge may reduce cuts or tears of the mesh grid. The edge may also be beveled or mitered for an arcuate shape between the upper and lower surfaces. The plate 30 defines an opening 35 for a fastener 40 to interconnect the bottom plate 32 and the top plate 34. The plate 30 in the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of projections 36 extending from an upper surface and (as best illustrated in cross-sectional view in Fig. 2) a plurality of stubs 38 extending from a bottom surface. The fastener 40 comprises a threaded bolt having a head 42 and a threaded shaft 44.

[0046] The threaded shaft 44 of the fastener 40 inserts through the opening 35 in the bottom plate 32. The head 42 of the fastener 40 abuts a bottom surface of the bottom plate 32 as shown in cross-sectional view in Fig. 2. The two-part connector 10 seats the bottom plate 32 below the at least one mesh grid 14. The threaded shaft 44 extends through a grid opening of the first mesh grid. In the embodiment joining the two mesh grids, an edge portion of the second mesh grid 16 overlies the edge portion of the first mesh grid 14. (The embodiment attaching the mesh grid to a geomembrane is discussed below.) The top plate 34 seats in opposing relation on the mesh grid. In the illustrated embodiment, the top plate 34 seats on an upper surface of the second mesh grid 16. A distal end of the threaded shaft 44 extends through the opening 35 of the top plate 34, whereby the fastener 40 extends from the bottom plate 32, through the mesh grids, and through the top plate 34 for securing the bottom plate and the top plate together with the mesh grids therebetween. A securing member generally 46 attaches to the fastener 40 to hold the bottom plate 32 and the top plate 34 together with the mesh grid (14, 16) therebetween. Thesecuring member 46 may be a nut, cap, wing clip, rivet, or other engaging device to secure the plates 32, 34 engaged. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, the distal end of the shaft 44 protruding from the top plate 34 receives a washer 48 and threadingly receives a wing nut 46. The washer 48 distributes the loading of the wing nut 46 securing member to the top plate 34 and being tightened, the wing nut secures the bottom plate 32 and the top plate 34 together with the overlapping portions of the mesh grid 14, 16 therebetween, as illustrated in cross-sectional view in Fig. 2. Alternatively, a washer (not illustrated) may be placed on the threaded shaft 44 for being positioned between the head 42 and the bottom surface of the bottom plate 32.

[0047] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the two-part connector 10 attaches the bottom plate 32 and the top plate 34 together to secure overlapping edge portions of the first mesh grid 14 and second mesh grid 16. The fastener 40 extending through the passageways 35 of the plates 32, 24 secures in the illustrated embodiment with the wingnut 46 (with an optional underlying washer 48 for a bearing surface for the wingnut). The plates 32, 34 hold the mesh grids in overlapping clamp-together relation.

[0048] In an alternate embodiment, the through passage 35 of the bottom plate 32 and the top plate 34 is sized with a diameter the same or smaller than that of the threaded shaft 44 of the fastener 40. The bottom and top plates 32, 34 press-fit respectively onto the shaft 40 with the threads grippingly engaging an inner wall of the passage 35 for friction gripping the fastener 40. The friction-gripped shaft 40 thereby mechanically engages the bottom plate 32 and the top plate 34 and holds the plates together.

[0049] In alternate embodiments, either one, or both, of the plates 32, 34 have smooth surfaces without the projections 36 and opposing spikes 38.

[0050] In yet another alternate embodiment, at least one of the surfaces of the plate 30 defines a textured surface. The texturing may be formed by grooves in a regular or irregular pattern. The respective bottom plate 32 and top plate 34 are positioned with the textured surface in facing relation to the mesh grid. The combination of the compression by the tightened wingnut to the threaded shaft 44 and the frictional contact of the textured surface with the mesh grid secures the mesh grid between the bottom plate 32 and the top plate 34.

[0051] Fig. 3 illustrates in perspective view the two-part connector 10 in an embodiment for attaching the mesh grid 14 to a geomembrane 50. A geomembrane is an elongated extruded sheet overlaid on a land surface of ground 51 for surface covering purposes and typically impermeable to restrict inflow of ambient water into the ground below. The connector 10 in this embodiment further includes an adhesive 52 applied to the geomembrane 50. The adhesive 52 is a mound, pile, dab, or small volume amount placed on the geomembrane 50. The bottom plate 32 with the fastener 40 seats engagingly in the adhesive 52 as shown in cross-sectional view in Fig. 4. The threaded shaft 44 extends from the bottom plate 32.

[0052] The first mesh 14 overlies the bottom plate 32 with the threaded shaft 44 extending through a grid opening. In the illustrated embodiment, an edge portion of the second mesh grid 16 may overlie an edge portion of the first mesh 14. The two-part connector 10 then receives the top plate 32 on the threaded fastener 40. The wingnut 46 (or other fastener such as a nut or wing clip) threads on the fastener 40 (with optionally the washer 48 between the top plate 34 and the wingnut), to secure the bottom plate 32 and the top plate 34 together. Alternatively, the two-part connector 10 may clamp a portion of the first mesh grid 16 only as illustrated, for attaching the first mesh grid to the geomembrane 50.

[0053] The connector 10 thereby attaches the mesh grid 14 in overlying relation to the geomembrane 50 for ground covering purposes. Although not illustrated, this embodiment may also gainfully attach first and second mesh grids 14, 16 in adjacent relation with edge portions 22, 24 of the mesh grids secured between the bottom plate 32 and the top plate 34, and the adhesive 52 securing the bottom plate to the geomembrane 50.

[0054] Fig. 5 illustrates in perspective view another alternate embodiment of a two-part connector 60 for securing the mesh grid 14. The two-part connector 60 comprises a first plate 62 with a fastener shaft 64 extending vertically. The fastener shaft 64 may be molded with the first plate 62 or alternatively, inserted as a separate component through an opening in the plate and secured fixedly relative to the plate. A second plate 66 defines a through passageway 68 for receiving the shaft 64. This alternate embodiment uses plates 62, 64 having projections 36 but without stubs 38 on the opposing side. The fastener shaft 64 extends through a respective opening in the mesh grid 14 with plate 62 under a bottom surface of the mesh grid. The second plate 66 seats on the upper surface of the mesh grid in alignment with the first plate 62 with the fastener shaft 64 extending through the through passageway 68. A securing member (not illustrated in Fig. 5) engages a distal end of the fastener shaft 64 to fix the first plate 62 and the second plate 66 together for holding the one or more mesh grids for (a) joining adjacent mesh grids 14, 16 or (b) attaching the one or more mesh grids to the geomembrane 50, as discussed above.

[0055] In an embodiment of the two-part connector, the through passageway 68 of the second plate is sized for friction gripping the fastener shaft 64 to mechanically engage the bottom plate 62 and the top plate 66 together. In such embodiment, the surface of the fastener shaft 64 maybe textured or threaded to facilitate frictional engagement of the inner wall of the through passageway 68 with the fastener shaft 64.

[0056] Fig. 6 illustrates in exploded cross-sectional view the alternate embodiment 60a of the two-part connector 60 illustrated in Fig. 5 with a securing member 70 for attaching to the fastener shaft 64 to holding the two-part connector secured together. The connector 60a comprises planar members without the projections 36 or stubs 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing member comprises a wing clip 72 having opposing flange members 74 extending form a base 76. The flange members 74 each define spaced-apart opposing edges 78. The base 76 defines an opening 80. The securing member 70 receives the wing clip 72 with the distal end portion extending through the opening 80. The opposing edges 78 grippingly engage the fastener shaft 64 to fixedly connect the second plate 66 to the first plate 62. Alternative, a screw cap or a compression cap may be used with the fastener shaft.

[0057] Fig. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the fastener shaft 64 provided as a rivet 84 installed in the bottom plate 62. The rivet 84 may be a metal rivet and installed conventionally to secure bottom plate 62 and the top plate 64 together. The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7 comprises a meltable material. Upon extending the fastener shaft 64 through the through passageway 68, a distal end portion is heated to a softened moldable state and compressed. The softened distal end spreads out as a cap 86 around the fastener shaft on the upper surface of the plate 66. The cap 86 re-solidifies and as mold-in-place rivet secures the bottom plate 62 and the top plate 66 together with the mesh grid 14 therebetween.

[0058] In yet another alternate embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2A, the fastener shaft 44 of the fastener 40 defines a transverse passageway 43. A cotter pin 45 or other elongated shaft extends through the transverse passageway43 for securing the second plate 34 to the first plate 32.

[0059] In operational use, the two-part connector 10 assembles to hold the bottom plate 32 secured to the top plate 34 with the mesh grids 14, 16 in aligned engagement for (a) joining respective edge portion of adjacent mesh grids 14, 16 or (b) attaching the one or more mesh grids to the geomembrane 50, as discussed above. The present invention provides a method of connecting mesh grids. The method comprises seating the bottom plate 32 below at least one mesh grid 14. The fastener 40 extends through a respective opening of the mesh grid. The top plate 34 seats on the upper surface of the mesh grid 14 in alignment with the bottom plate 32 with the fastener 40 extending through the through opening. A securing member connects to the fastener 40 to secure the bottom plate 32 and the top plate 34 with the mesh grid held between.

[0060] The fastener may extend through an opening in the bottom plate and a through passage in the top plate. A distal end portion of the fastener thereby extends from the top plate. The distal end portion may then be engaged with a securing member. The securing member in one embodiment comprises a threaded member, nut, or cap that threads onto threads of the fastener.

[0061] In another alternate embodiment, the through passage of at least the top plate is sized with a diameter the same or smaller than that of the fastener, for press-fitting the top plate onto the threaded shaft for friction gripping the fastener and thereby mechanically engage the bottom plate and the top plate together.

[0062] In yet another alternate embodiment, the method connects a mesh grid to a geomembrane that overlies a ground surface. The method of connecting the mesh gridcomprises applying an adhesive to an elongated geomembrane. The bottom plate, with the assembled fastener 40 seats a lower surface of the bottom plate into the adhesive. This connects or attaches the bottom plate to the elongated geomembrane. The bottom plate then engages the top plate as discussed above with the fastener and the securing member. The connected bottom plate and top plate then hold the at least one mesh grid fixed to the geomembrane.

[0063] It is to be appreciated that a land area or a geomembrane may have two or more mesh grids in side-by-side relation. The connector provides for seaming the adjacent mesh grids together to interconnect separate panels of mesh grids as a larger connected mat. The method of connecting of the mesh grids may comprise the steps of positioning the bottom plate to an edge portion of a first mesh grid, and overlying the edge portion of the first mesh grid with an edge portion of a second mesh grid. The bottom plate then engages the top plate as discussed above. Securing the top plate to the bottom plate holds the first mesh grid and the adjacent second mesh grid together.

[0064] The interconnection of adjacent mesh grids may also connect to the geomembrane overlying the ground surface. The method includes the further steps of applying an amount of adhesive to the elongated geomembrane. The bottom plate with the extending fastener then seats with a lower surface of the bottom plate into the adhesive to attach the bottom plate to the geomembrane. The method then proceeds with attaching respective overlapping edge portions of the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid to the fastener extending from the bottom plate. The top plate positions on to the mesh grids in engagement with the fastener extending from the bottom plate. The securing member secures the connection of the bottom and top plates. The bottom plate engaged to the top plate holds the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid fixed to the geomembrane.

[0065] The foregoing discloses connector apparatus and method for attaching the two-part connector with the bottom and opposing plates secured together with the fastener for joining adjacent mesh grids and further for attaching the connector to the geomembrane that is overlaid by the mesh grids. Changes and modifications will be readily apparent by persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the various embodiment presented in the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A connector for mesh grids, comprising: a bottom plate for seating below at least one mesh grid, said bottom plate having a fastener extending therefrom; a top plate for seating above the at least one mesh grid in alignment with the bottom plate and for engaging said fastener securely, whereby the bottom plate and the plate secure the mesh grid therebetween with the fastener.

2. The connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a threaded member for extending through an opening in the bottom plate; and said top plate defining a through passage for receiving a distal end portion of said threaded member therethrough.

3. The connector as recited in claim 2, wherein the through passage, being sized for friction gripping the threaded member, mechanically engages the bottom plate and the top plate together.

4. The connector as recited in claim 2, further comprising a cap member for engaging the distal end portion of the threaded member extending from the top plate for securing the bottom plate and the top plate with the at least one mesh grid therebetween.

5. The connector as recited in claim 4, wherein the cap member comprises a threaded nut.

6. The connector as recited in claim 1, wherein said top plate defining a through passage for receiving said threaded member therethrough, said through passage sized for friction gripping the fastener to mechanically engage the bottom plate and the top plate together.

7. The connector as recited in claim 1, further comprising an adhesive for bonding a lower surface of the bottom plate to an elongated geomembrane, whereby the bottom plate engaged to the top plate holds the at least one mesh grid fixed to the geomembrane.

8. The connector as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one mesh grid comprises a first mesh grid and a second mesh grid, said first mesh grid and second mesh grid having a respective edge portion in overlying relation, whereby securing the top plate to the bottom plate holds the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid together.

9. The connector as recited in claim 8, further comprising an adhesive for bonding a lower surface of the bottom plate to an elongated geomembrane, whereby the bottom plate engaged to the top plate holds the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid fixed to the geomembrane.

10. The connector as recited in claim 1, wherein said fastener comprises a rivet that extends through the top plate.

11. The connector as recited in claim 10, wherein said rivet comprises a meltable pin that extends through the top plate, said meltable pin for being heated and pressed against the top plate to form in situ a radially extending flange to secure the bottom plate to the top plate.

12. The connector as recited in claim 1, further comprising a cap member for engaging the fastener extending from the top plate for securing the bottom plate and the top plate with the at least one mesh grid therebetween.

13. The connector as recited in claim 12, wherein the cap member comprises a wing clip.

14. The connector as recited in claim 12, wherein the cap member comprises a nut.

15. The cap member as recited in claim 12, wherein the cap member comprises a cotter pin; and wherein a distal end portion of the fastener defines a through opening for receiving the cotter pin.

16. A method of connecting mesh grids, comprising: seating a bottom plate below at least one mesh grid, said bottom plate having a fastener extending therefrom; seating a top plate above the at least one mesh grid in alignment with the bottom plate; and engaging said fastener securely,whereby the bottom plate and the plate secure the mesh grid therebetween with the fastener.

17. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising the step of extending the fastener through an opening in the bottom plate and a through passage in the top plate, whereby a distal end portion of said fastener extends therethrough.

18. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprises engaging the distal end portion of the fastener with a securing member.

19. The method as recited in claim 18, further comprising the step of threading the securing member onto the distal end portion of the fastener.

20. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein the through passage, being sized for friction gripping the fastener, mechanically engages the bottom plate and the top plate together.

21. The method as recited in claim 16, further comprising the step of applying an adhesive to an elongated geomembrane and seating the bottom plate with a lower surface therein, whereby the bottom plate engaged to the top plate holds the at least one mesh grid fixed to the geomembrane.

22. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of positioning a respective edge portion of a first mesh grid and a second mesh grid in overlying relation,whereby securing the top plate to the bottom plate holds the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid together,23. The method as recited in claim 22, further comprising the steps of: applying an adhesive to an elongated geomembrane; and seating a lower surface of the bottom plate into the adhesive, whereby the bottom plate engaged to the top plate holds the first mesh grid and the second mesh grid fixed to the geomembrane.

24. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein engaging the bottom plate and the top plate comprising installing a rivet for holding the bottom plate and the top plate together.

25. The method as recited in claim 24, wherein installing said rivet comprises forming a radially extended portion of the fastener on an upper surface of the top plate.

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