An exchangeable nut connector and a connection assembly comprising said connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (3) with an exchangeable nut (4), and to a connection assembly (2) for dismantlable connection of mats (1), namely for connecting overlapping or non-overlapping mats (1). The connector (3) according to the invention comprises two connector plates (31), at least one exchangeable nut (4) and a connecting bolt (5), wherein at least one of the connector plates (31) has at least a cut-out (32) adapted to receive the exchangeable nut (4) and at least one of the connector plates (31) has at least a central hole (33). Each of the connector plates (31) is fixed into the corresponding recess (6) on the mat (1). The design of the exchangeable nut (4), in conjunction with the connector plate (31), which is implemented by a cut-out (32), allows the individual exchangeable nuts (4) to be replaced on already assembled surfaces of mats without the need to replace the entire connector (3).

Description

[0001] An exchangeable nut connector and a connection assembly comprising said connector

[0002] The invention relates to an exchangeable nut connector, an exchangeable nut, and a connection assembly for the dismantlable connection of mats, wherein the connector is part of the connection assembly.

[0003] The exchangeable nut connector, where the connector is part of a connection assembly, is preferably used for the dismantlable connection of mats making up a ground protection / support surface. The mats are typically used as load-bearing support surfaces for temporary roadways and / or work pad areas, as well as to cover the ground for outdoor events such as concerts, sporting events, etc. Such mats are generally made of durable materials with an embossed surface structure to improve traction, with mats able to be connected and disconnected using the connection assembly. This makes it easy to install and remove the mats on the ground surface. When interconnected, the mats provide a stable support surface for moving vehicles, equipment and / or people, or a working surface that can withstand heavy loads.

[0004] From the state of the art we know about mats (e.g. Isotrack H) where the mats are connected to each other by metal connecting straps which can be bolted into integrated and fixed connection positions on either side of the mat. For this purpose, connectors in the form of metal plates are attached to the mats, which have a thread for a bolt. If the thread is damaged, the metal plates, i.e. the entire connector, must be replaced.

[0005] There is a need for a connector and thus a connection assembly that allows only the nut to be replaced in the event that it is damaged or destroyed, a quick assembly and disassembly of the connection assembly, assembly of the connection assembly on both sides of the mats and thus the usability of mats regardless of which surface of the mat is used as the driving surface, and improved connector tolerances in the longitudinal and transverse directions, thus avoiding the need for precise alignment of the mat connector assembly during installation of the mats.

[0006] The above technical problem is solved by a connector with an exchangeable nut according to the invention, wherein the connector is part of a connection assembly for the dismantlable connection of the mats, and the connection of the mats can be made with overlapping or without overlapping, by contact

[0007] The invention is described in detail below and shown in the figures which show: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an exchangeable nut connector and a connection assembly for connecting the mats with overlapping.

[0008] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an exchangeable nut connector and a connection assembly for connecting the mats without overlapping, by contact.

[0009] Figure 3 shows the connector according to Figure 1.

[0010] Figure 4 shows the connector according to Figure 2.

[0011] Figure 5 shows an exchangeable nut.

[0012] Mats 1 are made of any rigid material, preferably a thermoplastic polymer material, and may be rectangular, square, hexagonal or any other shape that when connected on adjacent sides allows the required ground surface area to be covered and the connection assembly capable of being disconnected after use. Mats 1 are connected to each other in a dismantlable manner on adjacent sides, where two adjacent mats 1 are connected to each other by a minimum of two connection assemblies 2.

[0013] According to the invention, a connector 3 with an exchangeable nut 4 enabled the implementation of a connection assembly 2 for connecting mats 1 with or without overlapping.

[0014] Mats 1 are usually made with two different driving surfaces, one surface being a 'rubber tyre use' surface and the other a 'steel track use' surface. The surface of mats 1 is preferably designed in relief on both sides, i.e. with studs 12 that extend above the surface of the mats 1 to improve traction, whereby the corresponding overlapping part of the surface of the individual mat 1, when connecting the mats 1 by overlapping, is made without studs 12 to enable one mat 1 to rest on the other mat 1, i.e. only that part of the surface of the individual mat 1 where the connection of two mats 1 by overlapping is made.

[0015] The connector 3 which is part of the connection assembly 2 for the detachable connection of the mats 1, comprises two connector plates 31, at least one exchangeable nut 4 and a connecting bolt 5, wherein at least one of the connector plates 31 has at least a cut-out 32 adapted to receive the exchangeable nut 4 and at least one of the connector plates 31 has at least a central hole 33. Preferably, the connector 3 is made of metallic materials.

[0016] Optionally, a washer 52 can be placed under the head 51 of the connecting bolt 5. The exchangeable nut 4 is made symmetrically with respect to the x-axis in one piece with a through- hole 41 and includes a first section 42, a central section 43 and a second section 44.

[0017] The first section 42 and the second section 44 of the exchangeable nut 4 are made essentially in the form of a cylinder with a through-hole 41, their outer diameter R being greater than the width W1 of the cut-out 32, so that the exchangeable nut 4, when inserted into the cut-out 32, rests with the first section 42 or the second section 44 on the connector plate 31 where the cut-out 32 is made.

[0018] The central section 43 of the exchangeable nut 4 is made as a body with a through-hole 41 with a flat bottom and top surface, the first section 42 and the second section 44 of the exchangeable nut 4 being connected via the central section 43, so that a groove 45 is formed between the corresponding part of the upper surface of the first section 42, the corresponding part of the lower surface of the second section 44 and the outer circumference of the body, wherein said groove 45 is limited on its upper and lower sides by the corresponding flat surfaces of the first 42 and the second section 44, and the inner surface of the groove 45, that is the outer surface of the body, having a semicircular form. The outer width W2 of the body in the direction of insertion of the exchangeable nut 4 into each cut-out 32 is slightly smaller than the width W1 of the cut-out 32, and the height H of the groove 45 is slightly higher than the thickness D of the connector plate 31, where the cut-out 32 is formed, in order to allow the exchangeable nut 4 to be inserted into the cut-out 32 and to be moved along the cut-out 32, while at the same time preventing the rotation of the exchangeable nut 4 in the cut-out 32. The length L of the cut-out 32 is at least equal to the outer diameter R of the first section 42 and the second section 44 of the exchangeable nut 4.

[0019] The through-hole 41, which is symmetrical with respect to the z-axis, has a thread along its entire inner surface for cooperation with the thread of the connecting bolt 5.

[0020] Each of the connector plates 31 is fixedly attached to a provided and prefabricated connection point on the mats 1. For this purpose, each of the mats 1 has a connection point for a detachable connection designed as a recess 6, which has at least one connection hole 61. Recesses 6 are preferably positioned at the edges of the sides of the mats 1. When connecting mats 1 with overlapping, recesses 6 are implemented only on one face of each mat 1, while when connecting mats 1 without overlapping, i.e. by contacting, recesses 6 are implemented on the top and bottom faces of each mat 1. Recesses 6 are shaped to receive the corresponding connector plate 31, whereby each connector plate 31 is shaped to fit into the corresponding recess 6. The depth of the recess 6, the height of the studs 12 and the form-fitting of the corresponding connector plate 31 and the corresponding recess 6 ensure that, when the mats 1 are connected, the upper surface of the head 51 of the connecting bolt 5 is aligned with or is below the height of the studs 12 of the mat 1, so that the surface of the metal parts is aligned with or hidden beneath the usable surface of the mat 1.

[0021] The fixed attachment of the connector plates 31 is preferably caried out by screwing; in this case each of the connector plates 31 comprises fastening holes 34 for bolts 35 or other fastening elements. The fixed attachment of each connector plate 31 to a dedicated and pre-designed connection point on the mats 1, i.e. to the corresponding recess 6, may be either from the top side of the mat 1 or from the underside of the mat 1, i.e. either on the driving surface side of the mat 1 or on the non-driving surface side of the mat 1.

[0022] Thus, with the inserted connector plates 31, the mat 1 can be used from both sides without further modification of the connector plates 31, which means that an individual connector plate 31 integrated in the mat 1 can be used as a fixed built-in element in the mat 1 regardless of the side of use of the mat 1, i.e. "rubber use" or "steel use". In the case of overlapping connection of mats 1, the connector 3 comprises two identical connector plates 31, one exchangeable nut 4 and a connecting bolt 5, and the connection assembly 2 includes an additional exchangeable nut 4, each of the connector plates 31 having a cut-out 32 and each of the connector plates 31 having a central hole 33 made on the opposite side of each connector plate 31 from the cut-out 32. The diameter of the central hole 33 is larger than the diameter of the through-hole 41 of the exchangeable nut 4 to enable easier matching of the thread of the connecting bolt 5 with the thread of the exchangeable nut 4 and thus easier insertion of the connecting bolt 5 into the thread of the exchangeable nut 4.

[0023] Individual connector plate 31 is fixed in a recess 6 made in the corresponding mat 1, such that one connector plate 31 on one mat 1 is rotated 180 degrees around the vertical axis z with respect to another connector plate 31 on the other mat 1. One connector plate 31 is thus fixed in the corresponding recess 6 made in the upper face of one mat 1 at the edge of the side overlapping the second mat 1 to which it will be dismantlable connected, the other connector plate 31 being rotated 180 degrees around the z-axis and the x-axis and fixed in the corresponding recess 6 made in the lower face of the second mat 1 at the edge of the side overlapping the first mat 1.

[0024] The recess 6 on each mat 1 is made with two connection holes 61, whereby one of the connection holes 61 being used in the connection assembly 2 (one of the connection holes 61 is active in the connecting assembly ), i.e. only through one of the connection holes 61 is inserted the connecting bolt 5, as an active bolt, for connecting two connector plates 31 via the exchangeable nut 4 into a fixed connection(solid joint), depending on which surface of the mats 1 will be used as the driving surface, either the "rubber use" surface, or the "steel use" surface.

[0025] In this implementation example, individual recess 6 is made with a shallower and a deeper part, and both the shallower and deeper part have a connection hole 61.

[0026] Each of the connector plates 31 has a surface facing the recess 6 in the mat 1 contoured to fit into the recess 6 in the mat 1, so that the surface of each connector plate 31 is shaped accordingly with a shallower and a deeper area, the shallower area having a cut-out 32 and the deeper area having a central hole 33. When the connector plate 31 is attached, the deeper area is applied to the deeper part of the recess 6 and the shallower area is applied to the shallower part of the recess 6, the cut-out 32 being substantially located above one of the connection holes 61 and the central hole 33 being substantially located above the other connection hole 61. The form-fitting fit of the connector plate

[0027] 31 into the recess 6 further dissipates direct loads on the mats 1 in the area of reduced thickness of mat 1 due to the recess 6.

[0028] When connecting two adjacent mats 1 by overlapping with a connection assembly 2, an exchangeable nut 4 is first inserted in the cut-out 32 of each of the connector plates 31, then each of the connector plates 31 is fixed in the corresponding recess 6 made in the mats 1, so that the cut-out 32 of one of the connector plates 31 with the inserted exchangeable nut 4 and the central hole 33 of the second connector plate 31 are located substantially above one connection hole 61 of the recess 6, the cut-out

[0029] 32 of the second connector plate 31 with the inserted exchangeable nut 4 and the central hole 33 of the first connector plate 31 are located substantially above the second connection hole 61 of the recess 6, so that the through-hole 41 of each of the exchangeable nuts 4 is substantially aligned with the corresponding connection hole 61 of the recess 6 and with the corresponding central hole 33 of the corresponding connector plate 31.

[0030] Depending on the selection of the surface of mats 1 to be used as the driving surface, only the corresponding connection hole 61 in the connection assembly 2 accepts the connecting bolt 5, i.e. only one of the connection holes 61 is used in the connection assembly 2.

[0031] As previously mentioned, the depth of individual recess 6 is at least such that, when the mats 1 are connected, the upper surface of the head 51 of the connecting bolt 5 and the upper surface of the additional exchangeable nut 4 are aligned with or are below the height of the studs 12 of the mat 1. The two central holes 33 in conjunction with the 180 degrees rotation of the two connector plates 31 and the additional exchangeable nut 4 allow that when connecting the mats 1 by overlapping, the mats 1 can be connected by the connection assembly 2 to form the support surface, regardless of which surface of the mats 1 will be used as the driving surface, i.e. the "rubber use" surface, or the "steel use" surface.

[0032] By adjusting the length L of the cut-out 32 and the diameter of the central hole 33 of the connector plate 31, a certain room for maneuver is allowed for the movement of the connector plates 31 in the longitudinal and transverse directions, thus avoiding the need for precise alignment of the central holes 33.

[0033] The attachment of each connector plate 31 to the intended location on mats 1 may be made either from the top side or from the bottom side of the mat 1, that is, either on the driving surface side of the mat 1 or on the non-driving surface side of the mat 1.

[0034] In the overlapping embodiment shown in Figure 1, the attachment of the connector plate 31 to the mat 1 is made from the underside, that is, the side of the mat 1 which is not the driving surface, the attachment being made in such a way that the bolts 35 for fastening individual connector plate 31 are aligned with the surface of the mat 1 after fastening, that is to say, the bolts 35 (either with front side or back side) do not extend above the bottom or the top surface of the mat 1. This ensures that the overlapping surfaces of the mats 1 rest on each other. When it is necessary to replace the exchangeable nut 4, the connecting bolt 5 is unscrewed, the mat 1 is spaced or just lifted, the bolts 35 for fixing the connector plate 31 are unscrewed, the exchangeable nut 4 is replaced in the connector plate 31 the connector plate 31 is screwed back to the mat 1, then the connecting bolt 5 is screwed back.

[0035] In the case where the attachment of the connector plate 31 is made from the upper side, i.e. on the driving surface of the mat 1, the replacement of the exchangeable nut 4 is more straightforward. Unscrew the connecting bolt 5, then unscrew the connector plate 31, replace the exchangeable nut 4 in the connector plate 31, screw on the connector plate 31 and then screw on the connecting bolt 5.

[0036] In the case of connecting the mats 1 without overlapping (Figure 2), the connector 3 comprises two connector plates 31 where one connector plate 31 is made with a cut-out 32 and the other connector plate 31 is made with a central hole 33, one exchangeable nut 4 and a connecting bolt 5, and the connection assembly 2 includes two connectors 3 and a connecting strap 7 for connecting the two connectors 3. The diameter of the central hole 33 is larger than the diameter of the through-hole 41 of the exchangeable nut 4 to facilitate the alignment of the connecting bolt 5 with the thread of the exchangeable nut 4 and thus facilitate the insertion of the connecting bolt 5.

[0037] Each of the mats 1 is provided with a connection point for a detachable connection with a connection assembly 1, formed as a recess 6 having one connection hole 61. Individual connector plate 31 is fixedly attached in a recess 6 made in the corresponding mat 1. One connector plate 31 of the first connector 3 is thus fixed in a recess 6 made in the upper face of one mat 1 at the edge of the side which meets the second mat 1 to which it is to be releasably connected and the other connector plate 31 of the first connector 3 is fixed in a recess 6 made in the lower face of that mat 1 at the same edge of that side; one connector plate 3) of the second connector 3 is fixed in a recess 6 made in the upper face of the second mat 1 at the edge of the side in contact with the first mat 1 to which it is to be releasably connected, the other connector plate 31 of the second connector 3 is fixed in a recess 6 made in the lower face of the second mat 1 at the same edge of the latter side, the connector plates 31, having a cut-out 32, are fixed in the corresponding recess 6) made in the adjacent mats 1 which are joined by being located on the same face of each of the mats 1, and consequently the connector plates 31 having a central hole 33 are fixed in the corresponding recess 6 made in the adjacent mats 1 which are joined by being located on the same face of each of the mats 1.

[0038] A connector plate 31 implemented by a cut-out 32 of the first connector 3, which is fixed in the corresponding recess 6 made in one mat 1, and a connector plate 31 formed by a cut-out 32 of the second connector 3, which is fixed in the corresponding recess 6 of the second mat 1, which is in contact with the first mat 1 to which it is to be dismantlable connected, are rotated 180 degrees about the z-axis, so that the inlet openings of the cut-outs 32 are facing in opposite directions. As the exchangeable nuts 4 can be moved along the corresponding cut-outs 32, it is easier to center the through-holes 41 with the central holes 33 and connection holes 61 for the insertion of the connecting bolts 5 and more room for maneuver in the longitudinal and transverse direction with respect to the driving surface available, thus avoiding the need for precise alignment of the central holes 33.

[0039] In this implementation example the two recesses 6, which are implemented on an individual mat 1, are shaped differently. The recess 6 into which the connector plate 31 with the cut-out 32 is fixed is formed with a deeper area, while the recess 6 into which the connector plate 31 with the central hole 33 is fixed is formed with a shallower area.

[0040] In this implementation example, the connector plate 31, with the cut-out 32, is thus contoured to fit the corresponding recess 6 of the mat 1. The connector plate 31 with the central hole 33 is preferably shaped as a flat plate and is engaged on the corresponding recess 6 of the mat 1. The form-fitting fit of the connector plates 31 into the corresponding recesses 6 further dissipates direct loads in the area of the reduced thickness of the mats 1 due to the recesses 6. The contoured design further allows the metal parts to be aligned below the driving surface of the mat 1, more specifically lower than the surface height of the studs 12.

[0041] The connecting strap 7 is preferably made as an elongated flat plate and has a connection hole 71 at one end for the insertion of the connecting bolt 5 and a connecting cut-out 72 at the opposite end. The length of the connecting strap 7 is at least sufficient to allow a certain spacing between the mats 1 when connecting the mats 1 to provide for the expansion and contraction of mats 1 due to temperature changes. Preferably, the spacing between two adjacent mats 1 should be between 20 - 30 mm. By adjusting the length of the connecting strap 7 , the length of the connecting cut-out 72 and the length L of the cut-out 32 and the diameter of the central hole 33 on the connector plates 31 of the two connectors 3, a certain room for maneuver is enabled for the adjustment of the connector 3 in the longitudinal and transverse directions relative to the driving surface, thus avoiding the need for precise alignment of the central holes 33.

[0042] When two adjacent mats 1 without overlapping are connected, an exchangeable nut 4 is first inserted into the cut-out 32 of each of the connector plates 31 and then each of the connector plates 31 is fixed in the corresponding recess 6 made in the mats 1, so that the cut-out 32 of the connector plate 31 of the first connector 3 with the inserted exchangeable nut 4, and thus the through-hole 41 of the exchangeable nut 4, are located substantially above the connection hole 61 of the first mat 1, and the central hole 33 of the connector plate 31 of the first connector 3 is located substantially below the connection hole 61 of the same mat 1, and the cut-out 32 of the connector plate 31 of the second connector 3 with the inserted exchangeable nut 4, and thus the through-hole 41 of the exchangeable nut 4, are located substantially above the connection hole 61 of the second mat 1, and the central hole 33 of the connector plate 31 of the second connector 3 is located substantially below the connection hole 61 of the same mat 1, and the connector plates 31 with the cut-out 32 of the two connectors 3 are rotatable through 180 degrees around the vertical axis with respect to each other. A connecting strap 7 is placed across both connectors 3 so that the connection hole 71 is substantially aligned with the through-hole 41 of the exchangeable nut 4 of the first connector, and the center of the connecting cut-out 72 is substantially aligned with the through-hole 41 of the exchangeable nut 4 of the second connector 3. One connecting bolt 5 is inserted through the connection hole 71 and a second connecting bolt 5 is inserted through the connecting cut-out 72 and each of the connecting bolts 5 is screwed into the corresponding exchangeable nut 4.

[0043] The depth of each recess 6 and the height of the studs 12 ensures that, when the mats 1 are connected, the top surface of the head 51 of the connecting bolt 5 is not higher than the height of the studs 12 of the mat 1.

[0044] The attachment of each connector plate 31 to the intended location on the mats 1 may be made either from the top side or from the bottom side of the mat 1, that is, either on the driving surface side of the mat 1 or on the non-driving surface side of the mat 1.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the attachment of the connector plates 31 of each of the connectors 3 to the upper and lower surfaces of each of the mats 1 to be connected is made by means of the connecting screws 35. When the exchangeable nut 4 needs to be replaced, the two connecting bolts 5 are unscrewed, the connecting strap 7 is removed, the mat 1 is spaced or just lifted, the connecting bolts 35 of the connector 3 are unscrewed where the nut 4 needs to be replaced, in connector plate 31, the exchangeable nut 4 is replaced, the connecting bolts 35 and thus the connector plates 31 are screwed back onto mat 1, the connecting strap 7 is placed over the two connectors 3, then the two connecting bolts 5 are screwed back.

[0046] In both cases of connection of the mats 1 to the surface of mats, i.e. connection of the mats 1 by overlapping and connection of the mats 1 by interlocking, the connection assemblies 2 can additionally be covered with thermoplastic overlay to avoid the so-called "Trip Hazard" effect, which can be present when the mats 1 are used for events, concerts and the like, where is used as a walking surface. The fixing of the overlay is preferably carried out by means of the connecting bolt(s) 5, at the same time as the connection between the mats 1, so that the heads 51 of the connecting bolts 5 are aligned with the upper surface of the mats 1, being sunk into the recesses made in the upper surfaces of the overlay.

[0047] The design of the exchangeable nut 4, and in particular the design of the groove 45 in conjunction with the connector plate 31 which is provided by the cut-out 32, allows only the individual exchangeable nut 4 to be replaced, for example if the threads of the exchangeable nut 4 are destroyed, in the case of already assembled surfaces of mats, without the need to replace the entire connector 3. Furthermore, as the exchangeable nut 4 can be moved along the cut-out 32, it is easier to center the through-hole 41 with the central hole 33 and the connection hole 61 for the insertion of the connecting bolt 5. The above construction of connector 3 in particular the construction of connector plate 31 with cutout 32 and the shape of the groove 45 of exchangeable nut 4 adapted to cut-out 32, and hence the design of connection assembly 2, allows exchangeable nut 4 to be positioned appropriately in relation to cut-out 32 and hence to have more room for maneuver in the longitudinal and transverse directions in relation to the driving surface, thereby avoiding the need for precise alignment of the connection holes 61. In addition, the above construction of the connector 3 and hence of the connection assembly 2 allows the mats 1 to be used and connected from both sides, regardless of which surface of the mats 1 is chosen as the driving surface.

Claims

Patent claims1. A connector (3) with an exchangeable nut (4), wherein the connector (3) is part of a connector assembly (2) for dismantlable connection of mats (1) by overlapping or by contact, each of the mats (1) provided with a connection point for a detachable connection formed as a recess (6) having at least one connection hole (61), characterized in that the connector (3) comprises two connector plates (31), at least one exchangeable nut (4) with a threaded through-hole (41), and a connecting bolt (5), wherein at least one of the connector plates (31) is provided with at least a cut-out (32) adapted to receive the exchangeable nut (4), and at least one of the connector plates (31) is provided with at least a central hole (33), wherein each connector plate (31) is fixedly attached in a corresponding recess (6) provided in the mat (1), the fixed attachment of individual connector plate (31) being arranged such that the cut-out (32) and / or the central hole (33) of the connector plate (31) are substantially aligned with at least a connection hole (61) and the through-hole (41) so as to allow the insertion of the connecting bolt (5) and the screwing of the connecting bolt (5) into the exchangeable nut (4).

2. The connector (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the exchangeable nut (4) is made of one piece symmetrically in relation to axis (x) and comprising a first section (42), a central section (43) and a second section (44) , wherein the first section (42) and the second section (44) are substantially cylindrical, wherein their outer diameter (R) is greater than a width (Wl) of the cut-out (32) and the central section (43) is made as a body with the through-hole (41) with a flat bottom and top surface, the first section (42) and the second section (44) being connected via the central section (43) so that a groove (45) is formed between a corresponding part of an upper surface of the first section (42), a corresponding part of a lower surface of the second section (44) and an outer circumference of the body, wherein said groove (45) is limited on its upper and lower sides by the corresponding flat surfaces of the first (42) and the second section (44), and an inner surface of the groove (45) having a semicircular form, wherein an outer width (W2) of the body in a direction of insertion of the exchangeable nut (4) into each of the cut-outs (32) being slightly smaller than a width (Wl) of the cutout (32), a height (H) of the groove (45) being slightly higher than a thickness (D) of the connector plate (31) where the cut-out (32) is formed, so as to allow the inserting of the exchangeable nut (4) into the cut-out (32) and its movement along the cut-out (32), while preventing rotation of the exchangeable nut (4) in the cut-out (32), and wherein a length (L) of the cut-out (32) is at least equal to outer diameter (R) of the first section (42) and the second section (44).

3. The connector (3) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that when connecting the mats (1) by overlapping, the connector (3) comprises two connector plates (31) which are identical, one exchangeable nut (4) and the connecting bolt (5), each of the connector plates (31) having the cut-out (32) and each of the connector plates (31) having the central hole (33) made on the opposite side of each connector plate (31) from the cut-out (32).

4. The connector (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that individual connector plate (31) is fixed in the recess (6) made in the mat (1) , so that one connector plate (31) is fixed in a corresponding recess (6) made in the upper face of one mat (1) at an edge of a side overlapping with the second mat (1) to which it is dismantlable connected, the second connector plate (31) is rotated 180 degrees around a z-axis and an x-axis, and fixed in the corresponding recess (6) made in the lower face of the second mat (1) at the edge of the side overlapping the first mat (1), each recess (6) being made with a shallower and a deeper part, and both the shallower and the deeper part having the connection hole (61).

5. The connector (3) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that each of the connector plates (31) has a surface which engages the recess (6) in the mat (1), contoured so as to form a form-fitting fit to the recess (6) in the mat (1), and the surface of each of the connector plate (31) is correspondingly shaped with a shallower and deeper area, wherein the shallower area having the cut-out (32) and the deeper area having the central hole (33), and wherein, when the connector plate (31) is attached, the deeper area abuts the deeper part of the recess (6) and the shallower area abuts the shallower part of the recess (6), wherein the cut-out (32) being substantially located above one of the connection holes (61) and the central hole (33) being substantially located above the other connection hole (61).

6. The connector (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when connecting the mats (1) by contact, the connector (3) comprises two connector plates (31), one exchangeable nut (4) and a connecting bolt (5), wherein one connector plate (31) is provided with the cut-out (32) and the other connector plate (31) is provided with the central hole (33).

7. The connector (3) according to claim 6, characterized in that individual connector plate (31) is fixed in the recess (6) formed on the corresponding mat (1), so that one connector plate (31) is fixed in the recess (6) made in the upper face of the mat (1) at the edge of the side which is in contact with the second mat (1) to which it will be dismantlable connected, the second connector plate (31) is fixed in the recess (6) made in the lower face of this mat (1) at the same edge of this side, wherein the individual recess (6) is made with one connection hole (61), and the recess (6), into which theconnector plate (31) with the cut-out (32) is fixed, is formed with a deeper part, and the recess (6) into which the connector plate (31) with the central hole (33) is fixed is formed with a shallower part.

8. The connector (3) according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the connector plate (31) with the cut-out (32) is designed so as to fit into the corresponding recess (6) on the mat (1) and the connector plate (31) with the central hole (33) is implemented as a flat plate and rests on the corresponding recess (6) on the mat (1).

9. An exchangeable nut (4) which is part of a connector (3) of a connection assembly (2) or part of a connection assembly (2) for the dismantlable connection of mats (1) by overlapping or by contact, characterized in that the nut (4) is made of one piece symmetrically in relation to the axis (x) and comprising a first section (42), a central section (43) and a second section (44) , wherein the first section (42) and the second section (44) are substantially cylindrical, wherein their outer diameter (R) is greater than a width (Wl) of the cut-out (32) and the central section (43) is made as a body with the through-hole (41) with a flat bottom and top surface, the first section (42) and the second section (44) being connected via the central section (43) so that a groove (45) is formed between a corresponding part of an upper surface of the first section (42), a corresponding part of a lower surface of the second section (44) and an outer circumference of the body, wherein said groove (45) is limited on its upper and lower sides by the corresponding flat surfaces of the first (42) and the second section (44), and an inner surface of the groove (45) having a semicircular form, wherein an outer width (W2) of the body in a direction of insertion of the exchangeable nut (4) into each of the cut-outs (32) being slightly smaller than a width (Wl) of the cut-out (32), a height (H) of the groove (45) being slightly higher than a thickness (D) of the connector plate (31) where the cut-out (32) is formed, so as to allow the inserting of the exchangeable nut (4) into the cut-out (32) and its movement along the cut-out (32), while preventing rotation of the exchangeable nut (4) in the cut-out (32), and wherein a length (L) of the cutout (32) is at least equal to outer diameter (R) of the first section (42) and the second section (44).

10. A connection assembly (2) for a dismantlable connection of mats (1) by overlapping, characterized in that said assembly (2) comprises one connector (3) according to claims 3 to 5 and an additional exchangeable nut (4), wherein in the cut-out (32) of each of the connector plates (31) the exchangeable nut (4) is inserted and each of the connector plates (31) is fixedly attached into the corresponding recess (6) on the mats (1), so that the cut-out (32) of one connector plate (31) with the inserted exchangeable nut (4) and a central hole (33) of the other connector plate (31) are located substantially above one connection hole (61), the cut-out (32) of the second connector plate (31) with inserted exchangeable nut (4) and the central hole (33) of the first connector plate (31) are locatedsubstantially above the second connection hole (61), so that a through-hole (41) of each of the exchangeable nuts (4) is substantially aligned with the corresponding connection hole (61) and with the corresponding central hole (33) of the corresponding connector plate (31), whereby only one of the connection holes (61) is active in the connection assembly (2), thus only through one of the connection holes (61) a connecting bolt (5) is inserted and screwed into the exchangeable nut (4), depending on which surface of the mats (1) is used as the driving surface.

11. A connection assembly (2) for a dismantlable connection of mats (1) by contact, characterized in that said assembly (2) comprises two connectors (3) according to claims 6 to 8 and a connecting plate (7) for connecting the two connectors (3).

12. The connection assembly (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the connection strap (7) is made as an elongated flat plate and has a connection hole (71) at one end for the insertion of one connecting bolt (5), at the opposite end, has a connecting cut-out (72) for the insertion of a second connecting bolt (5), the length of the connecting strap (7) being at least such that, when the mats (1) are connected, a certain spacing between the mats (1) is possible, to ensure the necessary dilatations of mats due to temperature changes.

13. The connection assembly (2) according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that an exchangeable nut (4) is inserted in the cut-out (32) of each of the connector plates (31) and each of the connector plates (31) is fixed in the corresponding recess (6) of the mats (1), so that the cut-out (32) of the connector plate (31) of the first connector (3) with the inserted exchangeable nut (4), and thus the through-hole (41), are substantially above the connection hole (61) of the first mat (1), and the central hole (33) of the connector plate (31) of the first connector (3) is substantially below the connection hole (61) of the same mat (1), and the cut-out (32) of the connector plate (31) of the second connector (3) with the inserted exchangeable nut (4), and thus the through-hole (41), are located substantially above the connection hole (61) of the second mat (1), and the central hole (33) of the connector plate (31) of the second connector (3) is located substantially below the connection hole (61) of the same mat (1), and the connector plates (31) with the cut-out (32) of the two connectors (3) are rotated 180 degrees around the vertical axis (z) relative to each other; a connector strap (7) is placed over both connectors (3) so that the connection hole (71) is substantially aligned with the through-hole (41) of the exchangeable nut (4) of the first connector (3), and the center of the connecting cut-out (72) is substantially aligned with the through-hole (41) of the exchangeable nut (4) of the second connector (3) and one connecting bolt (5) is inserted through the connection hole (71) and a second connectingbolt (5) is inserted through the cut-out (72) and each of the connecting bolts (5) is screwed into the corresponding exchangeable nut (4).

14. The connection assembly (2) according to claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the connection assembly (2) is covered by a thermoplastic overlay to prevent the so-called "Trip Hazard" effect.

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