A mat configured to be releasably connected to at least one other mat to provide a layer of mats

Abstract

A mat (1) configured to be releasably connected to at least one other mat to provide a layer of mats, wherein the mat is made up of at least three joined mat parts, each mat part is made of an injection moldable polymeric material, wherein the at least three joined mat parts comprise: a coupling part comprising a first connector portion (11b) and a second connector portion (11a); a first end part (17) providing a first end (6a) of the mat, wherein the first end part comprises a connector segment (18) designed to be connected to one of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part and a mat connector (27) designed to be releasably connected to another mat; a second end part (23) providing a second end (6b) of the mat, wherein the second end part comprises a connector segment (25) designed to be connected to the other of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part and a mat connector designed to be releasably connected to another mat.

Description

[0001] Title: A mat configured to be releasably connected to at least one other mat to provide a layer of mats

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a mat configured to be releasably connected to at least one other mat to provide a layer of mats.

[0004] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a mat.

[0005] The invention also relates to an assembly providing a layer of mats.

[0006] Systems of plastic mats are known, wherein each mat is designed to be interlocked with other mats. These plastic mats are much lighter than wood or steel mats and can be quickly and easily positioned in a single layer to form equipment support surfaces, walkways or roadways and which can thereafter be easily removed and stored until needed again. See for example US10156045. The layer-configuration of the known mat has a number of disadvantages, such as for example reduced flexibility in mat-dimensions, relatively complex manufacturing process and / or relatively high manufacturing costs.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved, durable and cost- effective mat.

[0008] This object is achieved with the mat as defined in claim 1.

[0009] The mat of this disclosure is configured to be releasably connected to at least one other mat to provide a layer of mats, wherein the mat is made up of at least three joined mat parts, each mat part is made of an injection moldable polymeric material, wherein the at least three joined mat parts comprise: a coupling part comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion; a first end part providing a first end of the mat, wherein the first end part comprises a connector segment designed to be connected to one of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part and a mat connector designed to be releasably connected to another mat; a second end part providing a second end of the mat, wherein the second end part comprises a connector segment designed to be connected to the other of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part and a mat connector designed to be releasably connected to another mat.

[0010] The mat is a three-dimensional plate-like support configured to be connected to other mats to provide stable support surfaces above the underground. The durable mat as claimed is made of an injection moldable polymeric material to provide lightweight mats which can be quickly and easily positioned in and removed from a single layer to form temporary equipment support surfaces, walkways or roadways. Such lightweight mat can also be relatively efficiently transported. Further, the durable mat can be reused.

[0011] The injection moldable polymeric material may be High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or a recycled injection moldable polymeric material, preferably recycled High- Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) may be post industrial recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Using recycled injection moldable polymeric material provides environmentally friendly mats. Additionally, because they are reusable and long-lasting, they can help reduce the consumption of natural resources over time.

[0012] By means of the three injection moldable parts, the dimensions of the mat in horizontal perspective (width and length) can be varied in a flexible manner, tailor made and / or dedicated to its specific use and application such as for example a mat designed for a temporary road or a mat designed for festival support surfaces. Injection molding is a highly efficient process, capable of producing large quantities of identical parts with minimal waste. Once the molds are set up, the production process can be automated, leading to high production rates in a cost effective manner. The number of various (different) parts to build a mat is relatively low. By means of the coupling part, for example the number of coupling parts used to produce a mat and / or the size of the coupling part used to produce the mat, it is possible to produce a durable mat with varying dimensions in a relatively simple process. The lightweight parts to be joined to form the mat can be designed by injection molding to obtain a mat configured to withstand heavy loads for a long lifespan, such as for example is required for a road map. In one aspect, the parts of the mat are joined together by (plastic) welding, such as hot plate welding. Hot plate welding offers advantages such as high welding speeds, strong and reliable bonds for a durable mat, and the ability to join materials of different thicknesses and shapes. In addition, the parts of the mat can be connected in a liquid tight manner with each other to obtain the mat, such that water / dirt cannot enter the (interior of the) assembled mat.

[0013] In certain aspects, the mat connector of the first end part and / or the second end part comprises at least one open internal space after molding, which is closed, preferably in a liquid tight manner, by means of welding, such as hot plate welding, at least one plate-like cover to the mat connector. The parts of the mat may be at least partially hollow and to reinforce the at least partially hollow parts of the mat internal reinforcing structures like ribs, internal walls or the like can be molded. These hollow volumes may be closed volumes, or these volumes may be open, wherein the open internal space of the mat connector is such an open volume. Open volumes are undesirable for a number of reasons, for example from cleaning perspective. The open volumes, like the open internal space of the mat connector may be closed preferably in a liquid tight manner by means of the plate-like cover(s).

[0014] In certain aspects, the mat comprises multiple coupling parts, for example at least two coupling parts, wherein the first and the second connector portions are designed to be connected to each other. The dimensions of the mat, for example the length dimension of the mat, can be easily adapted by varying the number of coupling parts in the mat. The multiple coupling parts may comprise a first type of coupling part and a second type of coupling part, wherein the first type differs from the second type in that the first type comprises at least one coupling hole, preferably close to an end of the coupling part forming a peripheral side of the mat.

[0015] The first end part and / or the second end part may comprise a female or a male connector segment and the mat connector is provided with at least one coupling hole, preferably multiple coupling holes, for example at least three equidistant coupling holes. Between the first and the second ends of the mat and between upper and lower surfaces of the mat, the mat comprises peripheral sides. These side may comprise at least one coupling hole, preferably multiple coupling holes, for example at least three equidistant coupling holes. Each coupling hole is adapted for receiving a fastening device, wherein the fastening device can be brought through, and removed from, aligned coupling holes of the mat and another mat. The coupling holes may further be used to connect other equipment, for example a fence, to the mat.

[0016] In certain aspects, the first end part and the second end part may be identical parts. The invention also relates a method of manufacturing a durable, lightweight and reliable mat. The mat to be produced by the method comprises at least three mat parts made of an injection moldable polymeric material. The method comprises the following steps: injection molding a coupling part comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion; injection molding a first end part providing a first end of the mat, wherein the first end part comprises a connector segment designed to be connected to one of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part and a mat connector designed to be releasably connected to another mat; injection molding a second end part providing a second end of the mat, wherein the second end part comprises a connector segment designed to be connected to the other of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part and a mat connector designed to be releasably connected to another mat; connecting and joining the connector segments with the first connector portion and the second connector portion.

[0017] The mats of this disclosure are highly durable and can withstand heavy loads and harsh environmental conditions. The mat parts can be easily molded and / or customized to fit specific project requirements, such as size, shape, or load-bearing capacity. This flexibility makes them suitable in a cost attractive manner for a wide range of applications in construction, landscaping, and infrastructure projects. Injection molding provides the additional advantage that the mats of this disclosure can be relatively easily and cost friendly be provided with non-slip surfaces, which improve traction for vehicles and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. The injection moldable polymeric material to produce the parts may be High- Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or a recycled injection moldable polymeric material, preferably recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The parts of the mat may be joined together by welding, such as hot plate welding.

[0018] In addition, the mats of this disclosure do not rot, warp, or corrode like wood or steel mats, making them ideal for long-term use. Further, the mats do not need to be treated with chemicals or painted to prevent corrosion or rot, reducing ongoing maintenance costs. As already mentioned above, the mats with the configuration of this disclosure are typically lightweight which makes it possible to transport multiple mats at once in a relatively easy manner with a relatively low carbon footprint for each mat, handle (including loading / unloading for / after transport), and install saving time time and labor costs.

[0019] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising at least one fastening device and a layer of mats. The assembly comprises at least one mat of this disclosure and another mat, preferably the assembly comprises at least two mats of this disclosure, that are releasably connected to each other by means of the fastening device(s). The fastening device may be inserted in an insertion orientation of the fastening device through aligned coupling holes of the mats, wherein the fastening device is designed to be axially rotated after insertion from an insertion orientation to a locking orientation to interlock the mats together.

[0020] In one aspect, each mat comprises equidistant coupling holes, preferably on each peripheral side of the mat.

[0021] The assembly may comprise a fixation element which is at least partially insertable in the fastening device for preventing rotation of the fastening device interlocking the mats together in the locking orientation. The fixation element may be manually removable from the fastening device for disassembling the mats from each other or disassembling other equipment from the mat. The fixation element may comprise an adapter designed to releasably connect at least one elongated support element to the assembly, such as for example a fence pole of a fence panel, preferably at least two fence poles of two fence panels.

[0022] In the assembly, the mats in the layer may have variable length and / or width dimensions. It also possible that a mat has an at least partially different shape, for example at least one curved side or a mat having for example a triangular shape.

[0023] Embodiments of the invention can include one or more or any combination of the above features and configurations. Additional features, aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present various embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. In addition, a number of variants and modifications are possible which also use the inventive idea and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the possibility of combining the features / aspects which have only been mentioned in the description and / or been shown in the figures with the features of the claims, in so far as they are compatible, is mentioned.

[0024] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an assembly of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2a-g show perspective views of a mat of this disclosure and its parts;

[0026] Figure 3 shows in a perspective view details of a releasable connection in an assembly of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4a, b show in perspective views details of the releasable connection in an assembly of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5 shows the method steps to manufacture a mat of this disclosure.

[0029] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 shows an assembly 100 comprising at least one fastening device 10 and a layer of mats 1. The mats 1 shown are identical mats 1 , wherein each mat 1 is a mat of this disclosure. The mats 1 are releasably connected to each other by means of fastening devices 10 to be explained in more detail below. The mat 1 to be used as a road mat 1 is configured to withstand forces of at least 200000 kg / m2, preferably at least 300000 kg / m2.

[0031] The height of each mat 1 measured in the vertical direction is identical. Each mat has an upper rectangular surface 3 and a lower rectangular surface (not shown) positioned on and facing an underground (not shown). Each mat 1 has four peripheral sides, i.e. two transverse sides 5 and two longitudinal sides 7. The mats 1 in the assembly 100 provide an equipment support surface 30 as shown in figure 1 , such as temporary walkways and / or roadways in areas having poor underground characteristics, wherein the mats for roadways are adapted to withstand heavy loads. In the layer of mats 1 of the assembly 100 a longitudinal side 7 from a first mat 1 can be releasably connected by means of the at least one fastening device 10 to a transverse side 5 of a second mat 1. It is also possible to connect the longitudinal side 7 from a first mat 1 with a longitudinal side 7 from a second mat 1 and / or connect the transverse side 5 from a first mat 1 with a transverse side 5 from a second mat 1 as is shown in figure 1.

[0032] The mat 1 as shown in figure 1 has a longitudinal side 7 with a length I (figure 2a) which, without the sections defining mat connectors 21 , 27 of end parts 17, 23 to be discussed below, is twice as large as the width w (figure 2a) defined by the transverse side 5.

[0033] The dimension of a transverse side 5 from a mat 1 defining the width w (figure 2a) may vary between 1 and 3 meter, preferably between 1 ,5 and 2,5 meter. The dimension of a longitudinal side 7 from a mat 1 defining the length I (figure 2a) may vary between 2 and 6 meter, preferably between 3 and 5 meter.

[0034] Each mat 1 comprises equidistant coupling holes 9 on each peripheral side 5, 7 of the mat 1.

[0035] Figure 2a-g show perspective views of a mat 1 as shown in figure 1 and its parts. The mat 1 is configured to be releasably connected to at least one other mat to provide a layer of mats as shown in figure 1. The mat is made up of at least three joined mat parts 11 a,b, 17, 23. The parts 11 a,b, 17, 23 of the mat 1 may be joined together by welding, such as hot plate welding. Each mat part 11a,b, 17, 23 may be made of an injection moldable polymeric material, such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or a recycled injection moldable polymeric material, preferably recycled High- Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

[0036] The at least three joined mat parts 11a, b, 17, 19 of the mat comprise: a coupling part 11a,b comprising a first connector portion 13 and a second connector portion 15; a first end part 17 providing a first end 6a of the mat 1 , wherein the first end part 17 comprises a connector segment 18 (fig. 2d) designed to be connected to the second connector portion 15 of the coupling part 11a,b and a mat connector 21 designed to be releasably connected to another mat 1 ; a second end part 23 providing a second end 6b of the mat 1 , wherein the second end part 23 comprises a connector segment 25 designed to be connected to the first connector portion 13 of the coupling part 11a,b and a mat connector 27 designed to be releasably connected to another mat.

[0037] The layer forming mat 1 has a mat length I, a mat width w and a mat height (not shown), wherein the mat length I is defined in a direction extending between the first end 6a and the second end 6b of the mat 1 , wherein the mat length I is at least equal to the mat width w. The dimensions length and width can be changed in embodiments not shown, preferably the length has the largest size. In the mat 1 the mat length I is larger, e.g. twice as large as mentioned above, to the mat width w. The mat height is the smallest dimension. Each part of the mat has a part height, a part width and a part length, wherein the part length provides a portion of the mat length I and the part width corresponds to or is equal to the mat width w.

[0038] The mat connector 21 , 27 of the first end part 17 and / or the second end part 23 comprises at least one open internal space, i.e. spaces 31 with an open top, after molding, which is closed, preferably in a liquid tight manner, by means of welding, such as hot plate welding, at least one plate-like cover 33a-c; 35a-c to the mat connector 21 ; 27. The plate like covers 33a-c; 35a-c may comprise an inner side provided with ribs 36 (see figure 2g) in a corresponding pattern as the internal walls 32 (see figure 2b) of the mat connector 21 , 27. In this manner it is possible to close seal the open internal spaces 31 in a liquid tight manner. In addition, the ribs 36 connected to the internal walls 32 provide relatively strong and / or reinforced mat connectors 21 , 27. In the embodiment shown, three plate like covers 33a-c; 35a-c are used for each mat connector 21 , 27, wherein the plate like covers 33b, c, 35a, b are identical, i.e. the hole for the coupling hole 9 has an identical orientation, wherein the identical plate like covers 33a, 35c also comprise a hole for a coupling hole 9 having a different orientation (but the same shape) as the hole of the plate like covers 33b, c, 35a, b. The plate like covers 33a-c; 35a-c may be made of an injection moldable polymeric material, such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or a recycled injection moldable polymeric material, preferably recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

[0039] As shown in figures 2a-c the mat 1 comprises multiple coupling parts 11a, b. A mat of this disclosure may comprise for example at least two coupling parts 11a,b. The mat 1 as shown comprises 22 coupling parts 11a,b. The first 13 and the second 15 connector portions of the coupling parts 11a,b are designed to be connected to each other. The multiple coupling parts 11a,b comprise a first type of coupling part 11b and a second type of coupling part 11a, wherein the first type 11 b differs from the second type 11a (see figure 2a) in that the first type 11 b comprises at least one coupling hole 9. first The type of coupling part 11 b as shown comprises two coupling holes close to an end of the coupling part 11 b forming a side 7 of the mat 1. As shown in the figures, the coupling parts 11a, b may comprise internal reinforcing structures like ribs, internal walls or the like.

[0040] As can be seen in the figures 2b-f the first connector portion 13 is a female connector portion and the second connector portion 15 is a male connector portion. Different designs to obtain the connection between the parts 11a,b, 17, 23 are possible. For example, the first connector and the second connector portion may be analogous connector portions, wherein analogous connector portions include male / male connector portions or female / female connector portions. In addition, the first end part and the second end part may be identical parts (not shown) which requires a different design of the coupling part than shown in the figures.

[0041] The first end part and / or the second end part may comprise a female or a male connector segment. In the mat 1 as shown, the first end part 17 comprises a female connector segment 18 and the second end part 23 comprises a male connector segment 25. Each mat connector 21 , 27 is provided with at least one coupling hole 9, preferably multiple coupling holes 9, for example at least three equidistant coupling holes 9. The plate like covers 33a-c; 35a-c comprise through holes corresponding with the through holes of the mat connectors 21 , 27 to provide the coupling holes 9. Each coupling hole 9 is adapted for receiving a fastening device 10, wherein the fastening device 10 can be brought through aligned coupling holes of the mat 1 and another mat 1 to obtain an assembly 100 of this disclosure. The fastening device 10 of this disclosure will be discussed in more detail with reference to figures 3 and 4a, b. The fastening device 10 is inserted in an insertion orientation as shown in figures 3 and 4a through aligned coupling holes 9; 9’ (figure 4a) of two mats 1 ; T. The accent marks (T and 9’) are only added and shown in figure 4a for explanation purposes. The insertion of the fastening device 10 is completed if the first end 10a is completely moved through coupling hole 9’, i.e. the lowest coupling hole. After this insertion, the fastening device 10 is designed to be axially rotated around axial axis A (figure 4a) from an insertion orientation as shown in figures 3 and 4a to a locking orientation as shown in figures 4b to interlock the mats 1 , T together. The angle of rotation around axial axis A may be approx. 90 degrees.

[0042] The fastening device 10 may have different shaped or oriented flanges at its ends 10a, 10b to accomplish the releasable connection between the mats 1 ; T. The second end 10b of the fastening device 10 has two opposed corresponding flange elements 8a, 8b. Each flange element 8a, 8b has an anti-rotation opening 4a, 4b which are constructed as through holes. These openings 4a, 4b may also be used by means of a tool (not shown) for rotating the fastening device 10. Such a tool may be operatorfriendly for assembling the mats 1 ; T without bending over.

[0043] Further, a fixation element 60 associated to the fastening device 10 is provided. The fixation element 60 is at least partially insertable in the fastening device 10 for preventing rotation of the fastening device 10 interlocking the mats 1 ; T together in the locking orientation. The fixation element 60 comprises two protrusions 61a, 61 b. The fixation element 60 is inserted in the fastening device 10 by means of inserting, the protrusions 61a, 61 b into the anti-rotation openings 4a, 4b when the fastening device 10 is in its locking orientation as shown in figures 4b interlocking the mats 1 , T together, wherein after insertion the protrusion 61a, 61 b extend through the antirotation openings 4a, 4b into the through hole 9 of the mat 1 . The protrusion 61a, 61 b are complementary shaped to inner walls or inner wall portions 9a, 9b (figure 4a) of the through hole 9 such that the protrusions are in contact or to be brought in contact with minimal play with these walls or inner wall portions 9a, 9b of the through hole 9 such that it has become impossible to rotate the fastening device 10 after inserting the protrusions 61a, 61 b of the fixation element 60 into the anti-rotation opening 6a, 6b of the flange elements 8a, 8b of the fastening device 10. This disclosure also relates to a fastening system comprising the fastening device 10 as shown and described in this disclosure in combination with the fixation element 60 as shown and described in this disclosure. Such a fastening system may be used independently from the mat 1 or the assembly 100 of this disclosure.

[0044] The fixation element 60 may further comprise an adapter (not shown) designed to releasably connect at least one elongated support element (not shown) to the assembly 100, such as for example a fence pole of a fence panel (not shown), preferably two fence poles of adjacent fence panels. Such an adapter may be provided as one-piece with the fixation element or may be releasably connected thereto. Such an adapter in combination with the equidistant coupling holes 9 of the mat, provide for example the possibility to connect standard (universal) temporary fence panels in a relatively ease manner to the assembly 100 without requiring relatively heavy fence stabilization blocks. The distance between equidistant coupling holes 9 of the mat 1 may correspond to the standard distance between poles of a temporary fence panel, or equal parts of this standard distance.

[0045] Figure 5 shows steps of a method of manufacturing a mat 1 of at least three mat parts 11a, b, 17, 19 made of an injection moldable polymeric material as mentioned in this disclosure.

[0046] The method comprises the following steps:

[0047] Step A: injection molding a coupling part 11a,b comprising a first connector portion 13 and a second connector portion 15;

[0048] Step B injection molding a first end part 17 providing a first end 6a of the mat 1 , wherein the first end part 17 comprises a connector segment 18 designed to be connected to one of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part 11a,b and a mat connector 21 designed to be releasably connected to another mat;

[0049] Step C injection molding a second end part 23 providing a second end 6b of the mat 1 , wherein the second end part 23 comprises a connector segment 25 designed to be connected to the other of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part 11a,b and a mat connector 27 designed to be releasably connected to another mat;

[0050] Step D connecting and joining the connector segments with the first connector portion and the second connector portion. A sub step for steps B and C may be connecting plate like covers 33a-c; 35a-c to the mat connectors 21 ; 27 to obtain the end parts 17; 23. The plate-like covers 33a- c; 35a-c are welded to the mat connector 21 ; 27, preferably by hot plate welding.

[0051] In step D, the parts 11a,b, 17, 23 of the mat 1 may be joined together by welding, such as hot plate welding.

[0052] In an embodiment of the method, multiple mats 1 are manufactured at once by hot plate welding, i.e. multiple identical parts 11a, b, 17, 23 of each mat to be manufactured are hot plate welded simultaneously for producing multiple mats 1 simultaneously. The (portions of the) mats 1 to be produced in this manner may be arranged next to each other in a hot plate welding installation. For example, two (or more than two) coupling parts 11a are simultaneously hot plate welded to two (or more than two) end parts 17 in this installation.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mat configured to be releasably connected to at least one other mat to provide a layer of mats, wherein the mat is made up of at least three joined mat parts, each mat part is made of an injection moldable polymeric material, wherein the at least three joined mat parts comprise: a coupling part comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion; a first end part providing a first end of the mat, wherein the first end part comprises a connector segment designed to be connected to one of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part and a mat connector designed to be releasably connected to another mat; a second end part providing a second end of the mat, wherein the second end part comprises a connector segment designed to be connected to the other of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part and a mat connector designed to be releasably connected to another mat.

2. The mat according to claim 1 , wherein the parts of the mat are joined together by welding, such as hot plate welding.

3. The mat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the injection moldable polymeric material is High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or a recycled injection moldable polymeric material, preferably recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

4. The mat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mat has a mat length, a mat width and a mat height, wherein the mat length is defined in a direction extending between the first end and the second end of the mat, wherein the mat length is equal to or larger than the mat width, and the mat height is the smallest dimension.

5. The mat according to claim 4, wherein each part of the mat has a part height, a part width and a part length, wherein the part length provides a portion of the mat length and the part width corresponds to or is equal to the mat width.

6. The mat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mat connector of the first end part and / or the second end part comprises at least one open internal space after molding, which is closed, preferably in a liquid tight manner, by means of welding, such as hot plate welding, at least one plate-like cover to the mat connector.

7. The mat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mat comprises multiple coupling parts, for example at least two coupling parts, wherein the first and the second connector portions are designed to be connected to each other.

8. The mat according to claim 7, wherein the multiple coupling parts comprise a first type of coupling part and a second type of coupling part, wherein the first type differs from the second type in that the first type comprises at least one coupling hole, preferably close to an end of the coupling part forming a peripheral side of the mat.

9. The mat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector portion is a female connector portion and the second connector portion is a male connector portion, or the first connector and the second connector portion are analogous connector portions, wherein analogous connector portions include male / male connector portions or female / female connector portions.

10. The mat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first end part and / or the second end part comprise a female or a male connector segment and the mat connector is provided with at least one coupling hole, preferably multiple coupling holes, for example at least three equidistant coupling holes.

11. The mat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first end part and the second end part are identical parts.

12. The mat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein between the first and the second ends of the mat and between upper and lower surfaces of the mat, the mat comprises peripheral sides with at least one coupling hole, preferably multiple coupling holes, for example at least three equidistant coupling holes.

13. The mat according to any of the preceding claims 8, 10 or 12, wherein each coupling hole is adapted for receiving a fastening device, wherein the fastening device can be brought through, and removed from, aligned coupling holes of the mat and another mat.

14. A method of manufacturing a mat of at least three mat parts made of an injection moldable polymeric material, wherein the method comprises the following steps: injection molding a coupling part comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion; injection molding a first end part providing a first end of the mat, wherein the first end part comprises a connector segment designed to be connected to one of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part and a mat connector designed to be releasably connected to another mat; injection molding a second end part providing a second end of the mat, wherein the second end part comprises a connector segment designed to be connected to the other of the first and second connector portions of the coupling part and a mat connector designed to be releasably connected to another mat; connecting and joining the connector segments with the first connector portion and the second connector portion.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the parts of the mat are joined together by welding, such as hot plate welding.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein multiple mats are manufactured at once by hot plate welding.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein multiple identical parts of each mat to be manufactured are hot plate welded simultaneously for producing multiple mats simultaneously.

18. The method according to any of the preceding claims 14-17, wherein the injection moldable polymeric material is High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or arecycled injection moldable polymeric material, preferably recycled High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

19. An assembly comprising at least one fastening device and a layer of mats, with at least one mat according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mats are releasably connected to each other by means of the fastening device.

20. The assembly according to claim 19, wherein the fastening device is inserted in an insertion orientation of the fastening device through aligned coupling holes of the mats, wherein the fastening device is designed to be axially rotated after insertion from an insertion orientation to a locking orientation to interlock the mats together.

21. The assembly according to claim 19 or 20, wherein each mat comprises equidistant coupling holes, preferably on each peripheral side of the mat.

22. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims claim 19-21 , wherein the assembly comprises a fixation element which is at least partially insertable in the fastening device for preventing rotation of the fastening device interlocking the mats together in the locking orientation.

23. The assembly according to claim 22, wherein the fixation element comprises an adapter designed to releasably connect at least one elongated support element to the assembly, such as for example a fence pole of a fence panel.

24. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims claim 19-23, wherein the mats in the layer of mats have variable length and / or width dimensions.

25. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims claim 19-24, wherein in the layer of mats a longitudinal side from a first mat is releasably connected by means of the at least one fastening device to a transverse side of a second mat.

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