EP3342007B1 - Apparatus and methods for electrically grounding at least one mat in a load-supporting surface - Google Patents

Apparatus and methods for electrically grounding at least one mat in a load-supporting surface Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3342007B1
EP3342007B1 EP16839746.1A EP16839746A EP3342007B1 EP 3342007 B1 EP3342007 B1 EP 3342007B1 EP 16839746 A EP16839746 A EP 16839746A EP 3342007 B1 EP3342007 B1 EP 3342007B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mat
cover
load
supporting surface
electrically
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16839746.1A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3342007A1 (en
EP3342007A4 (en
Inventor
James Kerwin Mcdowell
Kenneth Edward Durio
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Newpark Mats and Integrated Services LLC
Original Assignee
Newpark Mats and Integrated Services LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/838,064 external-priority patent/US9368918B2/en
Priority claimed from US15/178,254 external-priority patent/US9735510B2/en
Application filed by Newpark Mats and Integrated Services LLC filed Critical Newpark Mats and Integrated Services LLC
Publication of EP3342007A1 publication Critical patent/EP3342007A1/en
Publication of EP3342007A4 publication Critical patent/EP3342007A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3342007B1 publication Critical patent/EP3342007B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C9/00—Special pavings; Pavings for special parts of roads or airfields
    • E01C9/08—Temporary pavings
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C5/00—Pavings made of prefabricated single units
    • E01C5/005—Individual couplings or spacer elements for joining the prefabricated units
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C5/00—Pavings made of prefabricated single units
    • E01C5/22—Pavings made of prefabricated single units made of units composed of a mixture of materials covered by two or more of groups E01C5/008, E01C5/02 - E01C5/20 except embedded reinforcing materials
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B5/00—Floors; Floor construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted therefor
    • E04B5/02—Load-carrying floor structures formed substantially of prefabricated units
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B5/00—Floors; Floor construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted therefor
    • E04B5/02—Load-carrying floor structures formed substantially of prefabricated units
    • E04B5/023—Separate connecting devices for prefabricated floor-slabs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05F—STATIC ELECTRICITY; NATURALLY-OCCURRING ELECTRICITY
    • H05F3/00—Carrying-off electrostatic charges
    • H05F3/02—Carrying-off electrostatic charges by means of earthing connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05F—STATIC ELECTRICITY; NATURALLY-OCCURRING ELECTRICITY
    • H05F3/00—Carrying-off electrostatic charges
    • H05F3/02—Carrying-off electrostatic charges by means of earthing connections
    • H05F3/025—Floors or floor coverings specially adapted for discharging static charges
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C2201/00—Paving elements
    • E01C2201/12—Paving elements vertically interlocking

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to load-supporting surface technology and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for electrically grounding at least one mat in a load-supporting surface.
  • Temporary or semi-permanent support surfaces have been used for roadways, remote jobsites, industrial staging areas and the like in an ever-increasing myriad of industries, such as the construction, military, oilfield, transportation, disaster response, utilities and entertainment industries. These support surfaces are often made up of heavy duty mats, which are reusable and sometimes interlock together to form the support surface. In some instances, it is necessary or desirable to provide apparatus and methods for electrically grounding at least a portion of the support surface.
  • an EPZ Equi-Potential Zone
  • the EPZ is an arrangement typically designed so that dangerous electric potential differences do not appear across the body of a person working on or near ground-based machinery.
  • An EPZ is often used during projects that involve working in close proximity to an energized power line.
  • the EPZ may prevent the installation crew from being subject to an electric shock caused by, for example, a circuit flash from the energized line to the conductors being worked on.
  • the equipment and personnel are typically on a work surface that is electrically conductive and should be rounded to provide a natural path for large electrical voltages to flow.
  • EP 1,845,195 discloses a transportable provisional road surface and plates for making said road surface.
  • US 2015/099377 discloses apparatus and methods for electrically grounding a load-supporting surface.
  • US 2016/134031 discloses a timber access mat with grounding.
  • the present disclosure involves a system for electrically grounding a reusable load-supporting surface deployed on or near the surface of the earth.
  • the system includes at least two mats at least partially forming the load-supporting surface.
  • Each mat has substantially planar respective top and bottom faces, multiple sides and at least one edge extending around each side.
  • the mats are configured to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon.
  • a plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers are constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and constructed and arranged to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon.
  • Each cover extends at least partially across the top face of one of the mats without extending over any of the edges thereof and is flexibly coupled to the mat to allow the mat to flex, expand and contract relative to the cover due to one or more environmental factors and the movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface during normal, typical or expected use conditions without decoupling the cover from the mat or undesirably damaging or deforming the cover or mat, while allowing the cover and mat to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon.
  • Each cover includes at least one conductive interface configured to electrically couple the cover to another cover in the load-supporting surface. At least one of the covers is configured to be electrically coupled to the earth.
  • the present disclosure involves an apparatus for electrically grounding at least two mats of a load-supporting surface deployed on or near the surface of the earth.
  • Each mat includes substantially planar respective top and bottom faces, multiple sides and at least one edge extending around each side thereof.
  • the mats are constructed and arranged to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon.
  • the apparatus includes a plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and constructed and arranged to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon.
  • Each cover extends at least partially across the top face of one of the mats without extending over any of the edges thereof.
  • Each cover includes at least one conductive interface configured to electrically couple the cover to another cover in the load-supporting surface.
  • At least one of the covers is configured to be electrically coupled to the earth.
  • a plurality of adjustable, releasable couplers is configured to releasably couple each cover to its associated mat.
  • a least some of the couplers are loosely engaged between, and not rigidly coupled to, the cover and the mat to allow acceptable relative movement therebetween so that each cover and its associated mat may flex, expand and contract relative to the other during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface without decoupling the cover from its associated mat or undesirably damaging or deforming the cover or the mat.
  • the present disclosure involves methods of electrically grounding a reusable load-supporting surface deployed on or near the surface of the earth.
  • the load-supporting surface includes at least two mats, each mat having substantially planar respective top and bottom faces, multiple sides and at least one edge extending around each side.
  • the mats are configured to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon.
  • the method includes positioning one among a plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers at least partially across the top surface of each mat without extending over any of the edges thereof. Each cover is constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and configured to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon.
  • a plurality of selectively adjustable, releasable, couplers is loosely, releasably engaged a between each cover and its associated mat so that each cover stays positioned at least partially across the top face of its associated mat during use of the load-supporting surface and to allow the cover and mat to be moveable relative to one another due to one or more environmental factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface without decoupling the cover from its associated mat and without undesirably damaging or deforming the cover or mat while allowing the cover and mat to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon.
  • At least one conductive interface of each cover is electrically coupled to at least one conductive interface of at least one other mat in the load-supporting surface. At least one of the mats is grounded.
  • an exemplary mat 26 is shown including an electrically-conductive cover 110 useful for allowing the mat 26 to be electrically grounded in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the mat 26 serves as a load-supporting surface 16 deployed on the ground or other surface.
  • a larger load-supporting surface 16 that includes multiple interconnected mats 26 is shown.
  • the load-supporting surface 16 includes some mats 26 having electrically-conductive covers 110 and other mats 26 not having electrically-conductive covers.
  • the terms "EPZ mat" 112 and variations thereof refer to a mat 26 having an electrically-conductive cover 110.
  • each electrically-conducive cover 110 is useful for allowing the load-supporting surface 16 to be electrically grounded.
  • the load-supporting surface 16 e.g. Figures 1 and 2
  • the load-supporting surface 16 is reusable and capable of supporting the weight of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment thereupon and moving there-across.
  • the mats 26 may have any suitable form, construction and configuration. Some examples of mats 26 which may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described in in U.S. Patent Numbers 5,653,551 to Seaux, entitled “Mat System for Construction of Roadways and Support Surfaces” and issued on August 5, 1997 , and 6,511,237 to Seaux et al., entitled “Interlocking Mat System for Construction of Load Supporting Surfaces” and issued on January 28, 2003 , both of which have a common Assignee as the present patent.
  • each exemplary mat 26 may weigh approximately 1,000 lbs., be designed to withstand up to 600 psi in pure crush pressure placed thereupon, reduce point-to-point ground pressure on the ground 20 that may be caused by wheeled and/or tracked vehicles on the mat 26 or a combination thereof.
  • the mats 26 may be 14' x 8' DURA-BASE ® mats currently sold by the Assignee of this patent application.
  • the mats 26 may be used in connection with any of the components and features described and shown in U.S. Patent Number 9,132,996 issued on September 15, 2015 to Robertson and entitled “Crane-Mounted Grab Head", U.S. Patent Number 9,297,124 issued on March 29, 2016 and entitled “Methods of Moving at Least One Mat With a Crane-Mounted Grab Head", U.S. Patent Number 7,370,452 issued on May 13, 2008 to Rogers and entitled “Mat Assembly for Heavy Equipment Transit and Support”, U.S. Patent Number 9,039,325 issued on May 26, 2015 to McDowell and entitled “Liquid Containment System for Use with Support Surfaces", U.S.
  • Patent Application Serial Number 14/720,799 filed on May 24, 2015 and entitled “Liquid Containment System”
  • U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/322,458 filed on April 14, 2016 and entitled “Apparatus, System and Methods for Providing Accessories on a Support Surface”
  • each mat 26 is flat, or planar, and constructed of impermeable material, such as thermoplastic.
  • Other example mats 26 may be constructed entirely or partially of wood, steel, steel-framed wood, aluminum, rubber, plastic, fiberglass, fiber reinforced plastic, recycled rubber or materials or any other desired material(s) or a combination thereof.
  • the exemplary mat 26 has a rectangular shape with an opposing pair of short sides 28, 30, an opposing pair of long sides 37, 38, and an edge 44 extending along each side 28, 30, 37 and 38.
  • the first short side 28 and first long side 37 each have an upper lip 46 extending horizontally outwardly therefrom, forming the edge 44 and which will be spaced above the earth's surface, or ground, 20 or other surface.
  • the second short side 30 and second long side 38 each have a lower lip 54 extending horizontally outwardly therefrom below the edge 44 thereof and which will rest on or near the earth's surface, or ground, 20 or other surface.
  • a first corner 40 of the mat 26 is formed by the adjacent upper lips 46 and a second corner 42 is formed by the adjacent lower lips 54.
  • the upper and lower lips 46, 54 may have any suitable size, shape, configuration and length. It should be understood, however, that the electrically-conductive cover 110 of the present disclosure is not limited to use with the above-described embodiments of mats 26 having upper and/or lower lips 46, 54. For example, other embodiments of the cover 110 may be used in connection with mats 26 not having upper and/or lower lips 46, 54.
  • the respective upper and lower lips 46, 54 of different mats 26 are interconnectable with locking pins 34 (e.g. Figures 4 & 5 ) releasably securable through corresponding locking pin holes 32 formed therein.
  • the locking pin holes 32 and locking pins 34 may have any suitable form, construction and configuration.
  • the illustrated mats 26 include a plurality of locking pin holes 32, each configured to accept a releasable locking pin 34 (e.g. Figure 4 ) therethrough.
  • Each illustrated mat 26 may include a total of sixteen locking pin holes 32, eight formed in each of the upper and lower lips 46, 54.
  • locking pins 34 which may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described in U.S. Patent Number 6,722,831 to Rogers et al., entitled “Fastening Device” and issued on April 20, 2004 , U.S. Patent Number 8,388,291 to Rogers, entitled “Mat Lock Pin” and issued on March 5, 2013 , U.S. Patent Number 9,068,584 to McDowell et al, entitled and "Apparatus & Methods for Connecting Mats" and issued on June 30, 2015 , U.S.
  • Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/216,542 entitled “Apparatus for Connecting Mats and/or Other Components and Methods of Assembly and Use Thereof' and filed on September 10, 2015 , each of which has a common Assignee as the present patent application.
  • the locking pins 34 may form a fluid-tight seal around, or in, the locking pin holes 32 within which they are engaged, such as the exemplary locking pin 34 illustrated and described in U.S. Patent Number 9,068,584 , U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/216,542, entitled “Apparatus for Connecting Mats and/or Other Components and Methods of Assembly and Use Thereof' and filed on September 10, 2015 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/752,067 entitled “Adjustable Mat Locking Pin and Methods of Use Thereof' and filed on June 26, 2015 , all of which have a common Assignee as the present patent.
  • the locking pin holes 32 of the mats 26 have an oval-shape to accept an oval-shaped enlarged head 36 (e.g. Figures 4 & 5 ) of the illustrated locking pins 34.
  • the present disclosure is not limited to use with the above-described or referenced types and configurations of load-supporting surfaces 16, mats 26, locking pins 34 and locking pin holes 32, or to the disclosures of the above-referenced patents and patent applications. Any suitable load-supporting surfaces 16 and mats 26, with or without any suitable locking pins 34 and locking pin holes 32, may be used.
  • a gap 22 may be formed between adjacent edges 44 of adjacent interconnected mats 26 in the load-supporting surface 16 and one or more seal members 10 may be included therein.
  • the seal member(s) 10 may provide a fluid-tight seal in the gap 22 between adjacent mats 26 to prevent liquid introduced onto the load-supporting surface 16 from seeping or flowing between and below the load-supporting surface 16.
  • seal members 10 that may be used in the gaps 22 are disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 9,212,746 to McDowell, issued on December 15, 2015 and entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Sealing Between Adjacent Components of a Load-Supporting Surface", U. S. Patent Application Serial Number 14/948,340, filed on November 22, 2015 and entitled “Method of Sealing Between Adjacent Components of a Load-Supporting Surface With at Least One Closed-Cell Compressible Rubber Seal", U. S.
  • the load-supporting surface 16 may include or be associated with other components, and the seal member(s) 10 may also or instead be used between any combination of mats 26 and other components associated with the support surface 16.
  • additional components that may be useful in connection with support surfaces 16, such as berm members, spacers, drive-over barriers, liquid drain assemblies, etc., are shown and disclosed in U.S. Patent 9,039,325 and U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 13/790,916 , and borehole edge seal systems such as shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 14/497,429, entitled "Apparatus and Methods for Sealing Around the Opening to an Underground Borehole” and filed on September 26, 2014 and U.S.
  • the electrically-conductive cover 110 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation so that it can be used to allow the load-supporting surface 16 to be effectively and successfully grounded to the earth or other suitable structure.
  • the electrically-conductive cover 110 includes an outer frame 120 (see also Figures 6A-C ) and an inner mesh portion 126.
  • the frame 120 and mesh portion 126 may be constructed of any suitable material and have any suitable configuration that allows the load-supporting surface 16 to be effectively and successfully grounded to the earth or other suitable structure.
  • the frame 120 and mesh portion 126 may be constructed at least partially of aluminum, stainless steel or other electrically-conductive material or a combination thereof.
  • the illustrated frame 120 is a welded rectangular steel frame providing rigidity for the cover 110 and preserving its integrity during use, such as when the mat 112 is driven over by vehicles and machinery.
  • the illustrated frame 120 is shown extending around substantially the entire mesh portion 126, but in other embodiments may not extend around the entire mesh portion 126.
  • the mesh portion 126 may be constructed of any suitable at least partially metallic mesh or grating, such as an aluminum mesh configuration that is sufficiently electrically conductive and sufficiently strong and durable to withstand use as part of a load-supporting surface 16.
  • the frame 120 and mesh portion 126 are welded together.
  • the perimeter edges 128 of the mesh portion 126 may be welded to the top 122 of the frame 120.
  • the frame 120 and mesh portion 126 may be coupled together or interconnected in any other suitable manner.
  • the illustrated cover 110 also includes at least one conductive interface 138 useful to electrically connect the EPZ mat 112 with one or more adjacent EPZ mats 112.
  • the conductive interface(s) 138 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
  • the cover 110 has an interface 138 extending on each side 28, 30, 37 and 38 of the mat 26 to electrically connect the mat 26 with a corresponding respective adjacent interconnected mats 26 (see e.g. Figures 2 , 7-9 ).
  • the frame 120 may be used to form an interface 138 on each side 28, 30, 37 and 38 of the mat 26 that will abut, and thus electrically contact, an interface 138 on a respective adjacent interconnected mat 26.
  • the frame 120 extends at least partially around the edge 44 thereof to form an underside face 156 ( Figure 9 ) which serves as the conductive interface 138 along that respective side of the mat 26 (See also Figures 8 & 9 ).
  • the exemplary frame 120 extends at least partially across the top 142 of the lower lip 54 to form an upward face 160 that serves as the conductive interface 138 along that respective side of the mat 26.
  • the respective interfaces 138 of adjacent interconnected EPZ mats 112 of this embodiment contact one another to form an electrically conductive path therebetween.
  • interfaces 138 there may be interfaces on less than all sides 28, 30, 37 and 38 of the mat 26.
  • the interface(s) 138 may be disposed at specific locations on one or more sides of 28, 30, 37 and 38 of the mat 26 and/or at entirely different locations on the cover 110.
  • a conductive booster 188 may be used in connection with one or more interfaces 138 of each mat 112, such as to assist in ensuring a good electrical connection between adjacent interconnected mats 112.
  • the conductive booster 188 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
  • the booster 188 is a metallic braided band 190 inserted between the corresponding underside face 156 (see e.g. Figure 9 ) and upward face 160 of the frames 120 on a pair of adjacent interconnected EPZ mats 112.
  • the band 190 may, for example, have copper, aluminum or steel braiding and extend between a portion or all of the length of the adjacent faces 156, 160.
  • the band 190 is a copper braided band coupled, such as with rivets 198, screws or other connectors, to each upward face 160 of the frame 120 along its length. In other embodiments, multiple or few shorter sections of metallic braided band 190 may be used.
  • the mesh portion 126 may include a cut-out 178 formed therein over each locking pin hole 32.
  • the cut-out 178 may be useful to electrically isolate a locking pin 34 (e.g. Figures 4 & 5 ) placed in the locking pin hole 32 and prevent electrical conductivity between the cover 110 and the locking pin 34.
  • the cut-out 178 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In this example, each cut-out 178 is spaced away from its corresponding locking pin hole 32 to ensure sufficient electrical isolation.
  • a cut-out frame 180 (see also Figures 6 & 8 ) constructed of any suitable material, such as one or more compatible electrically-conductive, metallic materials (e.g.
  • the cut-out frame 180 may, for example, provide stability around the cut-out 178 and/or protect the exposed mesh portion 126 on the edges of the cut-out 178.
  • the cut-out frame 180 if included, may be constructed of any other suitable material and connected with the mesh portion 126 or mat 26 in any other suitable manner.
  • At least one interconnected EPZ mat 112 of a load supporting surface 16 may be grounded to the earth or other structure in any suitable manner.
  • a metal plate 166 may be electrically connected, such as by weld, to the cover 110.
  • the plate 166 is welded atop the mesh portion 126 and frame 120 in one corner of the cover 110.
  • a grounding cable 170 is shown electrically connected between the plate 166 and a grounding rod 174 that may be driven into the earth for electrically grounding the entire load-supporting surface 16.
  • any suitable commercially available grounding cable 170 and rod 174 and related components may be used, such as the grounding rod currently having Catalog No. 4370, stringing rod currently having Catalog No. 9738 and hanger studs currently having Catalog Nos. 13190-1 and 13210 currently sold by Hastings Hot Line Tools and Equipment.
  • the exemplary EPZ mat 112 may be assembled in any suitable manner.
  • the illustrated frame 120 and mesh portion 126 are connected, such as by weld.
  • the frame 120 and mesh portion 126 may be painted with galvanized paint, such as to enhance their electrical conductivity and reduce or prevent corrosion.
  • the exemplary cover 110 is positioned on the generally planar top face, or surface, 132 of the mat 26.
  • the terms "substantially”, “generally” and variations thereof means and includes (i) completely, or 100%, of the referenced parameter, variable or value, and (ii) a range of values less than 100% based upon the typical, normal or expected degree of variation or error for the referenced parameter, variable or value in the context of the particular embodiment or use thereof, such as, for example, 90-100%, 95-100% or 98-100%.
  • the top surface 132 of the exemplary mat 26, as referenced herein does not include its lower lips 54 because the lower lips 54 are in a substantially different plane.
  • the generally planar bottom face, or surface, 134 of the mat 26 e.g. Figures 31 , 42B ), as referenced herein, does not include its lower lips 54 because the lower lips 54 are in a substantially different plane.
  • the edges 148, 150 of the illustrated frame 120 that are aligned with the respective sides 28, 37 of the mat 26 may be at least partially bent around the edges 44 thereof.
  • the edges 152, 154 of the illustrated frame 120 that align with the respective sides 30, 38 of the mat 26 may be at least partially bent down and out over part of the top 142 of the respective lower lip 54 (see also Figures 10A-B ).
  • one or more of the edges 148, 150, 152, 154 of the frame 120 may be at least partially preformed or bent into its desired shape (see also Figures 10A-B ) before placement of the cover 110 onto the mat 26.
  • the cover 110 may also or instead extend at least partially across the generally planar bottom face, or surface, 134 (e.g. Figures 31 , 42B ) of the mat 26, or may extend across only part of the top surface 132 of the mat 26.
  • the frame 120 may extend across a different portion, or all, of the lower lip 54 of the sides 30, 38 of the mat 26 and may, if desired, extend around the edges 44 thereof.
  • the present disclosure is not limited to a cover 110 having a mesh portion 126 that extends over the entire top surface 132 of the mat 26 and a frame 120 that extends at least partially around the edges 44 of the sides 28, 37 and across at least a portion of the lower lip 54 of the sides 30, 38 of the mat 26. Any other suitable configuration may be used.
  • the frame 120 and/or mesh portion 126 may be further coupled to the mat 26, such as with one or more connectors.
  • the mesh portion 126 e.g. Figure 1
  • Bolted mats 26 may be formed, for example, by bolting two mat sections 21a, 21b together with bolts 69 extended through aligned holes 29 formed in the sections 21a, 21b and secured with nuts 71, such as shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 6,511,257 to Seaux et al., entitled "Interlocking Mat System for Construction of Load Supporting Surfaces" and issued on January 28, 2003 (e.g. Figure 6 therein).
  • the booster(s) 188 and metal grounding plate 166 may be coupled to the cover 110, such as described above, in advance or at any desired time after the cover 110 is coupled to the mat 26.
  • the load-supporting surface 16 includes multiple of the exemplary EPZ mats 112 (e.g. Figures 2 , 7 )
  • the overlapping lips 46, 54 of adjacent mats 26 are interconnected using locking pins 34 (e.g. Figures 4 & 5 ) as described above and in one or more of the patents and patent applications.
  • the exemplary locking pins 34 accurately position the adjacent mats 26 relative to one another and firmly interconnect them, avoiding unnecessary rises and falls and helping form a strong electrical connection therebetween.
  • the mats 112 of a multi-mat load-supporting surface 16 may be disconnected from one another.
  • the exemplary cover 110 of each EPZ mat 112 may be removed from its corresponding mat 26 and replaced onto the same or another mat 26. For example, if the cover 110 suffers extensive damage during use, it can be removed, repaired and/or replaced. The mat 26 may be reused with or without the cover 110.
  • the mesh portion 126 of the electrically-conductive cover 110 may include multiple grate panels 200 for any desired purpose, such as to provide ease of manufacture, handling, assembly, disassembly and/or maintenance, assist in preserving the integrity of the cover 110 during use or a combination thereof.
  • the grate panels 200 may have any suitable form, configuration, construction and components. Further, any desired number of grate panels 200 may be used to form a mesh portion 126. In the illustrated example, three grate panels 200a, 200b, 200c are interconnected to form the mesh portion 126 (See also Figures 14-15 ). In other embodiments, only two, four, five or more grate panels 200 may be used.
  • the grate panels 200 may be constructed of any suitable material sufficiently electrically conductive and strong and durable to withstand use as part of a load-supporting surface 16.
  • the grate panels 200 may be at least partially metallic mesh or grating, such as an aluminum mesh configuration.
  • the grate panels 200 may be formed with cut-outs 178.
  • the grate panels 200 may have cut-outs 178 extending to their edges and configured to at least partially surround the locking pin holes 32 formed in the upper lips 46 of the associated mat 26 (See e.g. Figures 14-15 ).
  • the first grate panel 200a includes two short side cut-outs 178a, one long side cut-out 178b and one full corner cut-out 178c.
  • the second exemplary grate panel 200b (e.g. Figure 17 ) includes two long side cut-outs 178b and one partial corner cut-out 178d.
  • the third illustrated grate panel 200c (e.g. Figure 18 ) includes one long side cut-out 178b and one partial corner cut-out 178d.
  • one or more cut-out frames 180 may be used with the grate panels 200.
  • cut-out frames 180 may be coupled to and cover the edges of the grate panels 200 that form the cut-outs 178.
  • rectangular-shaped cut-out frames 180a are shown welded to the grate panels 200 over all of the illustrated cut-outs 178, except the full corner cut-out 178c of the first grate panel 200a (at the first corner 40 of the mat 26) is shown having a U-shaped cut-out frame 180b (See also Figures 14-15 ).
  • the grate panels 200 may be interconnected, and in other embodiments may not be interconnected. When interconnected, the grate panels 200 may be interconnected in any suitable manner. For example, the grate panels 200 may be welded together at their adjacent edges, clamped together or coupled using any other suitable coupling mechanism(s).
  • the cover 110 includes one or more internal frame members 206 for interconnecting adjacent grate panels 200.
  • a first illustrated internal frame member 206a may be welded atop adjacent edges of the first and second grate panel 200a, 200b, and a second internal frame member 206 welded atop adjacent edges of the second and third grate panel 200b, 200c (See also Figures 14-15 ).
  • the internal frame members 206 may be welded underneath the adjacent panels 200, or connected to the panels 200 in any other suitable manner. If desired, the internal frame members 206 may have additional purposes, such as to add strength and/or stiffness to the cover 110 and assist in preserving its integrity during use.
  • the internal frame members 206 may have any suitable form, configuration and components.
  • the internal frame members 206 are elongated.
  • the terms "elongated” and variations thereof mean an item having an overall length that is greater than its average width.
  • the illustrated first internal frame member 206a is longer than the exemplary second internal frame member 206b, which intersects the illustrated adjacent partial corner cut-outs 178d of the grate panels 200b, 200c.
  • the internal frame members 206 may have any suitable construction.
  • the internal frame members 206 may be constructed at least partially of aluminum, steel, stainless steel or other sufficiently electrically-conductive material or a combination thereof, provide the desired strength, durability, rigidity and flexibility for the cover 110 to preserve its integrity during use, such as when the EPZ mat 112 is driven over by vehicles and machinery or other suitable purpose.
  • one or more of the ends 207 of the internal frame members 206 may be interconnected with the outer frame 120 or one or more cut-out frames 180, such as by weld, clamp or other mechanism.
  • both ends 207 of the internal frame members 206a are welded to the adjacent portions of the outer frame 120, while one end of the internal frame member 206b is welded to the adjacent outer frame 120 and its other end welded to the adjacent cut-out frame 180.
  • the mesh portion 126 may be connected to the mats 26 with one or more couplers 62.
  • the couplers 62 may have any suitable form, configuration, constructions, components and operation.
  • the couplers 62 include bolts 69 extending into, but not through, the mat 26.
  • the mesh portion 126 of the exemplary cover 110 of this embodiment is not welded to the bolts 69.
  • a washer 73 may be sandwiched between each exemplary bolt head 70 and the upper surface of the exemplary mesh portion 126.
  • the couplers 62 may extend through the mat 26 and may be releasably secured to the mat 26, such as with one or more nuts 302 (e.g. Figure 42C ) or other connector(s). Any desired number of couplers 62 may be included. In this example, fifteen bolts 69 are shown extending into the mat 26 at predetermined locations; however, more or less couplers 62 may be used.
  • a space 208 is formed between the adjacent upper faces 160 of the frame 120 proximate to the second corner 42 of the mat 26.
  • a corner insert 210 may be affixed to the frame 120 and/or mat 26 in the space 208.
  • the corner insert 210 may have any suitable form, shape, configuration and operation.
  • the corner insert 210 is triangular, or star-shaped (e.g. Figure 19 ), and fills in the space 208.
  • the corner insert 210 may engage the frame 120 and/or mat 26, such as to assist in securing the frame 120 to the mat 26.
  • the corner insert 120 may be welded to the adjacent edges of the frame 120, such as to assist in preserving the integrity of the frame 120 at that location. Also, if desired, one point 212 of the corner insert 210 may be configured to stab into the mat 26 to assist in securing the frame 120 to the mat 26.
  • the electrically-conductive covers 110 on mats 112 with exposed lower lips 54 may extend across the lower lips 54 to fully cover the mats 112.
  • one or more electrically-conductive lip covers 220 are used on one or more of the lower lips 54 of one or more of the mats 26.
  • the mats 112 with lower lips 54 disposed on the perimeter 18 of the load supporting surface 16 may be equipped with lip covers 220.
  • the lip cover 220 may have any suitable form, configuration, construction, components, location and operation.
  • the lip cover 220 may include a lip cover frame 224 and a lip cover mesh portion 230.
  • the lip cover frame 224 may have any or all of the features, characteristics and details of the outer frame 120 as described above and shown in the appended figures
  • the lip cover mesh portion 230 may have any or all of the features, characteristics and details of the mesh portion 126 as described above and shown in the appended figures.
  • the lip cover frame 224 and lip cover mesh portion 230 may be constructed at least partially of aluminum, steel, stainless steel or other sufficiently electrically-conductive material or a combination thereof that allows the associated lower lip 54 to be effectively grounded to the earth or other suitable structure, to provide sufficient strength, durability, rigidity and flexibility to preserve the integrity of the lip cover 220 during use as part of a load-supporting surface 16 or other suitable purpose.
  • the lip cover mesh portion 230 may be constructed at least partially of metallic mesh or grating, such as an aluminum mesh configuration, and the lip cover frame 224 may be a welded rectangular steel frame.
  • the lip cover frame 224 includes (i) a generally flat, elongated, inner frame member, or portion 226, (ii) a generally flat end frame member, or portion, 225 on each end of the lip cover 220 and (iii) an elongated, L-shaped, outer frame member, or portion, 227, all rigidly coupled together.
  • the outer portion 227 of the illustrated lip cover frame 224 is designed to extend at least partially over the respective edge 234 of the lower lip 54 of the corresponding mat 112 (e.g. Figure 21 ) when the lip cover 220 is coupled to the mat 112.
  • the lip cover frame 224 may be coupled to the lip cover mesh portion(s) 230 and in other embodiments may not. When coupled together, any suitable coupling mechanism(s) or technique may be used. In the illustrated example, the lip cover frame 224 and lip cover mesh portion 230 are welded together. For example, the lip cover frame 224 may be welded atop the edges of the lip cover mesh portion 230. In other embodiments, the lip cover mesh portion 230 may be welded atop the lip cover frame 224 or coupled in any other suitable manner.
  • the lip cover 220 may include at least one lip cover conductive interface 238 useful to electrically connect the lip cover 220 to one or more other components, such as the cover 110 of the same mat 26, the cover 110 of one or more other mats 26, another one or more lip covers 220 of the same mat 26 and/or one or more other mats 26, any other desired component(s) or a combination thereof.
  • the lip cover conductive interface(s) 238 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
  • the lip cover conductive interface 238 may include a connector for electrically coupling the lip cover 220 to another component.
  • at least one lip cover conductive interface 238 is configured to electrically connect the lip cover 220 to the cover 110 of the same mat 26.
  • the illustrated lip cover conductive interface 238 extends at least partially along the inner portion 226 of the lip cover frame 224 and contacts the cover 110 to allow electrical conductivity therebetween.
  • the bottom surface 228 of the inner portion 226 of the illustrated lip cover frame 224 overlays and contacts the upward face 160 (and conductive interface 138) of the frame 120 to form an electrically-conductive path therebetween.
  • the lip cover conductive interface 238 may have any other desired form.
  • a distinct lip cover 220 is positionable on the each lower lip 54 of the mat 26.
  • a short lip cover 250 may be configured to extend across substantially the length of the lower lip 54 at the second short side 30 of the mat 26
  • a long lip cover 260 may be configured to extend across substantially the length of the lower lip 54 extending from the second long side 38 of the mat 26.
  • either the short lip cover 250 or the long lip cover 260 may be shorter than the other respective covers 250, 260.
  • the corner short lip cover 254 e.g. Figure 24
  • the other short lip cover(s) 250 e.g. Figures 22-23 ).
  • the lip covers 220 may be formed with one or more cut-outs 178, such as to allow access to one or more locking pin holes 32 on the lower lip 54 of the mat 26, or for any other purpose.
  • one or more cut-out frames 180 may be used with the lip covers 220.
  • cut-out frames 180 may be coupled to and cover the edges of the lip covers 220 that form the cut-outs 178.
  • any desired number of cut-outs 178 and cut-out frame 180 may be included.
  • the exemplary mats 26 e.g. Figure 3
  • the short lip cover 250 e.g. Figure 22
  • the short lip cover 250 may be configured to include three cut-outs 178 to allow access to all of the locking pin holes 32.
  • the short lip cover 250 includes only two cut-outs 178 to allow access to two of the locking pin holes 32 (See also Figure 20 ).
  • the exemplary mats 26 e.g.
  • the long lip cover 260 may be configured to include six cut-outs 178 to allow access to all of the locking pin holes 32.
  • the long lip cover 260 includes only three cut-outs 178 to allow access to three of the locking pin holes 32 (See also Figure 20 ).
  • Other embodiments may include fewer cut-outs 178 on the lip covers 220. It may be necessary or desirable to allow access to only some of the locking pin holes 32 in the respective lower lips 54 through the lip covers 220 depending upon the expected use of the locking pin holes 32. For example, when all the locking pin holes 32 of the lower lips 54 are not needed, fewer cut-outs 178 may be desirable, such as to preserve the integrity, strength and rigidity of the lip covers 220. For another example, in embodiments where the lip covers 220 are secured to the mats 26 via one or more locking pin holes 32, only those locking pin holes 32 needed to adequately secure the lip covers 220 to the mats 26 may be made accessible though the cut-outs 178. For another example, in some embodiments, such as load-supporting surfaces 16 having mats 26 without locking pin holes 32, the lip covers 220 may not include any cut-outs 178.
  • the lip covers 220 may be coupled to the mat 26 in any suitable manner.
  • the lip cover mesh portions 230 may be secured with couplers 62, such as bolts 69, similarly as described above with respect to mesh portions 126 and mesh grate panels 200.
  • the lip cover frame 224 may engage or wrap around one or more edges of the associated lower lip 54.
  • the lip cover 220 may be coupled to the cover 110 disposed on the same mat 26.
  • the lip covers 220 are shown coupled to the illustrated mats 26 by one or more upright members 310, each releasably engaging a locking pin hole 32 in one of the respective lower lips 54 of the associated mats 26.
  • the upright member 310 may have any desired components, configuration, operation and use.
  • the upright member 310 may be, or include, a bar, post, frame or the like.
  • the upright member 310 is a pole 312 useful to support one or more signs, fences or safety barriers, and may be constructed of any suitable material, such as aluminum, steel or fiberglass.
  • the upright member 310 may be releasably engaged with the locking pin hole 32 in any suitable manner.
  • an upright member support system 320 such as the system 300 disclosed in U. S. patent application Serial Number 15/132,410, filed on April 19, 2016 and entitled "Apparatus, System and Methods for Supporting One or More Upright Items from a Support Surface", may be used.
  • multiple upright member support systems 320 are shown supporting multiple poles 312 as part of a safety barrier system 420.
  • U. S. patent application Serial Number 15/132,410 has a common Assignee as the present patent.
  • an electrical connection bar 270 may be used with one or more EPZ mats 112 in the load-supporting surface 16.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may be used for any suitable purpose, such as grounding the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16, electrically connecting the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16 to testing monitoring, measuring or other equipment, electrically interconnecting multiple EPZ mats 112 or a combination thereof.
  • a grounding rod 174 for grounding the load-supporting surface 16 is shown releasably, electrically coupled to the electrical connection bar 270 via a grounding cable 170 and an electrical connector 288.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may serve as part of the conductive interface(s) 138 useful to releasably, electrically connect the EPZ mat 112 with one or more other EPZ mats 112, such as with the use of an electrical connector 288 or other electrically-conductive wire, cable, bar or other electrical connection component(s).
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may be releasably coupled to one or more electrical connection components (e.g. electrical connector(s) 288, wires, cables, pins, testing, monitoring, measuring or other equipment, etc.) in any suitable manner.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may include one or more connection ports 278.
  • the connection port 278 may have any suitable form and configuration.
  • the connection port 278 is an orifice 280 formed into the bar 270.
  • the illustrated connection ports 278 face generally horizontally on the connector bar 270, such as to allow ease of electrical connection therewith, maintain a low profile of the electrical connection components (e.g.
  • connection ports 278 may be included, such to allow flexibility and multiple options in the position(s) and quantity of electrical connections that can be made to the EPZ mat 112 or other desired purpose.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, other electrically-conductive material or a combination thereof, and have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 is a section of rigid angle-iron 271 sufficiently strong and durable to withstand use as part of a load-supporting surface 16.
  • the exemplary bar 270 is elongated, such as to provide space for multiple connection ports 278, maintain a low profile above the top surface 132 of the mat 112, be sufficiently securable to the mat 112 to preserve its electrical contact therewith during use of the load-supporting surface 16 or other desired purpose.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may be configured and positioned to allow cables (e.g. the grounding cable 170), wire and the like to be coupled to the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16 without substantial risk of undesirable coiling or being undesirably draped over or across a substantial portion of one or more electrically-conductive covers 110 in the load-supporting surface 16.
  • cables e.g. the grounding cable 170
  • wire and the like may be coupled to the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16 without substantial risk of undesirable coiling or being undesirably draped over or across a substantial portion of one or more electrically-conductive covers 110 in the load-supporting surface 16.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may be connected to the EPZ mat 112 in any suitable manner.
  • the bar 270 may be welded to the frame 120, mesh portion 126, one or more cut-out frames 180 of the exemplary cover 110 or a combination thereof.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may be releasably coupled to one or more locking pin holes 32 of the mat 26, such as to allow desired positioning of the electrical connection components, or electrical connection with an adjacent mat 112 or other component(s), at a side or corner of the mat 26 or load-supporting surface 16.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 is configured to be releasably connected and electrically coupled to the EPZ mat 112 proximate to its first corner 40, such as to allow desired positioning of the electrical connection components, or electrical connection with an adjacent mat 112 or other component(s), at a side or corner of the mat 26 or load-supporting surface 16.
  • the exemplary electrical connection bar 270 is configured so that when it is coupled to the EPZ mat 112, one leg of the angle-iron 271 is substantially vertically oriented and the connection ports 278 formed therein are oriented generally horizontally.
  • the other illustrated leg of the angle-iron 271 is substantially horizontally oriented to abut and make electrical contact with the electrically-conductive cover 110 and align at least one anchor hole 272 formed therein (e.g. Figure 31 ) over a locking pin hole 32 of the mat 26.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 is shown releasably coupled to two locking pin holes 32 of the EPZ mat 112.
  • a bolt 282 (or other connector, such as a pin, screw etc.) may extend through an anchor hole 272 in the connector bar 270 then through the locking pin hole 32.
  • the exemplary bolt 282 (or other connector) may, for example, be releaseably secured below the mat 112 to a threaded anchor base 284 placed below the locking pin hole 32.
  • the bolt 282 may threadably engage a nut 286 welded to, or otherwise extending from, the upper surface of the anchor base 284.
  • the exemplary anchor base 284 releasably secures the electrical connection bar 270 to the mat 26 at least partially around the locking pin hole 32.
  • any other method and mechanism for coupling the bar 270 to one or more mats 26 may be used.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may be useful at different locations on the mat 112 to provide flexibility in the location of electrical connection components or other desired purpose.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may be coupled to the two locking pin holes 32 closest to the first corner 40 of the mat 26 on either the first long side 37 ( Figures 30-32 ) or the first short side 28 ( Figures 33-35 ) of the mat 26.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may be coupled to different locking pin holes 32 or any other desired portion or component of the mat 112 or load supporting surface 16.
  • the electrical connection bar 270 may be electrically coupled to the EPZ mat 112 in any desired manner.
  • the bar 270 abuts and electrically contacts the electrically-conductive cut-out frames 180 of the cover 110.
  • the bar 270 may also, or instead, abut and electrically contact the mesh portion 126 and/or frame 120 of the cover 110.
  • the bar 270 may be electrically coupled to a different part or component of the mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16.
  • the electrical connector(s) 288 useful for electrically coupling the electrical connection bar 270 (or other component(s) of the mat 112) to one or more other component or mat 112 may have any suitable form, configuration and construction.
  • the electrical connector 288 is a rigid bolt 289 coupled to the bar 270.
  • the electrical connector 288 may be flexible, such as to allow relative movement between the respective mat 112 (or cover 110) and other component without disconnecting therefrom.
  • Other examples of electrical connectors 288 may include one or more pin, flexible member, copper wires, jumper cables 292 (e.g. Figure 37 ), braided steel strips 269 (e.g. Figure 43C ) and the like.
  • the electrical connector 288 may be coupled with slack (e.g. Figure 37 ), such as to allow relative movement between the mat 112 (or cover 110) and other component without disconnecting therefrom.
  • the electrical connector 288 may serve as part of the conductive interface(s) 138 between mats 112.
  • an electrically-conductive corner plate 290 may be used with one or more EPZ mats 112 in the load-supporting surface 16.
  • the corner plate 290 may be used for any suitable purpose, such as to releasably, electrically interconnect multiple EPZ mats 112, ground the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16, electrically connect the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16 to testing, monitoring, measuring or other equipment, or a combination thereof.
  • the corner plate 290 may be useful to electrically connect the EPZ mat 112 to one or more other EPZ mats 112, serving as part of the conductive interface(s) 138 (e.g. Figure 37 ).
  • the corner plate 290 may also or instead be used in addition to one or more other engaged conductive interfaces 138 (e.g. Figure 9 ) of two or more electrically coupled mats 112 to ensure effective electrical interconnection and/or grounding of the mats 112 and/or other components in the load-supporting system 16.
  • the corner plates 290 on adjacent mats 112 are shown releasably electrically coupled to a testing unit 294, such as a 4-wire kelvin-resistance measuring device.
  • the corner plate 290 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, other material or a combination thereof that is sufficiently electrically-conductive and, if desired, strong and durable enough to be useful in the load-supporting surface 16.
  • the corner plate 290 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation.
  • the corner plate 290 may be configured to allow ease of electrical connection therewith, maintain a low profile of the electrical connection components (e.g. electrical connector(s) 288, cables, etc.) above the top surface 132 of the mat 112, minimize the risk of undesired or accidental decoupling of electrical connection components or other desired purpose.
  • the corner plate 290 is generally flat, L-shaped and configured to be physically and electrically coupled, such as by weld, to a corner of the EPZ mat 112, such as to allow desired positioning of the electrical connection components or electrical connection with an adjacent mat 112 or other component(s) at a side or corner of the mat 26 or load-supporting surface 16.
  • the corner plate 290 may be welded to the corner of the frame 120 of the electrically-conductive cover 110. If desired, the corner plate 290 may be coupled to each corner of the frame 120. In other embodiments, the corner plate 290 may be coupled to only select corners of the frame 120 or to any other desired location on the frame 120, mesh portion 126, one or more cut-out frames 180 or other component of the cover 110 or EPZ mat 112, or a combination thereof, such as by weld, electrically-conductive mechanical connector (e.g. pin, bolt, screw) or other method.
  • electrically-conductive mechanical connector e.g. pin, bolt, screw
  • the exemplary corner plate 290 may be releasably coupled to one or more electrical connection components (e.g. electrical connector(s) 188, wires, cables, grounding, testing, monitoring, measuring or other equipment, etc.) in any suitable manner.
  • the corner plate 290 may include one or more connection ports 278.
  • the connection port 278 may have any suitable form and configuration.
  • the connection port 278 is a threaded orifice 280 formed in the corner plate 170 and configured to receive any suitable electrical connector 288 or other connection component, such as a bolt, pin, screw, strip, wire, etc.
  • a testing unit 294 is releasably secured in electrical contact with the corner plates 290 of adjacent mats 112 by electrical connectors 288 (e.g. bolts 296) threadably engaged with orifices 280 of the respective plates 170.
  • connection ports 278 may be included, such to allow flexibility and multiple options in the position(s) and quantity of electrical connections that can be made to the EPZ mat 112 or other desired purpose.
  • the corner plate 290 includes four connection ports 278, but other embodiments may include less (one, two or three) or more (five, six, etc.) connection ports 278.
  • one or more electrical connectors 288 may be used to secure the exemplary corner plate 290 to another component.
  • the electrical connectors 288 include a jumper cable 292 and two bolts 296 releasably electrically coupled to orifices 280 of the respective corner plates 290 of adjacent mats 112 to electrically couple the mats 112 together.
  • the electrical connectors 288 serve as part of the conductive interface(s) 138 between the mats 112.
  • the jumper cable 292 or other electrical connector 288 may be coupled to the corner plate 290 with slack, such as to allow relative movement between the respective mats 112 (or covers 110) without disconnecting the therefrom or other desired purpose.
  • the EPZ mat 112 is configured and arranged to allow some relative movement between the mat 26 and the cover 110, while at least substantially preserving the integrity and desired functioning of the mat 26 and cover 110.
  • the cover 110 is constructed and configured to be rigid enough to perform as part of the EPZ mat 112 and load-supporting surface 16 (e.g. as described above) and flexible enough to bend, flex, expand, contract or a combination thereof relative to the mat 26, such as due to one or more environmental factors (e.g.
  • cover 110 or any component thereof means the cover 110 (or component(s) thereof) is constructed and configured to be rigid enough to perform as part of the EPZ mat 112 and load-supporting surface 16 (e.g. as described above) and flexible enough to bend, flex, expand, contract or a combination thereof relative to the mat 26, such as due to one or more environmental factors (e.g. changing temperatures), movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface 16 or other factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface 16, without decoupling them or undesirably damaging or deforming either the cover 110 or mat 26.
  • environmental factors e.g. changing temperatures
  • the cover 110 may be coupled to the mat 26 sufficiently rigidly to perform as part of the EPZ mat 112 and load-supporting surface 16 (e.g. as described above) and also sufficiently flexibly to allow the mat 26 to bend, flex, expand, contract or a combination thereof relative to the cover 110, such as due to one or more environmental factors (e.g. changing temperatures), movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface 16 or other factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface 16 and without decoupling them or undesirably damaging or deforming either the cover 110 or mat 26.
  • environmental factors e.g. changing temperatures
  • cover 110 or any component thereof means the cover 110 (or component(s) thereof) is coupled to the mat 26 sufficiently rigidly to perform as part of the EPZ mat 112 and load-supporting surface 16 (e.g. as described above) and sufficiently flexibly to allow the mat 26 to bend, flex, expand, contract or a combination thereof relative to the cover 110, such as due to one or more environmental factors (e.g. changing temperatures), movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface 16 or other factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface 16, without decoupling them or undesirably damaging or deforming either the cover 110 or mat 26.
  • environmental factors e.g. changing temperatures
  • acceptable relative movement and variations thereof as used herein with respect to the cover 110 (or any components thereof) and mat 26 (or any components thereof) means movement of either or both the cover 110 and mat 26 (or the referenced component(s) thereof) relative to the other, such as due to one or more environmental factors (e.g. changing temperatures), movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface 16 or other factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface 16, without decoupling them, undesirably damaging or deforming either the cover 110 or mat 26 or substantially diminishing the desired functioning of the mat 112 in the load-supporting surface 16 (e.g. such as described above).
  • environmental factors e.g. changing temperatures
  • the cover 110 may be configured to allow acceptable relative movement between the cover 110 and mat 26 in any suitable manner.
  • the cover 110 does not extend around any edges 44 of the mat 26 (See also Figures 42A-B ).
  • the cover 110 is generally planar and extends at least partially over only the top surface 132 of the mat 26.
  • the frame 120 in this embodiment does not extend around the edges 44 of the exemplary mat 26 on each side 28, 37 having upper lips 46 or across any part of the top 142 of the lower lips 54 of the exemplary mat 26.
  • the frame 110 of this embodiment does not have any underside faces 156 (e.g. Figure 9 ) or upward faces 160 that serve as conductive interfaces 138 in the manner described with respect to the embodiment of Figures 8-9 , which does not fall under the scope of the present invention.
  • the cover 110 may be flexibly coupled to the mat 26 to allow acceptable relative movement in any suitable manner.
  • a plurality of couplers 62 releasably secures the cover 110 to the mat 26.
  • the illustrated couplers 62 include bolts 69, but may include any other form of couplers (e.g. clips, pins, rods, screws, etc.).
  • at least some of the exemplary couplers 62 (i) extend over and through the cover 110 (e.g.
  • the couplers 62 may be the only interconnection of the cover 110 and the associated mat 26. If desired, to allow for some acceptable relative movement, at least some of the couplers 62 may be loosely engaged between, and not rigidly coupled (e.g. by weld) to the cover 110 or mat 26.
  • the inner diameter 304 of the exemplary aperture 300 may be greater than the outer diameter 306 of the elongated body of the coupler 62, allowing some side-to-side relative movement between the mat 26, the coupler 62 and the cover 110.
  • the nuts 302 may not be fully tightened against the bottom face 134 of the mat 26 to allow some relative up-and-down movement between the mat 26, the coupler 62 and the cover 110.
  • the cover 110 and/or mat 26 may be configured to allow for acceptable relative movement therebetween in any other suitable manner.
  • the electrically-conductive cover 110 may be formed with one or more connection ports 278 to releasably, electrically interconnect multiple EPZ mats 112, ground the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16, electrically connect the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16 to testing, monitoring, measuring or other equipment, other desired purpose or a combination thereof.
  • the illustrated connection ports 278 formed in adjacent mats 112 are used to electrically interconnect adjacent EPZ mats 112 and thus serve as part of the conductive interfaces 138 of the mats 112.
  • one or more connection bars 270 e.g. Figure 28
  • corner plates 290 e.g. Figure 36
  • other forms of conductive interfaces 138 or a combination thereof may be used.
  • connection ports 278 formed in this embodiment of the cover 110 may have any suitable form, configuration, construction and operation.
  • the connection ports 278 may be configured to allow ease of electrical connection therewith, maintain a low profile of the electrical connection components (e.g. braided steel strips 298) above the top surface 132 of the mat 112, minimize the risk of undesired or accidental decoupling of electrical connection components or other desired purpose.
  • the connection port 278 is a threaded orifice 280 formed in a corner of the EPZ mat 112, such as to allow desired positioning of the electrical connection components, or electrical connection with an adjacent mat 112 or other component(s), at a side or corner of the mat 26 or load-supporting surface 16.
  • connection port 278 may be formed in the corner of the frame 120 of the electrically-conductive cover 110. If desired, connection ports 278 may be formed in each corner of the frame 120. In other embodiments, one or more connection ports 278 may be formed in only select corners of the frame 120 or at any other desired location on the frame 120, mesh portion 126, one or more cut-out frames 180 or other component of the EPZ mat 112 or a combination thereof.
  • connection port 278 may receive any desired electrical connection components (e.g. electrical connectors 288, grounding, testing, monitoring or other equipment, wires, cables, connector pins, etc.). If desired, multiple connection ports 278 may be included at each location, such to allow flexibility and multiple options in the position(s) and quantity of electrical connections that can be made to the EPZ mat 112 or other desired purpose. In this embodiment, three connection ports 278 are shown at each location, but other embodiments may include less (one or two) or more (four, five, six, etc.) connection ports 278.
  • one or more electrical connectors 288 may be coupled to one or more of the connection ports 278 of the exemplary mat 112.
  • electrical connectors 288 are shown releasably electrically coupled to connection ports 278 on each of four adjacent mats 112 to electrically couple the mats 112 together.
  • the illustrated electrical connectors 288 and connection ports 278 thus serve as the conductive interfaces 138 between the mats 112.
  • the electrical connectors 288 include flexible, braided steel strips 269 and threaded bolts 296.
  • the electrical connectors 288 e.g. strips 269) may be flexible and/or coupled to one or more of the connection ports 278 with slack, such as to allow relative movement between the respective mats 112 (covers 110, connected electrical components, etc.) without disconnecting therefrom.
  • corner plates 290, electrical connection bars 270 and connection ports 278 formed in mats 112 may be used alone, or in combination with one another, or with another one or more conductive interfaces 138 of one or more mats 112 to achieve the desired objective.
  • Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure thus offer advantages over the prior art and are well adapted to carry out one or more of the objects of this disclosure.
  • the present invention does not require each of the components and acts described above and is in no way limited to the above-described embodiments or methods of operation. Any one or more of the above components, features and processes may be employed in any suitable configuration without inclusion of other such components, features and processes.
  • the present invention includes additional features, capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications that have not been specifically addressed herein but are, or will become, apparent from the description herein, the appended drawings and claims.

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  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
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EP16839746.1A 2015-08-27 2016-06-10 Apparatus and methods for electrically grounding at least one mat in a load-supporting surface Active EP3342007B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/838,064 US9368918B2 (en) 2013-10-09 2015-08-27 Apparatus and methods for electrically grounding a load-supporting surface
US15/178,254 US9735510B2 (en) 2013-10-09 2016-06-09 Apparatus and methods for electrically grounding at least one mat in a load-supporting surface
PCT/US2016/036836 WO2017034648A1 (en) 2015-08-27 2016-06-10 Apparatus and methods for electrically grounding at least one mat in a load-supporting surface

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CN (1) CN107925201B (zh)
AU (1) AU2016313174C1 (zh)
BR (2) BR112018003520A2 (zh)
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GB2575272B (en) * 2018-07-03 2021-07-07 Hammer Tech Ltd A barrier system for deterring animals or preventing the build up of static electricity
CN116933097B (zh) * 2023-06-27 2024-04-26 广州汽车集团股份有限公司 车辆的变型数据校验方法、装置、设备及存储介质

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AU2016313174B2 (en) 2018-11-22
CN107925201B (zh) 2020-09-01
BR112018003520A2 (pt) 2018-09-18
PE20180846A1 (es) 2018-05-16
AU2016313174C1 (en) 2019-05-16
BR112018000570B1 (pt) 2019-03-12
CA2954523C (en) 2018-07-31
BR112018000570A2 (pt) 2018-05-22
CA3005530A1 (en) 2017-02-27
ZA201800289B (en) 2018-11-28
CN107925201A (zh) 2018-04-17
CA3005530C (en) 2019-05-14
WO2017034648A1 (en) 2017-03-02
EP3342007A1 (en) 2018-07-04
EP3342007A4 (en) 2019-04-17
AU2016313174A1 (en) 2018-02-08
MX2018002122A (es) 2018-09-18
CA2954523A1 (en) 2017-02-27

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