US20150043970A1 - Bio-access mat - Google Patents
Bio-access mat Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150043970A1 US20150043970A1 US13/962,367 US201313962367A US2015043970A1 US 20150043970 A1 US20150043970 A1 US 20150043970A1 US 201313962367 A US201313962367 A US 201313962367A US 2015043970 A1 US2015043970 A1 US 2015043970A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- access mat
- members
- openings
- mat
- biodegradable
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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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
- E01C9/086—Temporary pavings made of concrete, wood, bitumen, rubber or synthetic material or a combination thereof
-
- 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
- E01C5/14—Pavings made of prefabricated single units made of wooden units
Definitions
- the present invention is in the field of ground surfaces, and specifically in the field of devices that provide a moveable stable base, comprised of biodegradable materials.
- stable bases comprising: a plurality of members, a plurality of poles, and a plurality of dowels, where the combination provides a stable, biodegradable mat. Also disclosed are methods of constructing the above device with biodegradable materials.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the completed assembly of the disclosed bio-access mat.
- FIG. 2 is a cut away view showing the internal components of an embodiment of the mat assembly.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing the features of an embodiment of an end member.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing the features of an embodiment of a middle member.
- the construction of the mat takes advantage of biodegradable materials.
- the mats disclosed herein can be left in place after their use, or the mats can be broken up, burned, or mulched into the soil in the event of site reclamation.
- FIG. 1-4 show schematic drawings of one embodiment of the devices disclosed herein. The devices and the methods are described with reference to FIG. 1-4 , but those of skill in the art recognize that variation, including those described herein, are still within the scope of the present disclosure.
- the device 100 is composed of a number of end members 102 and middle members 104 .
- Each end member 102 and middle member 104 is an elongated piece made from a biodegradable material, as discussed below.
- the middle member is a rectangular cube having a length that is several times greater than the width or the height.
- the end members 102 and middle members 104 comprise regular or irregular geometric shapes.
- the shapes can include: rectangular, square, circular, triangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal shapes.
- the shape of the end members 102 and middle members 104 for a particular unit 100 is similar.
- the illustrated embodiment uses two end members 102 and twelve middle members 104 .
- additional end members 102 and/or additional middle members 104 are consistent with the present disclosure and are fully contemplated herein.
- a number of poles 106 run through the end members 102 and middle members 104 .
- the poles 106 hold the members 102 and 104 in place and do not allow the members to move relative to each other.
- a number of dowels 108 are inserted into each pole 106 .
- two dowels 108 per pole 106 are provided, where one dowel 108 is inserted near the each end of each pole 106 .
- the dowels 108 prevent the members 102 and 104 from slipping out of the pole 106 or from becoming loose, so that extra space is created between the middle members 104 .
- each pole 106 runs through the end members 104 and middle members 102 .
- each pole 106 extends from one end member 102 through each middle member 104 to another end member 102 .
- This embodiment uses one dowel 108 to secure each end of each pole 106 to each end member 102 .
- the end member 102 features a number of openings 302 and alternate openings 304 .
- This embodiment features seven openings 302 which are intersected by seven alternate openings 304 .
- each opening 302 receives a pole 106
- each alternate opening 304 receives a dowel 108 .
- an end member 102 there is no difference in structure between an end member 102 and a middle member 104 .
- all the members are the same, each one having all the requisite number of openings 302 and 304 .
- Any member that is a the edge of the unit 100 is considered an end member 102 and any member that is not at the edge is considered a middle member 104 .
- the middle member features a number of openings 402 .
- This embodiment features seven openings 402 .
- each opening 402 allows passage of a pole 106 .
- top and bottom surface refer to the surface of the access mat that comes into contact with the persons or equipment being moved over the mat.
- Bottom surface refer to the surface of the access mat that comes into contact with the ground over which the mat is placed.
- the top surface comprises a texture suitable for pedestrian or equipment traffic. That is, the top surface provides proper traction for equipment, such as automobiles or other wheeled vehicles, or pedestrians to move over the access mat without slipping.
- the bottom surface comprises a texture suitable to grip the ground. That is, the bottom surface provides proper traction so that the access mat does not slip on the ground and provides a stable surface.
- the top and bottom surfaces may feature the same texture to allow the unit to be used in either orientation.
- the elements of the assembly 100 may be entirely, or in combination, composed of biodegradable materials.
- the elements may be composed of wood or biodegradable polymers or plastics.
- biodegradable plastics include, but are not limited to, those having aliphatic polyesters, whose ester bonds are hydrolyzable and are amenable to microbial attack.
- Some examples include, but are not limited to, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), such as the poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) and polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH).
- PHA polylactic acid
- PBS polybutylene succinate
- PCL polycaprolactone
- PAN polyanhydrides
- polyvinyl alcohol starch derivatives
- cellulose esters such as cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose and their derivatives (celluloid).
- the pole 106 may extend along a different direction than the disclosed embodiment.
- the number of dowels 108 may differ from the number of poles 106 .
- a single dowel may extend through more than one pole 106 .
- the dowel 108 may extend horizontally, or in the direction of the length of middle members 104 , thereby running through a plurality of poles 106 .
- the dowels 108 may be omitted.
- the end of each pole may be capped or secured by another means.
- multiple units 100 may be placed adjacent to create a larger area or a pathway.
- the multiple units 100 will not feature a connecting mechanism.
- a separate connecting mechanism will bind the units 100 .
- a connecting mechanism could span from the opening 302 or alternate opening 304 of the end member of one unit 100 to the opening 302 or alternate opening 304 of another unit 100 .
- the poles 106 are of variable length. In some of these embodiments, the poles 106 are telescopic, such that their length can be increased or decreased depending on the use. In other embodiments, two or more poles 106 can be attached to each other end-to-end to increase the length of the resulting pole 106 . In some of these embodiments, the two poles 106 that connect to each other are of the same length whereas in other embodiments, the two poles 106 are of different length. By increasing or decreasing the length of the poles 106 , the user can increase or decrease, respectively, the width of the unit 100 that is used for a particular application.
- two or more units 100 can be shaped so as to interlock with one another.
- the unit 100 comprises a regular or irregular geometric shape.
- the shapes can include: rectangular, square, circular, triangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal shapes.
- the openings 302 and alternate openings 304 are of the same size to allow the end member 102 to change orientation.
- the end member 102 can replace the middle member 104 .
- the number of members 102 used can change the size or shape of the mat 100 .
- the presently disclosed devices and methods provide an access mat to be placed on the ground. Further, the materials of the access mat are biodegradable, allowing greater sensitivity to the environmental impact and disturbance to the natural surroundings.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Biological Depolymerization Polymers (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed are stable bases comprising: a plurality of members, a plurality of poles, and a plurality of dowels, where the combination provides a stable, biodegradable mat. Also disclosed are methods of constructing the above device with biodegradable materials.
Description
- The present invention is in the field of ground surfaces, and specifically in the field of devices that provide a moveable stable base, comprised of biodegradable materials.
- When using heavy equipment in locations with snow or soft ground, a stable base, or access mat, is needed to prevent the equipment and persons from sinking into the snow or soft ground. Normally, these mats must be removed from the site after use to reduce the environmental impact, greatly increasing costs. Thus, new mats are needed that are less costly and have negligible environmental impact.
- Disclosed are stable bases comprising: a plurality of members, a plurality of poles, and a plurality of dowels, where the combination provides a stable, biodegradable mat. Also disclosed are methods of constructing the above device with biodegradable materials.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the completed assembly of the disclosed bio-access mat. -
FIG. 2 is a cut away view showing the internal components of an embodiment of the mat assembly. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing the features of an embodiment of an end member. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing the features of an embodiment of a middle member. - Disclosed herein are devices and methods for the creation of a stable platform, better known as an access mat. The construction of the mat takes advantage of biodegradable materials. The mats disclosed herein can be left in place after their use, or the mats can be broken up, burned, or mulched into the soil in the event of site reclamation.
-
FIG. 1-4 show schematic drawings of one embodiment of the devices disclosed herein. The devices and the methods are described with reference toFIG. 1-4 , but those of skill in the art recognize that variation, including those described herein, are still within the scope of the present disclosure. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , disclosed herein is aplatform 100. Thedevice 100 is composed of a number ofend members 102 andmiddle members 104. - Each
end member 102 andmiddle member 104 is an elongated piece made from a biodegradable material, as discussed below. In some embodiments, the middle member is a rectangular cube having a length that is several times greater than the width or the height. In some embodiments, theend members 102 andmiddle members 104 comprise regular or irregular geometric shapes. By way of example only, the shapes can include: rectangular, square, circular, triangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal shapes. In some embodiments, the shape of theend members 102 andmiddle members 104 for aparticular unit 100 is similar. - The illustrated embodiment uses two
end members 102 and twelvemiddle members 104. However, it is apparent to the skilled artisan that other embodiments havingadditional end members 102 and/oradditional middle members 104 are consistent with the present disclosure and are fully contemplated herein. - In some embodiments, a number of
poles 106 run through theend members 102 andmiddle members 104. Thepoles 106 hold themembers - In some embodiments, a number of
dowels 108 are inserted into eachpole 106. In some embodiments, twodowels 108 perpole 106 are provided, where onedowel 108 is inserted near the each end of eachpole 106. Thedowels 108 prevent themembers pole 106 or from becoming loose, so that extra space is created between themiddle members 104. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , eachpole 106 runs through theend members 104 andmiddle members 102. In this embodiment, eachpole 106 extends from oneend member 102 through eachmiddle member 104 to anotherend member 102. This embodiment uses onedowel 108 to secure each end of eachpole 106 to eachend member 102. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , theend member 102 features a number ofopenings 302 andalternate openings 304. This embodiment features sevenopenings 302 which are intersected by sevenalternate openings 304. In this embodiment, eachopening 302 receives apole 106, and eachalternate opening 304 receives adowel 108. - In some embodiments, there is no difference in structure between an
end member 102 and amiddle member 104. In these embodiments, all the members are the same, each one having all the requisite number ofopenings unit 100 is considered anend member 102 and any member that is not at the edge is considered amiddle member 104. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , the middle member features a number ofopenings 402. This embodiment features sevenopenings 402. In this embodiment, eachopening 402 allows passage of apole 106. - With respect to the devices disclosed herein, “top” and “top surface” refer to the surface of the access mat that comes into contact with the persons or equipment being moved over the mat. “Bottom” and “bottom surface” refer to the surface of the access mat that comes into contact with the ground over which the mat is placed.
- In some embodiments, the top surface comprises a texture suitable for pedestrian or equipment traffic. That is, the top surface provides proper traction for equipment, such as automobiles or other wheeled vehicles, or pedestrians to move over the access mat without slipping. In some embodiments, the bottom surface comprises a texture suitable to grip the ground. That is, the bottom surface provides proper traction so that the access mat does not slip on the ground and provides a stable surface. In other embodiments, the top and bottom surfaces may feature the same texture to allow the unit to be used in either orientation.
- In some embodiments, the elements of the
assembly 100 may be entirely, or in combination, composed of biodegradable materials. By way of example only, the elements may be composed of wood or biodegradable polymers or plastics. Examples of biodegradable plastics include, but are not limited to, those having aliphatic polyesters, whose ester bonds are hydrolyzable and are amenable to microbial attack. Some examples include, but are not limited to, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), such as the poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) and polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH). Other examples include, but are not limited to, polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyanhydrides, polyvinyl alcohol, starch derivatives, cellulose esters, such as cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose and their derivatives (celluloid). - In some embodiments, the
pole 106 may extend along a different direction than the disclosed embodiment. - In some embodiments, the number of
dowels 108 may differ from the number ofpoles 106. By way of example only, a single dowel may extend through more than onepole 106. For example, thedowel 108 may extend horizontally, or in the direction of the length ofmiddle members 104, thereby running through a plurality ofpoles 106. - In other embodiments, the
dowels 108 may be omitted. By way of example only, the end of each pole may be capped or secured by another means. - In some embodiments,
multiple units 100 may be placed adjacent to create a larger area or a pathway. - In some embodiments, the
multiple units 100 will not feature a connecting mechanism. In other embodiments, a separate connecting mechanism will bind theunits 100. By way of example only, a connecting mechanism could span from theopening 302 oralternate opening 304 of the end member of oneunit 100 to theopening 302 oralternate opening 304 of anotherunit 100. - In some embodiments, the
poles 106 are of variable length. In some of these embodiments, thepoles 106 are telescopic, such that their length can be increased or decreased depending on the use. In other embodiments, two ormore poles 106 can be attached to each other end-to-end to increase the length of the resultingpole 106. In some of these embodiments, the twopoles 106 that connect to each other are of the same length whereas in other embodiments, the twopoles 106 are of different length. By increasing or decreasing the length of thepoles 106, the user can increase or decrease, respectively, the width of theunit 100 that is used for a particular application. - In some embodiments, two or
more units 100 can be shaped so as to interlock with one another. - In some embodiments, the
unit 100 comprises a regular or irregular geometric shape. By way of example only, the shapes can include: rectangular, square, circular, triangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonal shapes. - In some embodiments, the
openings 302 andalternate openings 304 are of the same size to allow theend member 102 to change orientation. - In some embodiments, the
end member 102 can replace themiddle member 104. By way of example only, the number ofmembers 102 used can change the size or shape of themat 100. - As those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate, the presently disclosed devices and methods provide an access mat to be placed on the ground. Further, the materials of the access mat are biodegradable, allowing greater sensitivity to the environmental impact and disturbance to the natural surroundings.
Claims (13)
1. An access mat comprising:
a plurality of middle members, each middle member comprising a plurality of openings;
two end members, each end member comprising a plurality of openings; and
a plurality of poles, wherein each pole traversing the plurality of middle members and the plurality of end members through one set of aligned plurality of openings.
2. The access mat of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of dowels, each dowel inserted into an end of each of the plurality of poles, thereby preventing the pole from sliding out of the plurality of openings.
3. The access mat of claim 1 , having a top surface and a bottom surface.
4. The access mat of claim 3 , wherein the top surface comprises a texture configured for pedestrian or equipment traffic.
5. The access mat of claim 3 , wherein the bottom surface comprises a texture suitable to grip the ground.
6. The access mat of claim 1 , wherein the access mat is composed of biodegradable material.
7. The access mat of claim 6 , wherein the biodegradable material is selected from the group consisting of wood, biodegradable polymers, and biodegradable plastics.
8. The access mat of claim 6 , wherein the biodegradable material is selected from the group consisting of a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), a polyanhydride, polyvinyl alcohol, a starch derivative, a cellulose ester, cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, and celluloid.
9. A method of providing a stable access mat, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of middle members, each middle member comprising a plurality of openings;
providing two end members, each end member comprising a plurality of openings;
providing a plurality of poles,
inserting each pole through one set of aligned plurality of openings of the plurality of middle members and the plurality of end members.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising inserting a dowel into an opening at an end of each pole.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the access mat is composed of biodegradable material.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the biodegradable material is selected from the group consisting of wood, biodegradable polymers, and biodegradable plastics.
13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the biodegradable material is selected from the group consisting of a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (PHV) polyhydroxyhexanoate (PHH), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), a polyanhydride, polyvinyl alcohol, a starch derivative, a cellulose ester, cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, and celluloid.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/962,367 US20150043970A1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2013-08-08 | Bio-access mat |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/962,367 US20150043970A1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2013-08-08 | Bio-access mat |
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US20150043970A1 true US20150043970A1 (en) | 2015-02-12 |
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US13/962,367 Abandoned US20150043970A1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2013-08-08 | Bio-access mat |
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150056013A1 (en) * | 2013-08-22 | 2015-02-26 | Brian Brown | Pervious Paving Mat with Raised Teeth |
WO2019090186A1 (en) * | 2017-11-03 | 2019-05-09 | Axion Structural Innovations | Mat assembly for use in construction and method of constructing or repairing same |
US11486100B2 (en) * | 2020-10-28 | 2022-11-01 | Lone Pine Forest Products | Access mat system and method of assembly |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6739562B2 (en) * | 2000-03-31 | 2004-05-25 | John Rice | Bracket for bridging member for metal stud wall |
US7137226B2 (en) * | 2002-07-10 | 2006-11-21 | John E. Anthony | Laminated support mat |
US8906480B2 (en) * | 2012-12-05 | 2014-12-09 | Anthony Hardwood Composites, Inc. | Reinforced laminated support mat |
-
2013
- 2013-08-08 US US13/962,367 patent/US20150043970A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6739562B2 (en) * | 2000-03-31 | 2004-05-25 | John Rice | Bracket for bridging member for metal stud wall |
US7137226B2 (en) * | 2002-07-10 | 2006-11-21 | John E. Anthony | Laminated support mat |
US8906480B2 (en) * | 2012-12-05 | 2014-12-09 | Anthony Hardwood Composites, Inc. | Reinforced laminated support mat |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
webpage: http://www.woodpeck.com/crossdoweljig.html * |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150056013A1 (en) * | 2013-08-22 | 2015-02-26 | Brian Brown | Pervious Paving Mat with Raised Teeth |
US9228299B2 (en) * | 2013-08-22 | 2016-01-05 | Brian Brown | Pervious paving mat with raised teeth |
WO2019090186A1 (en) * | 2017-11-03 | 2019-05-09 | Axion Structural Innovations | Mat assembly for use in construction and method of constructing or repairing same |
US11486100B2 (en) * | 2020-10-28 | 2022-11-01 | Lone Pine Forest Products | Access mat system and method of assembly |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |