U.S. patent application number 12/117799 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-27 for ground covering support structure.
Invention is credited to Ian BARNETT, Greg FARNEY, Mike MCGINLEY.
Application Number | 20080292397 12/117799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40072551 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080292397 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FARNEY; Greg ; et
al. |
November 27, 2008 |
GROUND COVERING SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Abstract
A ground covering support structure is provided comprising a
plurality of longitudinally aligned boards secured to one another
using a plurality of transversely extending rods; and at least one
aperture formed in the access mat, the at least one aperture being
aligned with a corresponding one of the rods such that an exposed
portion of the corresponding one of the rods passes through the
aperture, each the at least one aperture containing a retractable
lifting link, the retractable lifting link comprising a lifting
eyelet and an elongated slot; wherein the rod passes through the
elongate slot to restrict movement of the link through the
aperture. The boards may advantageously be constructed using
recycled beetle kill lumber or similar recycled materials.
Inventors: |
FARNEY; Greg; (Calgary,
CA) ; MCGINLEY; Mike; (Calgary, CA) ; BARNETT;
Ian; (Sundre, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLAKE, CASSELS & GRAYDON LLP
BOX 25, COMMERCE COURT WEST, 199 BAY STREET, SUITE 2800
TORONTO
ON
M5L 1A9
CA
|
Family ID: |
40072551 |
Appl. No.: |
12/117799 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60917280 |
May 10, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/32 ; 404/40;
404/86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 9/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/32 ; 404/40;
404/86 |
International
Class: |
E01C 5/18 20060101
E01C005/18 |
Claims
1. A ground covering support structure comprising a plurality of
longitudinally aligned boards secured to one another using a
plurality of transversely extending rods; and at least one aperture
formed in said access mat, said at least one aperture being aligned
with a corresponding one of said rods such that an exposed portion
of said corresponding one of said rods passes through said
aperture, each said at least one aperture containing a retractable
lifting link, said retractable lifting link comprising a lifting
eyelet and an elongated slot; wherein said rod passes through said
elongate slot to restrict movement of said link through said
aperture.
2. The support structure according to claim 1, said at least one
aperture extending through a respective one of said boards.
3. The support structure according to claim 1, said at least one
aperture being cut as a notch along one side of a respective one of
said boards such that one wall of said aperture is provided by an
adjacent board.
4. The support structure according to claim 1, said at least one
aperture comprising a bevel along at least a portion of one
edge.
5. The support structure according to claim 1, said at least one
aperture being sized substantially similar to said lifting link to
restrict pivotal movement thereof.
6. The support structure according to claim 1, said at least one
aperture being longer in the longitudinal dimension of said board
than the width of said link such that pivotal movement of said link
is accommodated.
7. The support structure according to claim 6, said at least one
aperture comprising a bevel.
8. The support structure according to claim 1, said at least one
board being constructed of a recycled material such as beetle kill
lumber, plastic or rubber.
9. The support structure according to claim 1 wherein said link is
formed as an elongate member rounded at each end, said lifting
eyelet being, formed at one end and said elongated slot being
extending from the other end towards said eyelet.
10. The support structure according to claim 1 wherein said
corresponding one of said rods passes through substantially the
centre of said at least one aperture.
11. The support structure according to claim 1 wherein said rod is
threaded at one end to accommodate a nut and is bent at another end
to retain said rod.
12. The support structure according to claim 1 further comprising a
radio frequency identification tag affixed thereto.
13. A ground covering support structure comprising a plurality of
longitudinally aligned boards secured to one another using a
plurality of transversely extending rods; and at least one aperture
formed in said access mat, said at least one aperture being aligned
with a corresponding one of said rods such that an exposed portion
of said corresponding one of said rods passes through said
aperture.
14. The support structure according to claim 13 wherein said
corresponding one of said rods passes through substantially the
centre of said at least one aperture.
15. The support structure according to claim 13, said at least one
aperture extending through a respective one of said boards.
16. The support structure according to claim 13, said at least one
aperture being cut as a notch along one side of a respective one of
said boards such that one wall of said aperture is provided by an
adjacent board.
17. The support structure according to claim 13, said at least one
aperture comprising a bevel along at least a portion of one
edge.
18. The support structure according to claim 13, said at least one
aperture being sized substantially similar to said lifting link to
restrict pivotal movement thereof.
19. The support structure according to claim 13, said at least one
aperture being longer in the longitudinal dimension of said board
than the width of said link such that pivotal movement of said link
is accommodated.
20. The support structure according to claim 19, said at least one
aperture comprising a bevel.
21. The support structure according to claim 13, said at least one
board being constructed of a recycled material such as beetle kill
lumber, plastic or rubber.
22. The support structure according to claim 13 wherein said rod is
threaded at one end to accommodate a nut and is bent at another end
to retain said rod.
23. The support structure according to claim 13 further comprising
a radio frequency identification tag affixed thereto.
24. A ground covering support structure comprising at least one
aperture formed therein, each said at least one aperture containing
a retractable lifting link secured therein by a rod passing
therethrough, said retractable lifting link comprising a lifting
eyelet and an elongated slot; wherein said rod passes through said
elongate slot to restrict movement of said link through said
aperture.
25. The support structure according to claim 24, said at least one
aperture extending through a respective one of said boards.
26. The support structure according to claim 24 wherein said link
is formed as an elongate member rounded at each end, said lifting
eyelet being formed at one end and said elongated slot being
extending from the other end towards said eyelet.
27. The support structure according to claim 24, said at least one
aperture being cut as a notch along one side of a respective one of
said boards such that one wall of said aperture is provided by an
adjacent board.
28. The support structure according to claim 24, said at least one
aperture comprising a bevel along at least a portion of one
edge.
29. The support structure according to claim 24, said at least one
aperture being sized substantially similar to said lifting link to
restrict pivotal movement thereof.
30. The support structure according to claim 24, said at least one
aperture being longer in the longitudinal dimension of said board
than the width of said link such that pivotal movement of said link
is accommodated.
31. The support structure according to claim 30, said at least one
aperture comprising a bevel.
32. The support structure according to claim 24, said at least one
board being constructed of a recycled material such as beetle kill
lumber, plastic or rubber.
33. The support structure according to claim 24 wherein said rod is
threaded at one end to accommodate a nut and is bent at another end
to retain said rod.
34. The support structure according to claim 24 further comprising
a radio frequency identification tag affixed thereto.
35. A retractable lifting link to permit lifting a ground covering
support structure, said lifting link comprising a lifting eyelet
and an elongated slot to enable said lifting link to be secured
within an aperture in said support structure by a rod passing
therethrough such that movement of said lifting link through said
aperture is restricted.
36. The lifting link according to claim 35 wherein said link is
formed as an elongate member rounded at each end, said lifting
eyelet being formed at one end and said elongated slot being
extending from the other end towards said eyelet.
37. A ground covering support structure comprising at least one
board constructed of a recycled material such as beetle kill
lumber, plastic or rubber.
38. The support structure according to claim 37 further comprising
a radio frequency identification tag affixed thereto.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/917,280 filed on May 10, 2007, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The following relates generally to ground covering support
structures and has particular utility in providing temporary
roadways or around cover for large, outdoor work areas such as at a
well site or a construction site.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In remote and unstable environments, a stable roadway (or
any roadway) may not exist. Temporary roadways are sometimes
assembled by aligning planks, boards or "mats" along a desired
path. Such temporary roadways or otherwise ground covering support
structures are commonly referred to as access rig or oilfield mats.
The mats enable trucks and other equipment to drive over, store
equipment on, or create camp sites on otherwise unstable land by
providing a relatively level and stable surface.
[0004] Where many access mats are required to build a temporary
roadway, it can be onerous to transport and assemble the mats into
position. Some prior access mats such as those shown in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,600,336 to Waller, Jr.; 5,713,695 to Rogers and U.S.
Publication No. 2006/0034654 to Sanders; provide lifting points,
however, these lifting points can either be difficult to access or
may provide a trip hazard when protruding from the upper
surface.
[0005] Where the lifting points are difficult to access, the
loading/unloading, and moving of the mats can be hindered, and trip
hazards can create unsafe working environments.
[0006] It is therefore an object of the following to obviate or
mitigate the above-mentioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one aspect, there is provided a ground covering support
structure comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned boards
secured to one another using, a plurality of transversely extending
rods; and at least one aperture formed in the support structure,
the at least one aperture being aligned with a corresponding one of
the rods such that an exposed portion of the corresponding one of
the rods passes through the aperture, each the at least one
aperture containing a retractable lifting link, the retractable
lifting link comprising a lifting eyelet and an elongated slot;
wherein the rod passes through the elongate slot to restrict
movement of the link through the aperture.
[0008] In another aspect, there is provided a ground covering
support structure comprising a plurality of longitudinally aligned
boards secured to one another using a plurality of transversely
extending rods; and at least one aperture formed in the support
structure, the at least one aperture being aligned with a
corresponding one of the rods such that an exposed portion of the
corresponding one of the rods passes through the aperture.
[0009] In yet another aspect, there is provided a ground covering
support structure comprising at least one aperture formed therein,
each the at least one aperture containing a retractable lifting
link secured therein by a rod passing therethrough, the retractable
lifting link comprising a lifting eyelet and an elongated slot;
wherein the rod passes through the elongate slot to restrict
movement of the link through the aperture.
[0010] In yet another aspect, there is provided a retractable
lifting link to permit lifting a ground covering support structure,
the lifting link comprising a lifting eyelet and an elongated slot
to enable the lifting link to be secured within an aperture in the
support structure by a rod passing therethrough such that movement
of the lifting link through the aperture is restricted.
[0011] In yet another aspect, there is provided a ground covering
support structure comprising at least one board constructed of a
recycled material such as beetle kill lumber, plastic or
rubber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way
of example only with reference to the appended drawings
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an access mat.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A shown in
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the access mat of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the access mat of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a pictorial view showing the unloading of the
access mat of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 6 is an assembly view showing portion A of FIG. 1 with
a lifting link.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the lifting link of FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a sectional view along the line B-B in FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 9 is the sectional view of FIG. 8 assembled with the
lifting link of FIG. 7 in one configuration.
[0022] FIG. 10 is the sectional view of FIG. 9 in another
configuration.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a partial plan view of another embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of portion A along line B-B in
yet another embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the portion shown
in FIG. 12.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of portion A along line B-B in
yet another embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 15 is an enlarged portion of the plan view shown in
FIG. 4.
[0028] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a rod.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, an access mat 10 is constructed
from a series of longitudinally aligned boards 12 attached to each
other. It will be appreciated that the access mat may be generally
considered as a ground covering support structure that can be used
to create temporary roadways as well as any outdoor work area such
as at a well site or a construction site.
[0030] The boards 12 are preferably made from a recycled material
such as beetle kill lumber e.g.--Douglas Fir or pine, which is
relatively inexpensive and can be salvaged and reused for
additional environmental benefits. It will be appreciated that
recycled plastics or rubber materials can also be used, as well as
new materials depending on the application and/or expected
environment. The boards 12 are attached by a series of transversely
extending rods 16. In the example shown in FIG. 1, four rods 16 are
used. Aligned with the endmost rods 16, a series of apertures 14
are formed in selected boards 12. In the arrangement shown in FIG.
1, four apertures 14 are formed in the corner portions of the mat
10 such that the intersection of lines passing diagonally across
the mat 10 is approximately in alignment with the centre of the mat
10. Such an alignment is used to balance lifting loads as will be
explained below. Preferably, the apertures 14 are symmetrically
spaced as shown in FIG. 1.
[0031] The apertures 14 may be cut or mortised through the middle
portion of the boards 12 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 or may be cut
or mortised as notches 14a along one edge of the board 12 as shown
in FIG. 11. The notches 14a simplify construction of the selected
boards 12 by reducing the number of cuts made and/or simplifying
the machinery required to create the apertures 14. The apertures 14
may also comprise an inwardly and downwardly angled bevel 28 cut
around the perimeter of the opening on the upper surface of the
board 12 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 (referred to hereinafter as
aperture 14b). A similar gouge or partial bevel along one edge of
the aperture 14 may also be used.
[0032] When aligned, the boards 12 may be secured to each other
along their respective lengths by drilling through the boards and
embedding the rods 16. As can be seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, in one
embodiment, the rods 16 are threaded at one end to accommodate a
nut 17 and link (not shown) and are given a bent portion 19 at the
other end. When assembled, the holes in the board 12 at one end can
be countersunk to accommodate the nut 17 and a routered pocket 21
can be cut into the board 12 at the other end such that the bent
portion 19 countersinks into the board 12 when the nut 17 is
tightened on the rod 16. The bent portion 19 enables the mat 10 to
be assembled by tightening at only one end rather than having to
tighten at both ends. Since it is preferable to countersink the nut
17, only having to tighten one end increases the efficiency of the
assembly process. It has been found that 1'' rods and up to 11/4''
holes provides an adequate fit between the boards 12 and the rod
16.
[0033] The endmost rods 16 are aligned with the apertures 14 such
that an exposed portion 18 of the respective rods 16 pass
substantially through the centre of the aperture 14 as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 4. As can be seen in FIG. 3, when assembled, the access
mat 10 can provide a stable surface atop a region of underlying
material 20 such as earth or stones. The mats 10 can be placed end
to end to form a temporary roadway over such underlying material
20.
[0034] The apertures 14 can be sized such that the exposed portions
18 of the rods 16 provide a set of lifting points. For such an
embodiment, the apertures 14 would be sized to accommodate an
appropriately sized hook or other attachment mechanism.
[0035] In another embodiment illustrated pictorially in FIG. 5, a
transport vehicle 23 having a crane with lifting cables 25 (or
other similar lifting apparatus) can rely on a series of
retractable lifting links 22 that can be retrieved from the
apertures 14 to hoist the access mat 10. As can be seen in FIG. 6,
the links 22 can be attached to the mat 10 by inserting the rods 16
through an elongated slot 26 such that the link 22 pulls against
the exposed portion 18 to thereby lift the mat 10. The link 22 also
provides a lifting eyelet 24 or other suitable aperture, hole or
slot to accommodate the attachment of a hook or lifting mechanism.
The link 22 is also shown in FIG. 7. It can be seen by referring to
FIGS. 7 through 10 that the elongated slot 26 permits the link 22
to be pulled out from the aperture 14 for lifting, and permits the
link 22 to be hidden within the board 12 when not in use. In this
way, when the access mat 10 is in situ, the link 22 does not create
a trip hazard. However, the link 22 is readily accessible when the
mat 10 is to be lifted and/or transported.
[0036] It can be appreciated that the apertures 14, 14a, 14b can be
sized to restrict pivotal movement of the links 22 about the rods
16 as shown best in FIGS. 9 and 10 or may be sized similar to the
proportions shown in FIG. 6 to permit a predefined amount of
pivotal movement as shown in FIG. 14. In order to adjust the amount
of pivotal movement permitted, the rods 16 can be realigned towards
the upper surface of the mat 10 and the apertures 14b with bevel 2S
used to provide additional maneuverability. The pivotal rotation
enables the link 22 to naturally align with the tension forces in
the lifting cables 25 to reduce wear and stress on the boards 12
when the mat 10 is being lifted. A similar gouge or partial bevel
may instead be provided along only one edge of the aperture 14 so
as to provide better access to the link 22.
[0037] As noted above, the access mat 10 can be constructed of a
recycled product such as beetle kill lumber such as Douglas fir or
pine that has been found to be capable of withstanding
approximately 30,000 lbs or more. Other materials may instead be
selected to accommodate different loads in different environments.
The advantages of using beetle kill lumber or similar waste
products is that the material may be relatively inexpensive to
acquire and provides an environmental benefit. Where the access
mats 10 are to be constructed for temporary use and discarded
later, the use of a recycled cost effective material is also
desirable.
[0038] As can be seen in FIG. 1, a radio frequency identification
(RFID) tag 7 can be embedded into the access mats 10 in a routered
pocket 8 to enable the access mats 10 to be included in an
inventory system (not shown). The RD tags 7 provide an owner and/or
renter of the mats 10 with a unique identification serial number
for each individual mat 10. Where many mats 10 are being used
and/or rented, this enables the tracking and reconciliation of the
inventory. In this way, e.g., as mats 10 are unloaded off of the
vehicle 23, an REID reader (not shown) can record each mat 10 that
is placed at that particular job site. Therefore, inventory
associated with that job site can be recorded for later referral,
billing, etc. As mats 10 are later loaded back onto the vehicle 23,
they can again be scanned or read to ensure that all mats 10 are
accounted for. It will be appreciated that the RFID tags 7 can be
active or passive and other tracking devices such as barcodes (not
shown) could similarly be used. Although the REID tag 7 is shown as
being embedded on the side of the mat 10, it will be appreciated
that it may be embedded on the top, bottom, end etc. Preferably,
the RFID tags 7 are sealed in the pocket 8 using a suitable
adhesive or epoxy for protection, waterproofing and to not degrade
the signals.
[0039] To assemble the access mat 10, each board 12 is drilled to
accommodate the rods 16 whereby one hole is drilled in each board
12 for each rod 16. A drilling station can be used with a drill
press for each hole to ensure a consistent spacing between the
holes. The holes for the appropriate board 12 are then counter sunk
to accommodate the nuts 17 at one end of the mat and the board 12
for the other end of the mat 10 is routered to provide the
appropriate number of pockets 21. The appropriate selection of
boards 12 are then cut or mortised to form a series of apertures
14, which may be notches 14a or complete passages and may include a
bevel 28 or gouge for accessing the link 22.
[0040] The boards 12 consequently comprise a series of holes of
which one hole is aligned substantially centrally across each
aperture 14 as shown in FIG. 2. Also, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16,
the appropriate board 12 includes countersunk holes and the
appropriate board includes routered pockets 21 for containing the
bent portions 19. It will be appreciated that there may be any
number of apertures 14 and any number of rods 16 with corresponding
countersinks and pockets 21. However, the symmetrical arrangement
shown in FIG. 1 is preferred.
[0041] In each aperture 14, a link 22 may then be placed with the
lifting eyelets 24 facing up such that when the rods 16 are
embedded or fed into the boards 12, the exposed portions 18 of each
pass through the respective elongated slots 26. The rods 16 are fed
through the boards 12 by inserting the threaded end into the
pocketed board and then through the remaining board until it
emerges at the other side of the mat 10 where the nut 17 is
tightened thus countersinking the rod 16 at both ends. As the rods
16 are embedded, the boards 12 are preferably secured against each
other longitudinally and a suitable adhesive may be used to
strengthen the assembly if desired. When assembled, the boards 12
may be trimmed at each end to provide flush end faces to
accommodate end-to-end alignment.
[0042] The mat 10 may be lifted onto the vehicle 23 as shown in
FIG. 5, by first retrieving each link 22 from the respective
aperture 14 and attaching the corresponding lifting cable 25 using
the exposed lifting eyelet 24 when in the position shown in FIG. 6,
FIG. 9 or FIG. 14. The link 22 may be retrieved using a
screwdriver, similar prying bar or even pulled out by the operator
depending on the nature and size of the aperture 14. For example,
the aperture 14b having a bevel 28 or similar gouge along one side
may better accommodate a prying bar or screwdriver by offering a
clear angle towards the lifting eyelet 24. In another example, the
aperture 14 may be sized to provide enough peripheral room to
enable the operator to grip the link 22. It will be appreciated
that the lifting eyelet 24 may be any suitable shape such as
generally circular as shown, oval/elliptical etc.
[0043] Once each link 22 has been retrieved and attached to the
lifting cables 25, the vehicle may then lift the mat 10 onto a
flatbed or other surface for transport. When the cables 25 are
detached, the links 22 simply slide into the apertures 14 leaving a
substantially flush upper surface enabling several mats 10 to be
stacked atop each other without becoming unstable. When unloading,
a similar process can be followed.
[0044] It can therefore be seen that the link 22 can be hidden when
not in use and readily retrieved for lifting and/or transportation.
The link 22 does not present a trip hazard yet greatly aids in the
handling of the access mats 10. It will be appreciated that
although preferably used with a set of corresponding links 22, the
access mats 10 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 may also be used
without the links 22 if so desired. It will also be appreciated
that the boards 12 may also be used with any suitable material that
can withstand the anticipated weight of the machinery expected to
cross the temporary pathway or roadway.
[0045] Although the invention has been described with reference to
certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be
apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as outlined in the claims
appended hereto.
* * * * *