U.S. patent application number 13/908805 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-05 for pre-tensioned discrete element support system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Donald Scott Rogers. Invention is credited to Donald Scott Rogers.
Application Number | 20130318896 13/908805 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49668560 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130318896 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogers; Donald Scott |
December 5, 2013 |
Pre-Tensioned Discrete Element Support System
Abstract
A matting system comprised of an assembly of discrete,
individual small mat segments connected by pre-tensioned cable
elements. The mat segments are configured to displace at the
connecting surfaces of the mat segments at a predetermined load.
The pre-tensioned cable elements holding the mat segments together
are elastic through a reasonable displacement range so that the mat
segments of the matting system will reassemble after the applied
load is removed.
Inventors: |
Rogers; Donald Scott;
(Lafayette, LA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rogers; Donald Scott |
Lafayette |
LA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49668560 |
Appl. No.: |
13/908805 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61655017 |
Jun 4, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/223.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 9/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/223.7 |
International
Class: |
E01C 9/08 20060101
E01C009/08 |
Claims
1. A matting system comprising: (a) a plurality of discrete mat
segments, each said mat segment configured with corresponding
adjoining connecting surfaces, whereby when said adjoining
connecting surfaces are fitted together, said adjoining connecting
surfaces facilitate displacement of said mat segments at a
predetermined mat load; (b) an elongated connector extending
through each said mat segment, said connector being placed in
tension to hold said mat segments together in a desired
configuration.
2. The matting system recited in claim 1 wherein said elongated
connector is elastic through a desired displacement range.
3. The matting system as recited in claim 2 wherein energy stored
said connector facilitates the return of displaced mat segments to
their initial configuration upon removal of said predetermined mat
load.
4. The matting system as recited in claim 3 wherein said mat
segments are comprised of: (a) an outer frame, comprised of a
plurality of frame segments, said frame segments haying said
corresponding adjoining connecting surfaces; and (b) a matrix
retained within said outer frame.
5. The matting system as recited in claim 4 wherein said matrix
fill retained within said outer frame is a polymer composite.
6. The matting system as recited in claim 3 wherein said
corresponding adjoining connecting surfaces comprise concave
surfaces interfacing with adjoining convex surfaces.
7. The matting system as recited in claim 3 wherein said
corresponding adjoining connecting surfaces have shear resistant
surfaces.
8. The matting system as recited in claim 3 wherein said mat
segments are comprised of a polymer composite.
9. The matting system as recited in claim 3 wherein said elongated
connector is pre tensioned.
10. The mating system as recited in claim 3 wherein said elongated
connector is post-tensioned.
11. The matting system as recited in claim 8 wherein said polymer
composite segments have an internal rib structure.
12. The matting system as recited in claim 11 wherein said internal
rib structure of polymer composite mat segments have said
corresponding adjoining connecting surfaces.
13. The matting system as recited in claim 3 wherein said mat
segments are provided with a plurality of elongated connectors,
said elongated connectors intersecting at a desired angle.
14. A matting system comprising: (a) a plurality of discrete mat
segments, each said mat segment configured with corresponding
adjoining connecting surfaces, whereby when said adjoining
connecting surfaces are fitted together, said adjoining connecting
surfaces facilitate displacement of said mat segments through a
range of predetermined mat loads; (b) an elongated connector
extending through each said mat segment, said connector being
placed in tension to hold said mat segments together in a desired
configuration, said elongated connector being elastic through said
range of predetermined mat loads to allow displacement of said
discrete mat segments with respect to each other; and (c) wherein
said connector facilitates the return of said mat segments to their
initial configuration after displacement upon removal of said
predetermined mat loads.
15. The matting system as recited in claim 14 wherein said
corresponding adjoining connecting surfaces comprise concave
surfaces interfacing with adjoining convex surfaces.
16. The matting system as recited in claim 15 wherein said mat
segments are comprised of; (a) a frame comprised, of a plurality of
frame members forming a framed opening, said frame members having
corresponding adjoining connecting surfaces; and (b) a fill
material retained in said framed opening.
17. The matting system as recited in claim 14 wherein said polymer
composite mat. segments have an internal rib structure.
18. The matting system as recited in claim 17 wherein said mat
segments are comprised of a polymer composite.
19. The matting system as recited in claim 14 wherein said
elongated connector is pre-tensioned.
20. The matting system as recited in claim 14 wherein said
elongated connector is post-tensioned.
21. matting system as recited in claim 14 wherein said mat segments
are covered by an overlay material.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 61/655,017 tiled Jun. 4, 2012, the entire
content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of
construction and crane matting, and more particularly to a
pre-tensioned matting assembly comprised of a plurality of is
discrete mat segments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Matting systems are utilized to provide temporary support
surfaces or structures for construction sites and for temporary
roadways. Such matting systems are typically utilized in areas
having poor soil conditions that would not otherwise be accessible
to heavy trucks, cranes, and construction equipment. Typical
matting systems are comprised of a plurality of boards or panel
elements that are fastened together to create a mat surface. Such
designs rely on the properties of the beam strength (strength is in
direction of beam) of the boards or panel elements that are
fastened together to form a matting system.
[0004] The failure of such matting systems is primarily is due to
excessive moment loads on the mat components (mat bending).
Increasing the size of the boards or panel elements of the matting
system increases the moment load potential for the matting system.
Thus, a very small mat is difficult to break when compared to a
large mat. In practice, mats that are very small are not practical
to use because of high installation costs and the number of
connections required.
[0005] Consequently, a need exists for a matting system that will
have the load bearing characteristics of a very small mat with the
construction efficiency associated with large matting systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The presented design provides a matting system having a
support structure configured for a desired maximum design load for
placement on a comparatively compliant underlayment or sub-base
(soil in the case of a construction mat). When design load (rated
load) for the matting system is exceeded, the support structure
undergoes a geometrical change in configuration that allows
additional support for the applied load from the underlying
elements.
[0007] The presented design provides a matting system comprised of
an assembly of a plurality of discrete, individual small parts or
mat segments that are held together by a pre-tensioned wire or rod
connector. The mat segments are designed to "give", i.e. separate,
at their adjoining connecting surfaces when the matting system is
overloaded. The pre-tensioned connector holding the mat segments
together is elastic through a reasonable displacement range so that
the matting system will reassemble itself after the applied load is
removed. Energy stored in the pre-tensioned connector assembly
facilitates the positive return of the overstressed support
structure back to its initial configuration.
[0008] In the presented design, the primary strength (for the
matting system having a one dimensional tension system) is in the
direction of assembly. The prefabricated "beam" of mat segments may
be relatively weak when initially fitted together but the beam
strength of the mat segments greatly enhanced when the mat segments
are linked together by the pre-tensioned connector. Further, the
construction geometry of the linked mat segments need not be
limited to the shape of a beam or any other particular shapes. The
mat segments would be made from a variety of skeletonized elements
framed by a matrix of suitable material such as one made from
plastic composites.
[0009] The construction described above can stand on its own or
could be part of a more complicated composite structure that
satisfies additional functional needs. As an example, an assembly
of rigid structural elements could be covered by a softer outer
material. This outer material could act to protect the rigid
structural elements from impact loads and could also serve the
activity for which the mat is employed (e.g., non-skid surface). In
this way, multiple support structures could be housed in matting
system comprised, of a matrix of differing material.
[0010] The matting system may also be provided with pre-tensioned
connectors in multiple dimensions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-section view of a matting system in
accordance with the description set forth herein.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a partial top view of the matting system shown in
FIG. 1
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-section view of the matting
system of FIG. 1 showing the interaction of the mat segment
elements in response to an applied load that is less than the
system design load.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the matting system of FIG.
1 showing the interaction of the mat segment elements in response
to an applied load, that is greater than the system design
load.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of a matting system in
accordance with the description set forth herein, the matting
system being placed over an uneven support surface.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of the matting system of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an alternate embodiment of the matting system of
FIG. 1 having a shear force resistant mat segment interface.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an alternate embodiment of the mat segments of the
matting system of FIG. 1, showing a mat segment having a
skeletonized frame configured for a matrix filling of a desired
material.
[0019] FIG. 9 shows an internal support frame or rib element for a
mat segment.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment
of the mat segments of the matting system of FIG. 1, showing a mat
segment having the internal ribs shown in FIG. 9.
[0021] FIG. 11 is schematic top view of an alternate embodiment of
the mat segments of the matting system of FIG. 1 with the
connectors configured to intersect at a desired direction.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is shown the
matting system (10) of Applicant's invention. The matting system
(10) is comprised of a plurality of discrete, individual mat
segments (12), preferably in strips or splines, each having at
least one retainer bore (15). The mat segments (12) are held
together by a pre-tensioned wire or rod connector (14) positioned
through the retainer bore (15) of the adjoining mat segments and
secured in tension by a fastener such as a nut (16). Placing the
connector (14) in tension in the manner similar to that used in
post-tensioned concrete slabs is thought to be suitable. The wire
or rod connector (14) may be of any suitable material thought it is
thought that steel rods or steel wire cables will be utilized.
[0023] The mat segments (12) are designed to "give" or separate at
their adjoining connecting surfaces (11) at a predetermined load as
the pre-tensioned connector rod deforms when the matting system is
overloaded. As shown multiple mat segments are utilized to create
the matting system (10). These mat segments (12) have an adjoining
connecting surface (11) that is designed to facilitate deflection
of the mat segments 12) during periods when the matting system is
overloaded. It is thought that a matting system (to) comprised of
mat segments (12) having connecting surfaces (11) comprised of
concave surfaces (18) interfacing with adjoining convex surfaces
(20) will serve to provide the desired deflection of the mat
segments.
[0024] The pre-tensioned connector (14) holding the mat segments
(12) together is designed to be elastic through a desired range of
load conditions and displacements of adjoining mat segments (12) so
that the matting system (10) will reassemble itself after the
applied load is removed. Energy stored in the pre-tensioned
connector (14) in the elastic range of the pre-tensioned connector
will facilitate the positive return of the displaced mat segments
(12) back to the initial mat configuration when the load displacing
the mat segments and overstressing the matting system (to) is
removed.
[0025] As further shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the interconnected
mat segments (12) of the matting system (10) may include a
surfacing overlay (21) to provide a non-skid surface to enhance
surface traction, to protect the components of the mat segments
from impact loads to prevent wear and tear, or to enhance weather
resistance. The surfacing overlay (21) may be a discontinuous us
overlay shown as (22) which would cover each individual mat segment
(12) or a continuous overlay shown as (24) that would cover the
upper surface of multiple mat segments (12) or the surface of the
entire matting system (10). The overlay (21) may also cover the
entire matting system (10), top and bottom, or the matting system
(10) may be completely encased or encapsulated by the overlay
(21).
[0026] Placement of the desired surfacing overlay (21) may be
varied over the upper surface of the matting system (10) so that
the overlay (21) may be tailored as desired to provide a surfacing
(21) specific to a desired use. The surfacing overlay (21) may be
any suitable surfacing material such as resilient asphalt or other
pliable surfacing material such as a replaceable composite or
wooden surfacing. Resilient asphalt may be particularly suitable
for a mat system (10) having a continuous overlay (24).
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-section view of the matting
system (10) of FIG. 1 positioned on an under-laying surface (30) to
depict the interaction between adjoining mat segments (12) in
response to an applied load (P) that is less than the design load
of the matting system. A desired tension load (T) is applied by the
pre-tensioned connector (14) Which compresses the mat segments (12)
together. In such a position the mat segments (12) are held
together by the tensioned connector (14) with the concave surfaces
(20) positioned within the convex surfaces (18) of adjoining mat
segments 12).
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-section view of the matting
system (10) of FIG. 1 positioned on an under-laying surface (30) to
depict the interaction between adjoining mat segments (12) in
response to an applied load (P) greater than the design load of the
matting system. As shown the pre-tensioned connector (14) is held
at a desired design tension load (T) which compresses the mat
segments (12) together. The connector (14) holds the mat segments
(12) together and provides a predetermined reasonable elastic range
of displacement of adjoining mat segments (12). This elastic range
allows the adjoining mat segments (12) to be temporarily displaced
from each other under overload as shown, with the concave surfaces
(20) moved from within the convex surfaces (18) of adjoining mat
segments (12). The mat segments (12) return to the configuration
shown in FIG. 3 when the applied load (P) is decreased to the
design load or less or removed, all together. When the design load
(P) (rated load) for the matting system (10) is exceeded, the
matting system (10) undergoes a geometrical change in configuration
of the mat segments (12) that allows additional support for the
applied load from the underlying subgrade elements.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section schematic view of a matting
system (10) in accordance with the description set forth herein,
The matting system (10) is shown being placed over an uneven
subgrade support surface (30). For installation over varying,
uneven, or imperfect subgrade (30), such as one have a curb (32) or
a surface depression, mat segments (12) the matting system (10) may
be placed as desired to conform to and cover any surface curb (32)
or surface depression. Then matting system (10) maybe
post-tensioned by applying tension forces to the connector (14) to
restrain the mat segments together to enhance the structural
integrity of the matting system. Because the mat segments (12) are
held together by a desired tension (T) in the connector (14) at a
predetermined elastic range, the matting system (10) provides for
displacement of the segments so that it may be used over uneven
support surfaces (30).
[0030] Release of tension from the connector (14) will allow the
mat to be reformed for another use in another configuration
increasing the versatility and applications for the matting
system.
[0031] Other configurations may also be utilized for the connection
surfaces of adjoining mat segments (12) of a matting, system (10),
For example, the matting system (10) may be configured simply as an
enlarged two or three segment matt with adjoining segments (12)
having a single concave surface adjoining a single convex surface
as the connecting surface (11) as shown in FIG. 6. The matting
system (10) could be comprised of mat segments (12) having
adjoining connecting surfaces (11) for resisting shear forces. One
such configuration may be adjoining mat segments (12) having a
shear key or tongue (11a) and a keyway or groove (11b) for the
connecting surfaces (11) as shown in FIG. 7.
[0032] A schematic top view of another embodiment of a mat segment
(12) is shown in FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 8, the matting system
(10) may be comprised of a plurality of mat segments (12) having an
external skeleton or frame (13) comprised of external frame walls
(13a). The walls (13a) provide an open area (17) for containing a
filling of a suitable matrix material (17a), such as a polymer
matrix. The walls (13a) of the skeletonized frame (13) of the mat
segments (12) may be made of any suitable material such as
aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel, or plastic or polymer composites.
The matrix (17a) may be a polymer compound, an asphalt mix,
concrete, or another suitable fill material. Desired adjoining
connecting surfaces (11) may be incorporated into the frame (13)
such as surfaces for facilitating deflection or for resisting shear
loads.
[0033] Each mat segment (12) could also be provided with an
internal support frame or rib element (19) such as that shown in
FIG. 9. The rib element (19) may include a retainer bore (15) for
receiving a connector (14). A polymer matrix molded around the
internal frame (19) would complete a mat segment (12). The rib
element (19) may be fabricated as a metal casting or from a molded
polymer. As shown, the rib element (19) may be provided with the
mat connecting surfaces (11) comprised of concave surfaces (18)
interfacing with adjoining convex surfaces (20) or any other
suitable connecting surfaces. FIG. 10 presents a schematic side
view of an alternate embodiment of the mat segments (12) of the
matting system of FIG. 1, showing a mat segment having the internal
ribs (19) with concave surfaces (18) interfacing with adjoining
convex surfaces (20) as shown in FIG. 9.
[0034] The construction described above for the matting system (10)
can stand alone as a single mat or could be incorporated into a
more complicated matting structure that satisfies additional
functional needs. The matting system (10) may be configured with
mat segments (12) having pre-tensioned or post-tensioned connectors
(14) extending in multiple directions through the mat segments (12)
as desired to provide additional mat flexibility and to distribute
bending loads on the matting system (10) in multiple directions.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, connectors (14) may be configured
to intersect or cross each at a desired angle such as diagonally or
at ninety degree angles to retain the mat segments (12) in a
matting system (10) in a desired position.
[0035] It will be evident that various other changes may be made in
the form, construction and arrangement of the parts of the matting
system described herein without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention or sacrificing its material advantages. It is
thought that the proposed matting system presented herein will be
understood from the foregoing description. The form described
herein is intended to be merely an example embodiment of the
invention.
* * * * *