U.S. patent application number 14/142543 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-03 for synthetic laminated mat.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Modern Group, Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is The Modern Group, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Orain Tubbs.
Application Number | 20140183319 14/142543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51016028 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140183319 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tubbs; Orain |
July 3, 2014 |
Synthetic Laminated Mat
Abstract
An improved laminated mat which comprises synthetic materials
are provided for herein. Embodiments may include a plurality of
synthetic boards disposed adjacent to each other to form a top
surface. Such a top surface may be configured such that individual
boards are replaceable in the event of defects, wear and the like.
The top surface may be attached to a lower support layer. This
layer may also include a plurality of synthetic boards arranged in
a cross-hatched manner with respect to the top surface.
Inventors: |
Tubbs; Orain; (Beaumont,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Modern Group, Ltd. |
Beaumont |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Modern Group, Ltd.
Beaumont
TX
|
Family ID: |
51016028 |
Appl. No.: |
14/142543 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61748412 |
Jan 2, 2013 |
|
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61770127 |
Feb 27, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/346.02 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 5/20 20130101; Y10T
428/24008 20150115; B32B 2307/734 20130101; B32B 15/04 20130101;
B32B 7/08 20130101; Y10T 428/24058 20150115; E01C 5/22 20130101;
E04B 5/026 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/346.02 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
B65D 19/00 20060101
B65D019/00 |
Claims
1. A synthetic laminated mat comprising: a top layer having a
plurality of synthetic boards disposed side by side; and a lower
layer having a plurality of synthetic boards disposed in a
cross-hatched manner with respect to the top layer, wherein the top
layer and lower layer are attached with a plurality of fasteners in
a manner configured to maintain the shape and structure of the
mat.
2. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 1 further comprising at
least one intermediate layer configured to provide additional load
strength to the mat.
3. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 2 wherein the at least one
intermediate layer comprises a plurality of metal strips disposed
in a cross-hatched manner with respect to the top layer.
4. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 2 wherein the at least one
intermediate layer comprises a layer of synthetic boards disposed
in a cross-hatched manner with respect to the top layer.
5. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 2 wherein the at least one
intermediate layer further comprises a metallic channel.
6. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 1 wherein the fasteners
comprise plurality of bolts.
7. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 6 wherein at least one of
the plurality of bolts are fastened in a manner to assist in
providing for electrical grounding the mat.
8. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 1 wherein one or more of
the layers are configured to finger lock with a second mat.
9. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 1 further comprising at
least one metallic channel configured to extend along a length of
the lower layer of the synthetic laminated mat.
10. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 9 further comprising a
plurality of metal channels disposed between a first and second
synthetic board of the plurality of synthetic boards.
11. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 9 wherein the at least one
metallic channel is configured to finger lock with a one or more
additional laminated mats
12. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 9 wherein at least one
metallic channel extends along the length of the laminated mat, and
at least one metallic channel extends beyond the edge of the
laminated mat.
13. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
synthetic boards are disposed in a manner where they are directly
adjacent to each other.
14. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 1 further comprising at
least one attachment means disposed on the top surface of the
mat.
15. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 14 wherein the at least
one attachment means is recessed into the top layer of the mat.
16. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 15 wherein the at least
one attachment means is attached to a lower layer of the mat.
17. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 15 wherein the attachment
means comprises at least one D-Ring.
18. The synthetic laminated mat of claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of D-Rings disposed on a top layer of the mat on opposing
sides.
19. A method for forming a synthetic laminated mat, the method
comprising: providing a first plurality of synthetic boards;
disposing the first plurality of synthetic boards adjacent to one
another along a first axis; providing a second plurality of
synthetic boards; disposing the second plurality of synthetic
boards adjacent to one another along a second axis which is
perpendicular to the first axis; and attaching the first and second
plurality of synthetic boards to form the synthetic laminated
mat.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising disposing one or more
metal strips between the first and second plurality of synthetic
boards, said metal strips oriented perpendicularly with respect to
the first axis.
21. The method of claim 19 further comprising disposing one or more
metal channels between one or more of the second plurality of
synthetic boards.
22. The method of claim 19 further comprising forming extensions
and recesses in the synthetic laminated mat, thereby allowing for
finger locking between a plurality of laminated mats.
23. The method of claim 19 further comprising attaching a third
plurality of synthetic boards in a cross hatched pattern with
respect to at least one of the first and second plurality of
synthetic boards.
24. The method of claim 19 wherein attaching the first plurality of
synthetic boards to the second plurality of synthetic boards
includes driving a plurality of bolts from the first plurality of
synthetic boards to the second plurality of synthetic boards and
driving at least one bolt from the second plurality of synthetic
boards to the first plurality of synthetic boards.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the at least one bolt is
configured to electrically ground the synthetic laminated mat.
26. The method of claim 19 further comprising connecting at least
one an attachment means to the first plurality of synthetic
boards.
27. The method of claim 26 further comprising creating at least one
recess within the first plurality of synthetic boards for receiving
the at least one attachment means.
28. The method of claim 26 wherein the attachment means is a
D-ring.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority on U.S. Provisional
Application number 61/748,412, filed Jan. 2, 2013 and entitled
"SYNTHETIC LAMINATED MAT," and U.S. Provisional Application number
61/770,127 filed Feb. 27, 2013 and entitled "SYNTHETIC LAMINATED
MAT," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference
in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present description relates generally to laminated mats,
and more specifically to systems and methods to provide for
laminated mats which include synthetic materials.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Laminated mats are in broad use in many industries. These
mats tend to have multiple deficiencies which hinder their
performance. For example, many are made primarily of wood, such as
an untreated wood, which comes in contact with the ground and
moisture. Once the mats have been used in the field, the wood is
generally moist and at that point they are stacked for storage.
However, the moist wood of the mats is generally stacked together
in a manner that allows little or no air circulation between the
units, which usually causes accelerated rot.
[0004] In addition, it is difficult to move stacks of mats, which
are generally moved by forklift. Currently, because there is no gap
between the mats to insert the forks of a forklift, one would
generally be required to manually insert spacers or chocks between
each mat when stacking. These mats are used in large quantities on
project sites, and it is not cost effective to have a person
manually placing spacers between several thousand mats when
stacking for storage.
[0005] Another type of mat used in an oilfield is called a
laminated mat. These mats are generally constructed out of 2 inch
by 8 inch boards to make a 6 inch by 8 foot by 12 or 14 foot
section. These mats are also constructed almost entirely of wood
and have the same drawbacks associated with the other design.
[0006] In addition, because current mats are constructed of wood
which is fastened together, one cannot easily repair or replace the
individual sections of the mats in the field. Wear from continued
use and/or damage from heavy equipment used in the field can cause
individual pieces of wood used to construct the mats to
disintegrate and fall from the constructed mats. This
disintegration causes loss of compression and torque of the bolts
and nails holding the unit together. It also makes the mat no
longer useable.
[0007] Another type of mat may be referred to as a synthetic mat. A
synthetic mat generally comprises a large piece of rubber (e.g. 7
foot.times.13 foot) which is configured to be bolted together with
another mat. These mats are generally made in one large piece
during an injection molding process where the synthetic material is
injected into a compression mold to form the mat.
[0008] While these mats generally do not have the same rotting
problems as wood mats, synthetic mats are not in wide use due to
various disadvantages. For example, in the event that there is rain
at the location of the mat, water tends to stay on top of the mat
thereby causing slippery conditions. Synthetic mats tend to be more
labor intensive to deploy as they generally require hand labor to
bolt together. Moreover, synthetic mats generally have a hollow
core. Because of this, if the mat is ever pierced, water fills into
the core and causes the mat to be much heavier which creates
difficulties in transporting and deploying the mats. Further, if
the mats are utilized in a cold environment, water expansion when
freezing further damages the mats. Another disadvantage of
synthetic mats is that because they generally comprise one large
piece of surface material, they generally are not repairable in a
cost-effective manner in the event that the mat is damaged.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0009] Systems, apparatuses and methods which provide for an
improved laminated mat which comprises synthetic materials are
provided for herein. Such mats may include a plurality of inventive
features. For example, some embodiments provide for replaceable top
surfaces which allow for portions of the mat to be replaced if in
need of repairs, e.g. after excessive wear and tear, and the like.
Such top surfaces may include a plurality of boards or slats made
from a synthetic material which are attached to a lower support
layer. The boards may be attached in a manner which allows for
simple replacement of a defective board (e.g. using a plurality of
carriage bolts and utilizing little or no nails). Further, the
boards may be attached in a manner so as to allow water to drain
between the boards.
[0010] In one aspect, a synthetic laminated mat may comprise a
plurality of layers. For example a synthetic laminated mat may
include a top layer of individual boards which is connected to a
lower layer of individual boards where the layers are cross-hatched
with respect to each other to provide for strength and stability.
In one further aspect, a middle layer of supports may be placed
between one or more layers of a mat in order to provide for more
stability and to prevent the mat from racking. Additional layers
may be likewise added as desired in order to provide for additional
strength of the mat in circumstances which may require such.
[0011] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present invention in order that the
detailed description of the invention that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention
will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims
of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the
invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages will be better
understood from the following description when considered in
connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the
purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as
a definition of the limits of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of a synthetic laminated mat
in accordance with an embodiment of the present application;
[0014] FIGS. 1B and 1D illustrate a bottom view of a synthetic
laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present
application;
[0015] FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of a synthetic
laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present
application;
[0016] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a synthetic laminated mat
in accordance with an embodiment of the present application;
[0017] FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of a synthetic laminated
mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present
application;
[0018] FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of a synthetic
laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present
application;
[0019] FIG. 3A illustrates an enlarged plan view of a synthetic
laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present
application;
[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates a side cut-away view of a synthetic
laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present
application;
[0021] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a top view of a synthetic
laminated mat and an attachment means in accordance with an
embodiment of the present application;
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a synthetic laminated mat
and an attachment means in accordance with an embodiment of the
present application;
[0023] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a bottom view of a synthetic
laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present
application; and
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a method flow for forming a synthetic
laminated mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present
application.
DESCRIPTION
[0025] It is noted that the following discussion of the figures
will be in the context of the embodiments illustrated in the
provided drawings. To the extent that the provided drawings note
specific measurements, layers, attachment locations for materials,
and the like, these specific values are given by way of example and
are not intended to be limiting. It is contemplated that mats
having different size boards, additional layers to accommodate for
increased loads, different attachment means or locations, and the
like, may be made in accordance with the described inventive
concepts.
[0026] FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of a synthetic laminated mat
100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.
FIGS. 1B and 1D illustrate a bottom view and FIG. 1C illustrates a
perspective view respectively of synthetic laminated mat 100. FIGS.
2A-2C illustrate another embodiment of a synthetic laminated mat
200 from a top, bottom and perspective view respectively. Referring
to FIGS. 1 and 2, synthetic laminated mat 100 and 200 are shown
which includes at least two layers of synthetic boards, e.g. a top
layer 101/201 and a bottom layer 102/202 (shown by dashed lines),
which are disposed in a cross-hatched layout. The layers are bolted
together in a manner to provide for stability and prevent
deformation of the mat.
[0027] It is noted that in some embodiments a third (or more) layer
may be added to provide for higher load capacity. Such an
additional layer may be added in a cross-hatched manner with
respect to the most adjacent layer. It is further noted that the
ability to add a layer provides for advantages over previously
fabricated synthetic laminated mats which have large continuously
molded surfaces. For example, in the event that a user of a mat
needs an additional 30% capacity, there is no manner to add to the
completed molded material. Rather, a new mat would be required.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the
synthetic boards are made to be 1.5 inches thick and 7.5 inches
wide and are disposed adjacently in a slatted formation. It is
noted that various sizes may be utilized, however, the illustrated
embodiment would more readily interlock with existing wood mats.
Therefore, users who are interchanging old wood mats for new
synthetic laminated mats may make the exchange as replacement of
existing materials is needed. It is noted that embodiments may be
otherwise customized to be utilized with other types of materials
in a similar manner.
[0029] Embodiments may also vary in spacing between boards in
accordance with desired usage. For example, a wider spacing may
allow for improved water runoff. However, more narrow spacing (e.g.
directly adjacent) reduces trip hazards in the field and
strengthens the mat. In some embodiments, synthetic boards on the
top surface may be substantially closed (e.g. having minimal
spacing). Such a design would not be practical for previously
implemented wood mats as it would increase rotting problems.
[0030] In some embodiment, one or more of the boards on the surface
layer of the synthetic laminated mat may be fastened using only
bolts, such as bolts 103/203. With previous mats, bolts and nails
are generally needed to prevent racking. However, as time wears on,
the nails become loose and can be a hazard for vehicles on the mats
and a safety hazard for persons walking on the mats. Further, when
repairing boards in a mat, the additional removal of nails becomes
cumbersome. Accordingly, the ability to use bolts reduces the
number of tools needed at the site, increases the speed of repairs,
etc. As seen in the illustrated embodiment, bolts 103/203 may also
disposed in a triangle pattern and additional bolts are utilized
around the edges and corners than are utilized in the center of mat
100/200. One or more of these patterns may be utilized to increase
the fastening strength and to help maintain the shape of the mat,
e.g. to prevent racking.
[0031] The synthetic laminated mat 100/200 of FIGS. 1 and 2 also
includes a finger-locking system where one or more boards may
extend beyond the outer edge (at 104) or terminate short of the
edge (at 105) of mat 100/200. Such a system allows for multiple
mats to be interlocked together as opposed to previously
constructed synthetic laminated mats which generally require a
field worker to bolt or otherwise attach adjacent mats.
[0032] In some embodiments, a synthetic laminated mat may also
include one or more metal strips 106/206 (shown in FIGS. 1-2).
These strips may be added as a middle layer between an upper and
lower synthetic board layer to provide for additional strength in
the mat. Alternatively, these strips may be added as part of a
bottom layer between synthetic boards.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiments of synthetic laminated mats
100/200, metal strips 106/206 are cross-hatched with respect to top
layer 101/201, but are parallel with bottom layer 102/202. While
this particular layout is not required, it is noted that bolting
the top layer to a cross-hatched layer assists in maintaining the
squareness of the mat. It is further noted that not all of the
bolts of the illustrated embodiment are necessarily disposed
through the metal strips/
[0034] In one embodiment, synthetic laminated mat 200 may also
utilize one or more metal channels 207 which are disposed along the
length of synthetic laminated mat 200. The use of these metal
channels 207 may be implemented in various circumstances to
increase the strength of mat 200, prevent racking, etc. In some
embodiments, multiple channels 207 may be utilized to increase the
strength of mat 200, e.g., in place of adding an additional layer
of synthetic boards to the mat. The use of metal is helpful for
strength, structural stability, and size minimization, however, in
some instances the metal materials may come at higher cost. It is
appreciated that this tradeoff will be specific to a user's
preferences and embodiments may be customized accordingly.
[0035] Referring to the section detail diagram of FIG. 3,
embodiments may utilize carriage bolts which are countersunk with a
nut in a manner that a smooth top surface is provided. Further,
bolts may be sunk through one or more of the previously discussed
metal strips or channels.
[0036] FIG. 3A illustrates an enlarged plan view of a synthetic
laminated mat 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
application. Synthetic mat 300 includes a top surface 301, bottom
surface 302, connectors 303, and extension portions 304. FIG. 3B
illustrates a side cut-away view of synthetic laminated mat 300. In
some embodiments, bolts are used as connectors 303 and are
configured to attach one or more layers of materials in a manner
where a portion of the bolts 303' are reversed in direction, e.g.
where the head of the bolt is facing down (i.e. proximate to the
bottom surface of mat 300). Such bolts are also illustrated by the
circled bolts 103' and 203' of FIGS. 1 and 2. Embodiments may
dispose one or more bolts in this manner to help electrically
ground the mat to prevent buildup of static electricity. Further,
in some embodiments, copper head bolts may be utilized for each of
bolts 303/303', or for one or more of bolts 303' to assist with
electrical grounding.
[0037] It is noted that embodiments may utilize various forms of
synthetic materials and metals to accomplish the above-described
structures. Each material may have different properties to provide
for preferences for strength, stability, surface grip, and the
like. It is further noted that while the above embodiments utilized
bolts for attaching portions of a synthetic laminated mat together,
other fasteners may be utilized such as rivets, and the like.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a synthetic laminated mat
400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.
Synthetic laminated mat 400 includes a top layer 401, bottom layer
402, and middle layer 403. Such layers are disposed in a
cross-hatched manner.
[0039] Synthetic laminated mat 400 further includes an attachment
means 404. In some applications, it is useful to include an
attachment means 404 on a mat 400 for various reasons, e.g. to
assist in lifting/placing the mat, to secure something to the mat,
etc. Traditionally, wood laminated mats have only utilized cable
loops to accomplish such an attachment means because wood rot
causes other types of attachment methods to pull out or detach from
the mat. Such issues are overcome with the present synthetic
laminated mat embodiments. In one embodiment attachment means 404
is implemented with one or more D-Rings (see FIGS. 4A-4B). A D-ring
may be configured to be recessed into the mat (as shown in exploded
view 405) to be out of the way of foot and vehicle traffic. In this
manner, the attachment means 404 reduces trip hazards and prevents
damage caused by the attachment means 404 on other mates when a
plurality of mats are stacked for storage (which tends to be a
problem with cable loops). The illustrated D-ring attachment means
may be bolted into the second layer of the synthetic mat to provide
for additional stability for lift support.
[0040] Embodiments may include a plurality of attachment means 404,
such as D-Rings 404 disposed about the synthetic mat 400 in a
manner which allows the synthetic laminated mat to be lifted or
otherwise moved from various points of connection. In one
embodiment, two attachment means 404 may be provided on opposing
sides of mat 400 in a manner which allows a lifting device to
connect to attachment means 404 and lift mat 400 and maintain mat
400 in a substantially level orientation to prevent sudden tipping
or dropping of mat 400. In another embodiment, additional
attachment means 404 may be provided at other points to provide
further stability (e.g. in the four corners, in the center, and the
like).
[0041] It is noted that other forms of attachment means may be
utilized such as cable loops or other forms of latches or rings.
Such means may be secured in a recessed manner or on top of the
synthetic laminated mat. Each method will have various advantages
and disadvantages which are apparent to one of skill in the art.
However, it is appreciated that due to the construction of the
overall synthetic mat, such attachment means may be better secured
to the mat for longer term use and reduced failures than has been
previously been available with mat devices.
[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a synthetic laminated mat 500 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present application. Synthetic
laminated mat 500 includes a top layer 501, bottom layer 503, and
middle layer 402. Such layers are disposed in a cross-hatched
manner. Synthetic laminated mat 500 further includes metal channels
504 an attachment means 505.
[0043] In this embodiment, a plurality of metal channels are
disposed side by side between a first and second board on lower
layer 503. As noted above metal channels 504 may be utilized to add
strength to a mat and to prevent the mat from warping. The
plurality of metal channels may be configured such that the height
of the legs of the channels are flush with lower layer 503. In some
cases, the height of the legs may be slightly smaller such that the
metal does not contact the ground with the boards of lower layer
503. In some instances, metal channels 504 may extend along the
length of the mat where attachment means 505 are located. Such a
placement may provide for additional strength to hold the weight of
the mat and any other load when the mat is being lifted at
attachment means 505. While not shown, it is appreciated that metal
channels 504 may be bolted with the corresponding layers in a
similar manner as implemented with the synthetic boards.
[0044] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate embodiments having different
placements of metal channels on the lower layer of synthetic
laminated mat 600. A plurality of metal channels 601 may be are
configured to extend beyond the edge of mat 600 on one end, and
stop short of the other edge of mat 600. In this manner, metal
channels 601 may be utilized to finger lock a plurality of mats
disposed adjacently to each other. Mat 600 also includes a
plurality of metal channels 602 which extend to the ends of each
side of mat 600. The number of channels as well as placement may
depend on the amount of strength needed, the size of the mat (e.g.
a longer mat may need additional channels), and the like. It is
appreciated that while metal channels 601 and 602 are shown as the
double channels illustrated in FIG. 5, single channels may also be
utilized.
[0045] It is noted that embodiments may also comprise methods for
creating and/or using a synthetic laminated mat as shown in FIG. 7.
For example, a method 700 for creating a synthetic laminated mat
may comprise one or more steps of creating or providing a plurality
of synthetic boards 701. A first plurality of synthetic boards are
disposed along a first axis 702, and a second plurality of boards
are disposed along a second axis 703. Method 700 may further
include attaching the first plurality of synthetic boards and
second plurality of synthetic boards in a cross-hatched manner 704.
In accordance with more detailed embodiments, the method 700 may
comprise disposing one or more metal strips between the upper and
lower layers of synthetic boards and attaching them thereto 705.
Further method 700 may include disposing one or more metal channels
between one or more synthetic boards to provide for added stability
706. The method 700 may also include forming extensions and
recesses in the synthetic laminated mat in a manner which allows
for finger locking between one or more mats 707.
[0046] In a further embodiment, the method may also include for
adding additional layers of synthetic boards which may provide for
additional strengthening of the mat. A method of use may comprise
providing a plurality of synthetic laminated mats having an upper
surface which includes a plurality of synthetic boards which are
attached to a lower surface and disposing the plurality of mats
adjacent to each other to form a path for vehicles to travel
thereon. In accordance with more detailed embodiments, the method
may comprise disposing a synthetic laminated mat to be adjacent to
one or more wood mats.
[0047] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, the scope of
the present application is not intended to be limited to the
particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture,
composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the
specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes,
machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or
steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
claims which issue from this application are intended to include
within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture,
compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
* * * * *