Patent ID: 9714487
Date: 2017-07-25
CPC Classifications: B32B,E01C

Claim:
1. An industrial mat comprising a supporting structure that is configured and arranged to provide strength and rigidity to the mat and to support other components of the mat; an upper layer provided above the supporting structure for forming an upper working surface of the mat, a lower layer provided below the supporting structure for providing a lower working surface of the mat; at least one opening provided in the mat; and one or more lifting elements attached to the supporting structure, with the lifting elements comprising D-shaped members, O-shaped members, U-shaped members, eyelets, hooks, circular or polygonal rings, chains, or cables that are configured and dimensioned for attachment to the supporting structure through an opening with sufficient strength to provide certified overhead lifting of the mat for installation and reclamation thereof; wherein the supporting structure includes at least two longitudinal members forming sides of the mat; and wherein the upper layer, lower layer or both or the upper and lower layers are independently made of a single metal plate or sheet that is configured and dimensioned to at least extend from one longitudinal member to the other to cover and protect the supporting structure; wherein each opening that is configured and dimensioned to hold and maintain the lifting element therein in a first retracted position below the working surface of the mat when not in use and to allow retrieval and removal of a portion of the lifting element from the opening to a second position that allows the lifting element to be connected to a hook or other lifting device when the mat is to be lifted or manipulated.