Patent Publication Number: US-9885156-B2

Title: Pick mat locking system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/101,392, filed on Jan. 9, 2015, by the present inventor, entitled “Pick Mat Horizontal and Stackable Locking System,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/200,619, filed on Aug. 3, 2015, by the present inventor, entitled “Cross Laminated Timber Construction Systems,” which applications are both hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all allowable purposes, including the incorporation and preservation of any and all rights to patentable subject matter of the inventor, such as features, elements, processes and process steps, and improvements that may supplement or relate to the subject matter described herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems for creating a non-permanent stable work platform. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Pick mats are known in the industry for use in creating non-permanent work platforms, typically in remote locations. Such non-permanent work platforms are essential for numerous types of ventures, including timber and mining operations, as examples. Much time and effort goes into assembling mats on locations, and configuring multiple mats into functional, stable platforms. The field is challenged by establishing work platforms of varied sizes and capacities, problems that are typically dealt with by making mats of larger or thicker sizes. However, larger mats are more difficult to transport and position at the intended use location. Additionally, platforms of varied thicknesses are needed to address the load to be borne by the work platform at the work location. Heavier equipment currently requires mats of greater thickness. Again these mats are more difficult to transport and position at the intended use location. It would be an improvement to the art to have a method of connecting more uniformly sized mats both horizontally and in a stacked orientation, in order to be able to adapt the platform to the specific use requirement, either in total area or in thickness, in order to support greater weight. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments described herein generally relate to a system for standardizing pick mat components that are connectable horizontally, to adapt to varied work site sizes, or vertically, to adapt to varied weight demands. The current system employs anchor assemblies, comprising a lock and key structure, to permit multiple standardized mats to be connected horizontally, both end to end, and side to side. Additionally, the current system employees stack anchor assemblies, selectively vertically connectable by a bolt assembly, which enables the layering of multiple mats, thereby increasing the effective mat thickness. This combination of anchor assemblies enables one to construct a platform adapted to the specific use requirement, either in total area or in thickness, in order to support greater weight. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary pick mat according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary pick mat assembly according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 3  is a normal top view illustration of an anchor assembly according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  are perspective view illustrations of an anchor assembly according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 6  is a vertically bisected perspective view illustration of an anchor assembly according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary stackable pick mat according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary stackable pick mat assembly according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are perspective view illustrations of an exemplary stack anchor assembly according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  are vertically bisected perspective view illustrations of a stack anchor assembly according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustration of an alternate exemplary cover for a stack anchor assembly according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary steel railed pick mat according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 15  is a normal top view illustration of an exemplary steel railed pick mat assembly according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary steel railed mat adaptable to receive a corner anchor assembly according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary steel railed mat adapted with a corner anchor assembly according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIGS. 18 and 19  are perspective view illustrations of an anchor assembly for steel railed mats according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 20  a vertically bisected perspective view illustration of an anchor assembly for steel railed mats according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view illustration of a lock for steel railed mats according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 22  is a normal top view illustration of an exemplary combination anchor assembly for steel railed mats according to embodiments described herein. 
         FIGS. 23 and 24  are perspective view illustrations of an exemplary lock key according to embodiments described herein. 
     
    
    
     To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments described herein generally relate to a system for standardizing pick mat components that are connectable horizontally, to adapt to varied work site sizes, or vertically, to adapt to varied weight demands. The pick mats used in the exemplary embodiment are wooden 3 ply, 8 foot by 20 foot rig mats, but mats of other specifications may be suitable for uses. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a system employees anchor assemblies, comprising a lock and key structure, to permit multiple standardized mats to be connected horizontally. Connection can be made both end to end, and side to side, to create the work area required for a particular need. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a system employs stack anchor assemblies, selectively vertically connectable by a bolt assembly. Layers of horizontal mat assemblies are stacked, and the stack anchor assemblies enable functionally rigid connection between the layers. The pick mats used in the exemplary embodiment are wooden 7 ply, 8 foot by 40 foot rig mats, but mats of other specifications may be suitable for uses. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , an exemplary modular assembly system is shown to comprise multiple mats  1  configurable into variable mat assemblies  2 . Multiple anchor assemblies  10  are selectively positionable along the outward edges of the individual mat  1  components. An exemplary anchor assembly  10  is shown to comprise an anchor  12  and a lock  14 . A particular mat  1  may house multiple anchors  12  along its outer edge. A pick mat connection system that may create variable mat assemblies  2  may be described having an anchor assembly, as shown in  FIG. 3 , intermediate two pick mats  1 , where the anchor assembly may have two anchors  12  and a lock  14 . The pick mats may be seen as pick mat assemblies, since they may be constructed of cross laminated timber, may have multiple types of anchor systems, and may have other features making them suitable for use a pick mats. Each of the two pick mat  1  assemblies may be fixedly attached to a distinct one of the two anchors  12 , and the lock  14  selectively removably engageable with the two anchors  12 . The variable mat assemblies  2  may be described as configured side-by-side or edge-to-edge. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, anchor  12  possesses a lock rod  18  positioned horizontally within a lock recess  16 . An anchor  12  may be attached to a mat  1  at a point where an anchor notch  24  is formed. Additionally, the exemplary embodiment has an anchor shoulder recess  26  around the anchor notch and a pair of anchor pin holes  28  formed in the mat  1 . The exemplary anchor  12  has an anchor shoulder  20  that is positionable within the anchor shoulder recess  26  so that the anchor  12  does not protrude out from the surface of mat  1 . Additionally, the exemplary body meant as to anchor pin holes  28  to receive the corresponding anchor pin  22 , and secure the anchor  12  to the mat  1  within the anchor notch  24 . 
     Mats  1  may be connected to one another by positioning an anchor  12  from one mat  1  against an anchor  12  of another mat  1 . A lock  14  is then inserted into lock recesses  16  of the adjoining anchors  12 . The lock  14  may then be rotated slightly to secure and the pair of lock recesses  16 . To facilitate the rotation of lock  14 , exemplary lock  14  has a pair of key recesses  30 . A suitable key (depicted in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , and the supplemental drawings, and described later) may engage the key recesses  30  to provide rotational leverage. 
     The exemplary lock  14  comprises a lock wall  32  that forms a cylindrical structure. A lock rod recess  16  is formed in the lock wall  32 . The exemplary lock rod recess  34  is suitably sized to engage lock rod  18 . Lock rod recess  34  extends upwardly a distance into the lock wall  32 , then curves at a right angle to extend a short distance around the circumference of the lock wall  32 . The size of the lock rod  18 , depth of the lock rod recess  34 , the distance the lock rod recess  34  extends around the circumference of the lock wall  32  are chosen to suitably withstand the structural demands that may be placed on the anchor assembly  10 . 
     In addition to its function in the anchor assembly  10 , lock rod  18  may be used as a suitable connection point for a lifting hook and cable, commonly referred to as a pick rod. The lock recess  16  may also be sized to permit the insertion of a standard cable into the recess, so as to be used to lift the mat  1 . The existence of a pick rod on the mat  1  permits the lifting and manipulation of the mat  1  with equipment typically available at a deployment site. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 through 13 , an exemplary modular assembly system is shown to comprise multiple stackable mats  3  configurable into variable stacked mat assembly  4 . In this type configuration the large surfaces of multiple mats  3  may be connected together to form a stronger assembly. In the exemplary embodiment, a mat layer  5  of mats  3  are laid on top of a mat layer  6  of mats  3 . The mats  3  of mat layer  5  lay perpendicular to the mats  3  of mat layer  6 , providing greater strength and durability to the stacked mat assembly  4 . This configuration may provide suitable stability for some applications. 
     For greater stability, the mats  3  of mat layer  5  may be anchored to the mats  3  of mat layer  6 . To facilitate connection, each exemplary mat  3  has a plurality of stack anchors  40  positioned a coordinated distance apart down the centerline of the length of the mat  3 . The exemplary stack anchor  40  is constructed out of steel and has a rectangular cylindrical shape. Each stack anchor  40  has at least one stack anchor shoulder  42  to abut against the surface of the mat  3 . Additionally, a pick rod  44  is positioned laterally across the opening of the stack anchor  40 . Stack anchor  40  is seated in a stack anchor recess  46  in a mat  3 . The exemplary embodiment also has a stack anchor shoulder recess  48  to permit the stack anchor shoulder  42  to lay flush with the surface of mat  3 . 
     The mat layers  5  and  6  may be anchored together by aligning stack anchors  40  in mat layer  5  with stack anchors  40  in mat layer  6 . A bolt assembly  50  is then used to connect the aligned stack anchors  40  in mat layer  5  to the corresponding stack anchors  40  in mat layer  6 . The exemplary bolt assembly  50  consists of a bolt shaft  52  having a bolt hook  58  at one end and threads at the other end to receive a nut  54 . A slide hook  56  may be slid onto the bolt shaft  52  prior to spreading the not onto the bolt shaft  52 . With a first stack anchor  40   a  aligned above a second stack anchor  40   b , the bolt assembly  50  may be connected between by engaging the pick rod  44   a  of stack anchor  40   a  with the slide hook  56 , while at the same time engaging the pick rod  44   b  of stack anchor  40   b  with the bolt hook  58 . Nut  54  is then tightened against slide hook  56  to draw slide hook  56  closer to bolt hook  58 , securing the two stack anchors  40  to each other. This configuration may be described as selectively secured surface-to-surface connections of multiple pick mats  3 . 
     A pick mat connection system that may create variable mat assemblies  4  may be described having an anchor assembly, as shown in  FIGS. 10 through 12 , intermediate two pick mats  3 , where the anchor assembly may have two anchors  40  and a lock  50 . The pick mats  3  may be seen as pick mat assemblies, since they may be constructed of cross laminated timber, may have multiple types of anchor systems, and may have other features making them suitable for use a pick mats. Each of two pick mat  3  assemblies may be fixedly attached to a distinct one of the two anchors  40 , and the lock  50  selectively removably engageable with the two anchors  40 . The variable stacked mat assemblies  4  may be described as configured surface-to-surface, face-to-face, or stacked. 
     A cover  60 , of corresponding size to the stack anchor shoulder  42 , may then be placed over the stack anchor  40 , in the stack anchor shoulder recess  48 , to prevent debris from filling the center of the stack anchor  40 . 
     In addition to its function in the stack anchor  40 , a pick rod  44  may be used as a suitable connection point for a lifting hook and cable (not shown). The existence of a pick rod  44  on the mat  3  permits the lifting and manipulation of the mat  3  with equipment typically available at a deployment site. In the exemplary embodiment, the stack anchors  40  are spaced 8 feet apart on a forty foot mat, but other distributions may be suitable for particular uses. 
     Focusing on  FIG. 13 , an alternate exemplary embodiment of a cover  60  may include alignment projections such as lower layer alignment projections  62  and upper layer alignment projections  64 . In the exemplary embodiment, lower layer alignment projections  62  has a distal notch  66  to accommodate the pick rod  44   b  of stack anchor  40   b . In the exemplary embodiment, upper layer alignment projections  64  has a distal notch  68  to accommodate the pick rod  44   a  of stack anchor  40   a.    
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14 through 22 , an exemplary modular assembly system is shown to comprise multiple steel railed mats  7  configurable into variable staggerable mat assemblies  8 . Multiple anchor assemblies  110  are selectively positionable along the outward edges of the individual mat  7  components. An exemplary anchor assembly  110  is shown to comprise an anchor  112  and a lock  114 , or an alternate lock  115 . A particular mat  7  may house multiple anchors  112  along its outer edge. Additionally, with the added strength of the steel rail, the exemplary embodiment may also have corner anchor assemblies  111 . The addition of corner anchor assemblies  111  enables more variety in the staggerable mat assembly  8 . A combination anchor assembly  113  may be configured by combining a side anchor assembly  110  and two corner anchor assembly  111 . This configuration permits a greater variety of staggering mat assemblies  8  that are creatable with a plurality of the same standard mats  7 . It also enables the ability to work around fixed elements at a deployment site, such as trees, utility installations, or building structures. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , a typical steel railed mat may be modified to accommodate a corner anchor assembly  111  by removing the corner section of the rails  70  and angling the mat to create a prep corner  72 . The corner anchor assembly  111  may then be welded into place against the cut ends of adjacent rails  70 . So modified, the mat becomes a steel rail mat  7 , as anticipated by the current embodiments. 
     Referencing again  FIGS. 14 through 22 , the exemplary embodiments envisioned the connection of two side anchor assemblies  110 , four corner anchor assemblies  111 , or the creation of a combination anchor assembly  113  by connecting a single side anchor assembly  110  with up to two corner anchor assemblies  111 . All three of these exemplary embodiments employ a cylindrical lock  114 , open on an insertion side, and closed on the opposite side where a key recess is located, to hold the anchor assemblies  110 ,  111 , or  113  together. The insertion side of the lock  114  is inserted into the coordinated key recesses  116  of the various anchor assemblies  110 ,  111 , or  113 . The cylindrical lock wall  132  is suitably sized to fit the key recesses  116 . Additionally, the lock wall  132  comprises a lock rod recess  134  suitably sized and positioned to receive the lock rods  118  that transverse the key recesses  116 . The lock rod recesses  134  are shaped so as to permit the lock  114  to slide over the combination of lock rods  118  a suitable distance. The lock  114  may then be slightly rotated to impinge against the lock rods  118 , preventing the lock  114  from being withdrawn from the collective key recesses  116 . The distances envisioned in lock recesses  134  and thickness of lock wall  132  are suitable designed to provide the structural support required for the intended operations. Additional alternate lock  115  is suitable as a replacement for alternate lock  114 . They differ in construction, where one may be milled and the other is made from cut and welded parts. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19, 23 and 24 , a key  90  for alternate lock  115  is shown, along with an illustration of the insertion, extraction, and rotational operation of the exemplary lock  115 . Exemplary key  90  has a cross-piece perpendicular to the key shaft that has a pair of key prongs  92  extending outwardly, away from the key handle. The exemplary cross-piece and key prongs  92  are correspondingly sized and shaped to engage in the key recess  76 , and the key prongs recess  130 . When suitably engaged, the lock  115  will impinge on the cross-piece and be removably connected to the key  90 , permitting a user to position the lock  115  into the lock recesses  116  using the key  90 . The key  90  is then used to slightly rotate the lock to engage the lock rods  118 , in the direction of the rotation arrow R. After such selective engagement the key  90  may be rotated to disengage the cross-piece and key prongs from the lock  115  without displacing the lock from the anchor  111 . 
     To remove the exemplary lock  115  from the anchor  111  the key prongs  92  are inserted into the key prong recesses  130 , seating the cross-piece in the key recess  76 . The key  90  may then be rotated slightly in the direction of the rotation arrow R′ to back the lock rods  118  out of the lock rod recesses  134 . With the key prongs  92  removably seated in the key prong recesses  130 , the key  90  may be used to pull the lock  115  out of the coordinated lock recesses  116 . 
     An example patent claim that could be made to the exemplary embodiment could be: A mat connection system comprising an anchor assembly intermediate two mats, the anchor assembly having two anchors and a lock, each mat fixedly attached to a distinct one of the two anchors, and the lock selectively removably engageable with the two anchors. An additional limitation may include each anchor having a lock rod, and the lock coordinatedly engaging both lock rods. 
     Alternate manner to claim the subject matter of this disclosure may include a pick mat connection system, comprising at least two mat anchors each which may be connectable to a pick mat, and the mat anchors each may have a pick point. A lock shaped to engage the pick points of the mat anchors may also be included; and the mat anchors may have a connected position and a disconnected position, where the mat anchors removably engaged with the lock in the connected position, and the mat anchors disengaged from the lock in the disconnected position. 
     Additionally, claims could include that a first pick mat may be connected to one of the mat anchors, and a second pick mat may be connected to the other mat anchor. At least one pick mat may comprise cross laminated timber. The pick point of the mat anchors may be removably engaged with the lock, which may be intermediate the pick mats in the connected position. Further, the mat anchors may be connected to their respective pick mat along an edge of their respective pick mat, and a first side-by-side pick mat assembly may have the mat anchors in the connected position, with the respective pick mats oriented side-by-side, as in  FIG. 2 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, claims could include that each mat anchor may have a flat mat surface, and a pick point within a lock recess. The lock recess may have a cylindrical groove shape with an axis perpendicular to the mat anchor flat mat surface. The pick point may traverse the lock recess parallel to the mat anchor flat mat surface. The lock may have a cylindrical lock wall, corresponding in size to the lock recess, with a latch recess shaped to first linearly and then rotationally engage the pick point within the lock recess. An exemplary embodiment of configuration is shown in  FIGS. 4 through 6, and 14 through 24   
     Alternatively, claims could include that the mat anchors may be connected to their respective pick mat within the interior of the pick mats, and a first face-to-face pick mat assembly may have the mat anchors in the connected position, with the respective pick mats oriented face-to-face. Alternatively, claims could include that the mat anchors may be connected to their respective pick mat along the midline of the pick mats, and that a first face-to-face pick mat assembly may have the mat anchors in the connected position, with the respective pick mats oriented face-to-face. Exemplary embodiments of configurations are shown in  FIGS. 7 through 12 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment a layered mat platform may be constructed. Claims could include the first side-by-side pick mat assembly and a second side-by-side pick mat assembly each may have a flat side spanning the pick mats. The flat side of the first side-by-side pick mat may be positioned on top of the flat side of the second side-by-side pick mat assembly. The first side-by-side pick mat assembly may have the pick mats running widthwise of the second side-by-side pick mat assembly, and each side-by-side pick mat assembly may have a stacked mat anchor connected to one of the pick mats along the midline of the pick mat. Each stacked mat anchor may have a stacked pick point, and a stacked lock lockably engageable with the stacked pick points of the stacked mat anchors. The stacked mat anchors may have a connected stacked position and a disconnected stacked position, where the stacked pick point of the stacked mat anchors may be removably engaged with the stacked lock intermediate the stacked pick mats in the connected stacked position and the stacked pick point of the stacked mat anchors disengaged with the stacked lock in the disconnected stacked position. 
     Additionally, the claims may include that the stacked lock may have a bolt and two engagement ends, and at least one engagement end may be adjustable in distance from the other engagement end. Additionally, one engagement end may be a J-shaped ending formed in the bolt. Additionally, one engagement end may be a hook slideable along a length of the bolt, and secureable to the bold by a nut. 
     An additional limitation may include an additional two mats, each pair of mats connected in pairs side-by-side, and one pair of mats on top of the other with the length of one pair of mats running widthwise of the other pair of mats, the mats each having at least one stack anchor, with the stack anchors of one pair of mats positionable directly above the stack anchors of the other pair of mats, and a connection bolt to secure an upper stack anchor with a lower stack anchor. 
     While the foregoing is directed to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.