Patent ID: 8545127

Claim:
A rig mat system comprising: a plurality of rig mat panels interconnected by connecting edges in an edge-to-edge arrangement by connectors located at the connecting edge of each panel, the connectors comprising: a first U-shaped channel along the connecting edge of a first panel of the plurality of panels, the first channel defining a recess and having an upstanding member of the first channel spaced from the connecting edge of the first panel, and a first stop extending from the upstanding member towards the first panel; a second inverse U-shaped channel along the connecting edge of a second panel of the plurality of panels, the second channel having a depending member of the second channel spaced from the connecting edge of the second panel, and a second stop extending from the depending member towards the second panel, wherein upon a lowering insertion of the depending member and second stop of the second channel into the recess of the first channel, the depending member of the second channel and the upstanding member of the first channel interconnect the first panel to the second panel, and the first and second stops are alignable for preventing lifting of the depending member of the second channel from the recess of the first channel.