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.

I claim: 
     
         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.