Structural composite glulam-steel rig mat

Abstract

A Structural Composite Glulam-Steel Rig Mat includes a unique steel frame. The unique steel frame includes unique lifting eyes for cranes in the corners of the rig mat and smooth radius steel channel around the perimeter of the rig mat to enable easy handling by forklifts. The unique steel frame surrounds unique full length, engineered glulam beams which together with the steel frame make the resulting rig mat significantly stronger than the traditional rig mat.

1 . A Structural Composite Glulam-Steel Rig Mat capable of carrying a load and comprising:
 a. A unique steel frame   b. Full length wood glulam beams   c. Is constructed in a modular design   
     
     
         2 . The mat of  claim 1  wherein said steel frame incorporates
 a. unique lifting eyes for cranes and other lifting equipment in the corners of the rig mat 
 b. wide forklift protection plates that are inset flush with the horizontal surface of the rig mat frame and with the surface of the glulam wood beams 
 c. incorporates steel channeled beams for the perimeter of the rig mat with smooth radius corners to enable easy handling by forklifts and other lifting machinery 
 
     
     
         3 . The mat of  claim 1  wherein said glulam beams
 a. are full length beams and span the long length of the rig mat 
 b. are engineered and certifiable wooden glulam beams 
 c. and are unique in this industry and have never been employed in the construction of steel framed rig mats. 
 
     
     
         4 . The mat of  claim 1  is constructed in a modular design
 a. and this unique modular design enables an efficient manufacturing process 
 b. the modular design creates the ability to change the character of the rig mat by interchanging the lateral end rails between smooth end rails or the modular oilfield loading hitch.