Load-Bearing Mat

Abstract

A load-bearing mat includes longitudinal tire members and transverse tire members that are interwoven and secured at their ends via fasteners. Typically, the longitudinal tire members and transverse tire members are constructed from the treads of tires. The load-bearing mat may include lifting cables to facilitate transportation, installation, and removal. The load-bearing mat may be used to protect turf areas or soft soil from heavy vehicles or loads.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A load-bearing mat, comprising:
 longitudinal tire members extending from the mat's anterior end toward the mat's posterior end;   transverse tire members oriented substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal tire members and extending from the mat's left side toward the mat's right side;   anterior fasteners securing each of the anterior ends of said longitudinal tire members to the transverse tire member located at the mat's anterior end;   posterior fasteners securing each of the posterior ends of said longitudinal tire members to the transverse tire member located at the mat's posterior end;   left-side fasteners securing each of the left-side ends of said transverse tire members to the longitudinal tire member located at the mat's left side; and   right-side fasteners securing each of the left-side ends of said transverse tire members to the longitudinal tire member located at the mat's left side;   wherein said longitudinal tire members are interwoven with said transverse tire members.   
     
     
         2 . The load-bearing mat according to  claim 1 , wherein said longitudinal tire members are tightly interwoven with said transverse tire members such that the surface of the mat is free of substantial gaps. 
     
     
         3 . The load-bearing mat according to  claim 1 , wherein said longitudinal tire members and said transverse tire members comprise the treads of tires. 
     
     
         4 . The load-bearing mat according to  claim 1 , wherein said anterior fasteners, said posterior fasteners, said left-side fasteners, and said right-side fasteners comprise paired nuts and bolts. 
     
     
         5 . The load-bearing mat according to  claim 4 , wherein said anterior fasteners, said posterior fasteners, said left-side fasteners, and said right-side fasteners comprise washers. 
     
     
         6 . The load-bearing mat according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said longitudinal tire members comprises a first tread, a second tread, and a central fastener, said first tread's posterior end being joined via said central fastener to said second tread's anterior end. 
     
     
         7 . The load-bearing mat according to  claim 6 , wherein each of said central fasteners comprises a paired nut and bolt. 
     
     
         8 . The load-bearing mat according to  claim 1 , comprising an anterior lifting cable at the mat's anterior end and a posterior lifting cable at the mat's posterior end. 
     
     
         9 . The load-bearing mat according to  claim 8 , wherein said anterior lifting cable and said posterior lifting cable comprise steel cabling. 
     
     
         10 . The load-bearing mat according to  claim 8 , wherein said anterior lifting cable and said posterior lifting cable are interwoven with said longitudinal tire members. 
     
     
         11 . The load-bearing mat according to  claim 8 , comprising:
 a pair of anterior eye bolts positioned at the left and right sides of the anterior end of the mat;   a pair of posterior eye bolts positioned at the left and right sides of the posterior end of the mat;   wherein the ends of said anterior lifting cable are secured to the mat via said anterior eye bolts; and   wherein the ends of the posterior lifting cable are secured to the mat via said posterior eye bolts.