Ground cover mats with cross beam straps

Abstract

Reinforced ground cover mats are used to facilitate the passage of heavy equipment and vehicles on wet or disturbed ground. The ground cover mats are comprised of boards contained within a peripheral metal frame. A plurality of cross beam straps are disposed in transverse groove cut into the planar surfaces of the mat boards, and the ends are tucked within the frame members and lap welded.

1 . A ground cover mat comprising:
 (a) a quadrilateral frame comprised of:
 (i) two substantially parallel opposing end members; and 
 (ii) two substantially parallel outside longitudinal members, each having an inner channel; 
   (b) two opposing major surfaces formed from a plurality of elongate boards retained within the frame, wherein at least one major surface defines a transverse groove substantially parallel to the end members; and   (c) at least one cross beam strap disposed within the transverse groove, wherein each end of the strap is disposed within a longitudinal member inner channel, and wherein the strap is substantially flush with a major surface of the mat.   
     
     
         2 . The mat of  claim 1  further comprising a third longitudinal member comprising an I-beam mid rail substantially bisecting the mat parallel to the longitudinal members, and attached to the end members. 
     
     
         3 . The mat of  claim 1  comprising at least two cross beam straps, one on each opposing major surface, and aligned with each other. 
     
     
         4 . The mat of  claim 2  comprising at least four cross beam straps, wherein at least two cross beam straps are on each opposing major surface, and aligned with each other. 
     
     
         5 . The mat of  claim 3  wherein opposing cross beam straps are affixed to each by means of a pin passing through the mat and attached to each strap. 
     
     
         6 . The mat of  claim 1  wherein the ends of the at least one cross beam strap are lap welded to the longitudinal members. 
     
     
         7 . The mat of  claim 1  comprising a plurality of cross beam straps spaced within the frame in an equidistant manner.