GB2547048A

GB2547048A - Ground protection apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2547048A
Application number: GB1602230.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Oliver Marcus
Original assignee: GROUND-GUARDS Ltd
Current assignee: GROUND-GUARDS Ltd
Priority date: 2016-02-08
Filing date: 2016-02-08
Publication date: 2017-08-09
Also published as: GB201602230D0; WO2017137736A1

Abstract

The ground protection apparatus comprises a plurality of ground protection mats 100 comprising first 101 and second surfaces and first 105 and second flanges 106 projecting outwardly at or towards their respective first and second surfaces. Interconnectors comprising first and second parts are inserted into overlapping flange apertures 107, 107 of each mat and are engageable with one another, locking adjacent flanges together. Preferably, the first part comprises a lug having a bore and a retainer pivotally mounted at the lug and configured to rotate between a first and second position where at least part of the retainer extends outwardly beyond the lug and is capable of abutment against a region of the first or second flange. Preferably, the second part comprises a shaft to mate with the second part and releasably lock the flanges of adjacent mats together.

Description

Ground Protection Apparatus

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a mat based ground protection system and in particular, although not exclusively, to ground protection apparatus formed from reversible mats having ridge or tread patterns on opposed faces that may be interconnected over the ground via interchangeable connectors.

Background art

Modular ground protection flooring is used frequently to provide temporary protection for grass and turf areas such as sport stadiums. The modular systems create rigid floor surfaces that provide walkways, roads, parking areas and other types of flooring to support the passage of people and vehicles and allow storage and mounting of equipment.

Example modular flooring systems are described in WO 2011/130012; WO 2010/138604; US 5,364,204; US 2004/0005430 and GB 2261003.

Some existing plastic ground protection mats are typically hollow honeycomb constructions with examples described in US 5,653,551; US 6,511,257; US 6,649,110; US 6,695,527; and US2012/0266549. The honeycomb construction allows air and light to penetrate to the underlying grass and provides the required rigidity.

It is also known to connect or interlock the mats to form a unitary structure such that individual mats are not displaced during use by traffic (e.g. pedestrians or vehicles) passing over the mats. Example interlocking mat assemblies are described in US 2004/005430, US 2012/0266549, US 2010/0290863, and US 6,722,831. However, existing ground protection apparatus and in particular mat interconnectors typically require relatively precise alignment during coupling. Accordingly, conventional systems are generally limited for use on flat ground. That is, these existing systems become very difficult to connect when the mats are laid on uneven ground and/or the geometries of the mat connectors are changed slightly by expansion or contraction resulting from temperature changes. Accordingly, what is required is ground protection apparatus that addresses these problems.

Summary of the Invention

It is an objective of the present invention to provide ground protection apparatus comprising a plurality of reversible mats that may be interconnected to form a unitary assembly via interconnectors that allow the mats to be laid on the ground to present either a first or a second main surface as the upward facing working surface of the mat. It is a further specific objective to provide a mat based ground protection apparatus in which the connectors may be interchanged between different parts of any one mat depending upon the desired orientation of the mat to present either of the two main surfaces as the upward facing working surface.

It is a yet further specific objective to provide ground protection apparatus having an interconnecting or interlocking arrangement that does not require close alignment of the mats and interconnectors so as to be suitable to allow the construction of the multiple mat ground protection apparatus on site and on uneven ground. Reference within the specification to ‘uneven’ ground encompasses ground that is not flat and includes for example an undulating surface resultant from the type of material of the ground including stones, gravel, boulders, rocks; or the ground having peaks and troughs, bumps, cavities, potholes, ridges, steps, changes in material type (e.g. soft to hard ground materials).

The objectives are achieved by providing a plurality of mats that are reversible having a first main surface and a second main surface such that either of the first or second surfaces may be placed on the ground so that the alternate surface becomes the upward facing, working surface of the mat. The interconnection of the mat is provided by a set of flanges that extend laterally outward from the sides of the mat with each flange having apertures to receive at least one interconnector. Advantageously, the apertures in the flanges are uniform having a single elongate aperture cross section to receive a single type of connector. The interconnectors or at least a part of each of the interconnectors when inserted in the appropriate slot-like apertures are then locked in position at the mat via a locking retainer forming a part of each interconnector. Accordingly, neighbouring mats are locked together via a coupled or mated action between a first part (female part) of each interconnector being attached to a first mat (via a mat aperture) and a second part (male part) of the interconnector being attached and received within an aligned aperture of a second mat.

All of the apertures of the mats are configured so as to receive and partially accommodate in close fitting contact the part of the interconnector that may be releasably locked at the mat. Each aperture is also configured to interface with a second male part of the interconnector that by alignment of the mats is accordingly aligned with the first female part as to interconnect neighbouring mats together. The apertures and male parts are configured so as to provide a degree of positional play or positional freedom/movement of the male part relative to the female part of each interconnector. Such an arrangement is advantageous to allow neighbouring mats to be interconnected on uneven ground and to accommodate any thermal expansion or contraction of the mats and/or interconnectors.

The present interconnectors are suitably robust and may typically be formed from a metal and in particular a metal alloy such as steel. Preferably, the interconnectors comprise at least two primary parts including a first part and a second part. Preferably, the first part comprises a rotatably movable flange mounted at a lug. The lug comprises at least one bore to receive a shaft part of the second male part of the interconnector. Preferably, this second part of the interconnector comprises a bolt having a threaded shaft and a collar that surrounds the shaft and at least part of a bolt head. Preferably, the collar comprises an internal diameter being greater than an external diameter of the shaft so as to provide a degree of lateral movement, tilting or twisting of the bolt/shaft within the collar. Such an arrangement is advantageous to facilitate the mating of the bolt shaft into the female part of the interconnector in situ when the mats are laid on uneven ground and alignment of the respective first and second parts of the interconnectors is imperfect.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided ground protection apparatus comprising: a plurality of ground protection mats, each mat comprising: a first surface and a second surface each capable of being an upward facing contact face or downward facing ground engaging face; at least one first flange projecting outwardly at a first side of the mat at or towards the first surface and at least one second flange projecting outwardly at a second side of the mat at or towards the second surface, each of the first and second flanges comprising at least one aperture; a plurality of interconnectors each having a first part and a second part to connect neighbouring mats via the first and second flanges to form a unitary assembly; wherein the first part is configured to be releasably mounted in the respective aperture of the first and second flange and to be engaged by the second part received within the alternate aperture of the second and first flange to releasably lock together the flanges of neighbouring mats when positioned to overlap one another such that either the first or second surface of the mats may be presented as the upward facing surface.

The first (female) part is configured to be releasably locked in position within the aperture via a locking component or flange that may be actuated from one side of the first part and in particular from one of the first or second surfaces of the mat. Advantageously, the first part is universal so as to be releasably locked within all apertures of all flanges of the mats. Such a configuration is advantageous to allow the mats to be reversed (or inverted) so as to present either the first or second main planar surface as the upward facing ‘working’ surface to be contacted by pedestrians or vehicles whilst the alternate surface is positioned in contact with the ground. Accordingly, all apertures of the mats of the subject invention are identical in all flanges.

Preferably, the bore and shaft comprise respective cooperating threads.

Preferably, the lug comprises an abutment shoulder spaced apart from the retainer, the shoulder configured for abutment contact against a region of the first or second flange such that the lug of the second part may be locked within a respective aperture when the retainer is orientated to extend laterally outward beyond the lug and the shoulder and the retainer are held in abutment contact against respective regions of the flange surrounding the respective aperture.

Preferably, the retainer is rotatably mounted at the lug via a pin, screw or bolt.

Preferably, the first part comprises a non-circular cross sectional profile.

Preferably, the retainer when orientated in a second position extends laterally outward beyond at least two sides or regions of the lug.

Preferably, the second part comprises a collar to surround the shaft, the collar having an internal bore having an internal diameter that is greater than an outside diameter of the shaft to enable the shaft to tilt or pivot within the collar.

Preferably, the collar comprises an annular first groove recessed into the internal bore and the shaft comprises a second groove recessed into an outward facing surface; a gasket mounted within the first and second grooves to couple the shaft and the collar as a unitary assembly.

Preferably, the shaft is formed as a part of a bolt, the bolt having a bolt head.

Preferably, the shaft comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending channels.

Preferably, the flanges each comprise a respective ridge at least partially surrounding each of the respective apertures at a first face of the flange, at least part of the second part of each interconnector configured to at least partially sit within the ridge.

Preferably, the flanges each comprise a recess extending from each respective aperture at a second face of the flange to at least partially receive the retainer of the first part when orientated to extend laterally outward beyond the lug.

Preferably, each mat comprises a first set of flanges extending lengthwise and widthwise along the mat and a second set of flanges extending lengthwise and widthwise along the mat, the first and second set of flanges being spaced apart or offset in a direction between the first surface and the second surface of the mat.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a ground protection mat that provides both a reliable and robust ground protection apparatus when in use and one that may be arranged with neighbouring mats to form an interlocked vertical stack so as to be convenient and robust for transport. It is a further specific objective to configure the mats for rapid, convenient and robust interconnection to form a substantially planar interlocked mat system when arranged over the ground.

The repeating ridge or tread pattern on the first and second faces may be moulded or machined into the face by mechanical means such as routing or milling. Preferably, the ridge or tread pattern on the first surface defines a plurality of first geometrically shaped projections and the ridge or tread pattern on the second surface defines a plurality of second geometrically shaped projections having a shape profile different to the first geometrically shaped projections. The ridge and tread pattern is optimised by the shape and configuration of the pattern comprising respective rectangular, triangular, square and/or octagonal regions to provide both a tessellating interlocking structure (such that the respective ridge patterns define first and second ridge patterns that respectively engage one another) whilst minimising the number of straight line cuts that are required for any routing or milling process. The shaped projections on one face are configured to fit into the spaces between the shaped projections on the other face.

Preferably, the mats each comprises a tread pattern on one face that comprises a diamond, rectangle, triangle or square shaped repeating pattern and a tread or ridge pattern on an alternate face comprising an octagonal repeating pattern. Each of the squares and octagons are formed as individual ridge extensions such that the respective perimeters of each of the octagons and squares are clearly defined and stand ‘proud’ of the underlying main body of the mat from which they project either in the upward direction (at the upper contact face) or in a downward direction (if provided at the lower ground engaging face). Preferably, the rectangular, diamond and/or triangular shaped projections define gap regions within which the octagonal shaped projections are configured to sit.

The octagonal shape profile is advantageous for the upward facing contact surface so as to provide good traction for the wheels of traffic when the mats are in use and positioned over the ground. In particular, an octagon shape profile is advantageous as the grip is independent of direction of travel of the vehicles.

Brief Decriptions of the drawings A specific implementation of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first surface of a ground protection mat according to a specific implementation of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second surface of the ground protection mat of figure 1;

Figure 3 is a magnified perspective view of a corner section of the mat of figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a female part of an interconnector to couple a plurality of mats of figure 1 in a locking configuration;

Figure 5 is a further perspective view of the female part of the interconnector of figure 4 in a non-locking configuration;

Figure 6 is cross sectional perspective view of a male part of an interconnector to couple the mats of figure 1;

Figure 7 is a further cross sectional view of the male part of the interconnector of figure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the female part of the interconnector of figure 4 mounted in position within an aperture formed within the mat of figure 1;

Figure 9 is a further perspective view from the opposite side of the mat of the female part of the interconnector of figure 5 located within one of the apertures of the mat of figure 1;

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view through the coupled region of two adjacent mats of figure 1 connected via the male and female parts of figures 5 and 7.

Detailed Description of preferred embodiment of the invention

Referring to figure 1, a ground protection mat 100 comprises a generally planar configuration having a planar, rectangular first surface 101. A repeating ridge or tread pattern 102 is provided on first surface 101 in the form of spatially separated octagons that project from surface 101 as raised islands in the otherwise substantially planar surface 101. Mat 100 may be considered to comprise a dual layer structure in which a first (e.g., upper) layer is positioned off-set in both the lengthwise and widthwise directions relative to a second (e.g., lower) layer so as to create lengthwise and widthwise extending overhang or flange sections. Accordingly, surface 101 is bordered by a pair of lengthwise extending flanges 105 and a pair of opposed widthwise extending flanges 106. Each flange 105, 106 is formed as an overhang or may alternatively be viewed as an undercut section, depending on the orientation of the mat 100. When viewed in the orientation of figure 1, one lengthwise flange 105 comprises a first surface 105a and widthwise extending flange 106 comprises a corresponding first surface 106a. Both surfaces 105a, 106a are coplanar and are positioned below the main upward facing surface 101 of mat 100 so as to provide a stepped region in the lengthwise edge region 103a and the widthwise edge region 103b of mat 100 with each flange 105, 106 being separated and positioned below main planar surface 101 via a respective lengthwise extending step 110 and a widthwise extending step 109.

Mat 100 comprises a plurality of elongate (or slot-like) apertures indicated generally by reference 107 formed to extend through each of the four flanges 105, 106. The elongation of the apertures 107 is advantageous to allow at least initial movement freedom when the mats 100 are coupled together so as to accommodate any thermal expansion (or contraction) of the component parts of the assembly. According to the specific implementation, mat 100 comprises four apertures in each lengthwise flange 105 and two apertures 107’ in each widthwise flange 106. Each aperture 107, 107’ is identical having the same shape profile and dimension. A ridge indicated generally by reference 108 is positioned to surround each aperture 107, 107’ at upward facing surface 105b of lengthwise flange 105 and upward facing surface 106b of widthwise extending flange 106. According to the specific implementation, the upward facing flange surfaces 105b, 106b are positioned slightly raised relative to the main upward facing first surface 101 of mat 100. Accordingly, one widthwise flange 106 and one lengthwise flange 105 are positioned to be slightly raised above surface 101 whilst a second lengthwise flange 105 and widthwise flange 106 are positioned to step down and sit below first surface 101 via steps 110, 109. The upward facing surfaces 105a, 106a of the stepped-down flanges (relative to first surface 101) do not comprise ridges 108 surrounding apertures 107, 107’. However, these ridges 108 are provided on the opposite face 105b, 106b, as detailed in figure 2.

Figure 2 illustrates the planar, rectangular opposed second surface 200 of mat 100 with surfaces 101 and 200 being parallel aligned. Second surface 200 comprises a different ridge or tread pattern to first surface 101. In particular, the ridge or tread pattern at second surface 200 is formed by a series of triangles 201a and rectangles 201b, 201c. The triangles and rectangles 201a, 201b, 201c project from surface 200 by a distance generally equal to the distance by which the octagonal projections 102 extend from first surface 101. Advantageously, the tread pattern at second surface 200 is configured to inter-fit with the tread pattern of the first surface 101 to allow mats 100 to be stacked vertically on top of one another. In particular, the triangles and rectangles 201a, 201b, 201c of second surface 200 are configured to sit between the 'gaps' created and defined between the octagonal projections 102. Accordingly, the mats are configured to positionally interlock via the tessellated ridge patterns to inhibit lateral displacement of the mats 100 of an as-formed stack.

Accordingly, mat 100 comprises two lengthwise flanges 105 and two widthwise flanges 106 with each flange having a respective first surface 105a, 106a and a respective second surface 105b, 106b that defines respective overhang and undercut perimeter regions extending to define lengthwise and widthwise edge regions 103a, 103b of mat 100. Accordingly, the flanges 105 and 106 of neighbouring mats may be positioned to overlap (in particular over- or under- lay) one another so that the respective first or second surfaces 101, 200 may be positioned coplanar to form a continuous ground protection assembly (being an interconnected or tessellated array of mats 100).

Referring to figure 3, and as indicated, each aperture 107 is surrounded at flange second surface 105b, 106b by an annular ridge 108. Ridge 108 projects from surface 105b, 106b as a raised annular rim having an external surface 303 and an internal facing surface that defines an internal cavity 301. Cavity 301 at its innermost end is terminated by an annular shelf 300 that extends radially inward from the internal facing surface that defines cavity 301. Aperture 107 is further defined by a radially inward facing aperture wall 302 that extends through each flange 105, 106 between the respective first and second surfaces 105a, 106a and 105b, 106b. A configuration of each flange 105, 106 at the first surface 105a, 106a is different to the ridged configuration as described at the second surface 105b, 106b. In particular, the region immediately surrounding apertures 107, 107’ at respective surfaces 105a, 106a is devoid of ridges 108. Instead, a recess 304 extends from a perimeter region of each aperture 107, 107’ at each respective surface 105a, 106a being configured to receive a part of an interconnector (described with reference to figures 4 to 10) to releasably couple the mats 100 in side-by-side orientation via their overlapping flanges 105, 106.

Referring to figures 4 to 7, the present ground protection apparatus further comprises a plurality of interconnectors, with each interconnector having a respective female part 400 and a respective male part 600. Referring to figures 4 and 5, the female part 400 comprises a main body or lug 401. A threaded bore 402 extends through lug 401 between a first end surface 407 and a second end surface 408. An elongate plate like retainer 403 is pivotally mounted at lug 401 via a screw 404 that extends through an aperture 405 within retainer 403 and into lug 401. Retainer 403 may be pivoted about screw 404 relative to lug 401 so as to sit generally aligned with lug 401 as illustrated in figure 5 or generally perpendicular or transverse to lug 401 as illustrated in figure 4. That is, retainer 403 may be considered to be elongate having a first end 403a and a second end 403b such that when orientated to be transverse or perpendicular to lug 401, retainer ends 403a, 403b project laterally outward from respective lengthwise extending sides 401a, 401b of lug 401. Lug 401 comprises a channel 500 recessed into end surface 407 and is dimensioned to receive retainer 403 when orientated transverse or perpendicular to lug 401. Lug 401 further comprises a shoulder 406 that projects outwardly from an around lug 401 at (or toward) end surface 408. Shoulder 406 is spatially separated from retainer 403 by the majority of the thickness of lug 401.

Referring to figures 6 and 7, a male part 600 of each mat interconnector comprises a threaded shaft 601 and a head 602 that together define a bolt centred on longitudinal axis 700. A plurality of channels 609 extend longitudinally along shaft 601 to provide pathways for dirt and other debris and the avoidance of fouling of the cooperating screw threads formed on shaft 601 and within bore 402. An annular groove 608 is recessed into shaft 601 at a region between one end of shaft 601 and head 602. Shaft 601 is surrounded at least partially by an annular collar indicated generally by reference 603. Collar 603 is oversized relative to shaft 601 and comprises an internal bore 610 that has an internal diameter being greater than an external diameter of shaft 601. Collar 603 also comprises a radially outward extending flange 604 to be positioned immediately below and configured to abut bolt head 602. Collar 603 further comprises a conical tapered end section 612 having a reduced internal and external diameter relative to a main length 605 of collar 603 between section 612 and flange 604. Collar 603 is defined longitudinally by a first end 611 and a second end represented by flange 604. Collar 603 also comprises a groove 607 recessed into the internal facing surface that defines bore 610. An O-ring gasket 606 is mounted to be positioned within the region defined between the opposed grooves 608, 607. Gasket 606 provides a means of coupling bolt 601, 602 to the surrounding collar 603 to form a unitary assembly when the male part 600 is not in use. Such an arrangement is advantageous to avoid unintentional separation and loss of the individual components of the interconnector.

Due to the relative dimensional differences between the internal diameter of collar bore 610 and the external diameter of shaft 601, collar 603 is capable of tilting or pivoting in a lateral direction about shaft 601. Gasket 606 maintains collar 603 in position about shaft 601 whilst collar 603 is allowed to tilt and pivot.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the female part 400 mounted in position within an aperture 107’. As can be seen from figure 8, retainer 403 is configured to be at least partially housed within recess 304 whilst lug 401 is entirely accommodated within aperture 107’ and in particular within the inward facing walls 302 that defines each aperture 107, 107’. As will be noted, lug bore 402 extends completely through the female part 400 so as to be visible from each flange surface 105a, 105b, 106a and 106b.

The mechanism for coupling neighbouring mats 100 via the respective flanges 105,106 will be described with reference to figure 10. To assemble mats 100 to create the ground protection system, the female parts 400, in particular lugs 401, are initially loaded into the respective apertures 107, 107’. To lock the female part 400 within the respective flanges 105, 106, screw 404 is adjusted to allow rotation of retainer 403 relative to lug 401. Retainer 403 is rotated such that retainer ends 403a, 403b project laterally outward from lug 401 to the orientation of figures 4 and 8. In this configuration, retainer ends 403a, 403b are configured to sit within recess 304 such that end regions of retainer 403 abut against the flange 105, 106 immediately surrounding each respective aperture 107, 107’. As screw 404 is tightened to lock retainer 403 in the orientation of figures 4 and 8, lug shoulder 406 is forced against aperture shelf 300. Effectively, lug 401 is compressed or sandwiched between the bracing action created by retainer 403 engaging flange 105, 106 and shoulder 406 engaging shelf 300. The female part 400 is accordingly locked in position within the respective flanges 105, 106. The mats 100 may then be arranged to sit side-by-side with the respective flanges 105,106 overlapping those flanges of the neighbouring mat 100. The male part 600 is then inserted into the respective apertures 107, 107’ (of flanges 105, 106) in a direction from second surfaces 105b, 106b. In particular, threaded shaft 601 is received into bore 402 of lug 401 and by rotation of bolt head 602, the male part 600 is forced into female part 400. Accordingly, collar 603 is brought into engaging contact with lug 401 and in particular lug surface 407. Collar 603 is appreciably smaller than the cross sectional area of aperture 107, 107’ and in particular ridge 108 such that a degree of positional ‘play’ is provided to allow positional variation of the male part 600 that facilitates alignment of shaft 601 and bore 402. Such an arrangement is advantageous to allow the coupling of neighbouring mats 100 on uneven ground and to avoid difficulties in coupling and decoupling the mats via the interconnectors 400, 600 due to thermal expansion and contraction of the various component parts. In particular, male part 600 may be allowed to slide within apertures 107, 107’ due to their relative dimensions, shape and configuration (and as apertures 107, 107’ are generally elongate slots extending generally widthwise across each flange 105, 106). Once the male part 600 is secured to the female part 400 via the tightening of bolt 601, 602 within bore 402, collar 603 is prevented from further pivoting and is held in fixed position. The pivoting action of collar 603 about bolt shaft 601 is further advantageous to facilitate the coupling of the respective male and female parts 600, 400 when mats 100 are interconnected on uneven ground. The present configuration is further advantageous for use in demanding environments (e.g., dusty or muddy locations) due to the relative degree of coupling movement between the male and female parts 600, 400 (achieved via the relative dimensions of the apertures 107,107’ and the configuration of the male and female parts 600, 400).

As detailed in figure 10, the height by which each ridge 108 projects from each flange surface 105b, 106b is sufficient to at least partially house the majority of bolt head 602 and collar 603. Such an arrangement is advantageous to prevent damage to the male part 600 and for example a pedestrian catching the interconnector with their feet.

The subject invention is advantageous in that the female part 400 may be interchanged between apertures 107, 107’ on different flanges 105, 106 to allow mats 100 to be reversible. That is, if it were desired to orientate some mats 100 of the ground protection apparatus to present first surface 101 to be upward facing, the female parts 400 may be loaded into the apertures 107,107’ on the respective flanges 105, 106 that are positioned on the right hand side of the mat 100 (with these flanges 105, 106 being stepped down from the main first surface 101) as shown in figure 1. Alternatively, should some sections of the ground protection system require the second surface 200 to be upward facing, the female parts 400 may be loaded into the opposite flanges 105, 106 (being the left hand side and bottom flanges of figure 2) that correspond to the opposite flanges into which the female parts 400 were inserted as described referring to figure 1.

The present ground protection apparatus is advantageous to provide a plurality of mats that are reversible with each main first and second surface 101,200 having a different ridge or tread pattern. The different ridge or tread pattern 102, 201a, 201b, 201c is advantageous firstly to allow the mats 100 to be stacked securely on top of one another when not in use and also to maximise frictional contact at the upward facing surface of the mat 100. For example and in particular the ridge or tread pattern 201a, 201b, 201c at second surface 200 is specifically adapted as a high friction surface for pedestrians whilst the ridge or tread pattern 102 of first surface 101 provides a high friction first surface 101 for vehicles. The present mats 100 and interconnectors 400, 600 provide a ground protection system suitable for use on uneven ground due to the positional adjustment/freedom of the male parts 600 relative the female part 400 when both parts 400, 600 are mounted in position at each set of respective flanges 105, 106. The subject invention is achieved, in part, as the apertures 107, 107’, are identical along both the lengthwise extending and widthwise extending flanges 105, 106 in addition to having a single universal interconnector 400, 600.

Claims

1. Ground protection apparatus comprising: a plurality of ground protection mats, each mat comprising: a first surface and a second surface each capable of being an upward facing contact face or downward facing ground engaging face; at least one first flange projecting outwardly at a first side of the mat at or towards the first surface and at least one second flange projecting outwardly at a second side of the mat at or towards the second surface, each of the first and second flanges comprising at least one aperture; a plurality of interconnectors each having a first part and a second part to connect neighbouring mats via the first and second flanges to form a unitary assembly; wherein the first part is configured to be releasably mounted in the respective aperture of the first and second flange and to be engaged by the second part received within the alternate aperture of the second and first flange to releasably lock together the flanges of neighbouring mats when positioned to overlap one another such that either the first or second surface of the mats may be presented as the upward facing surface.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first part comprises a lug having a bore and a retainer pivotally mounted at the lug and configured for rotation between a first position and a second position in which at least part of the retainer extends laterally outward beyond the lug and is capable of abutment contact against a region of the first or second flange to lock the first part in one of the apertures;

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second part comprises a shaft to mate with the bore of the lug of the first part, the second part engagable with one of the apertures of a flange of a neighbouring mat so that the flanges of neighbouring mats may be positioned to overlap one another and releasably locked together via the respective the first and second parts of the interconnectors.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the bore and shaft comprise respective cooperating threads.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the lug comprises an abutment shoulder spaced apart from the retainer, the shoulder configured for abutment contact against a region of the first or second flange such that the lug of the first part may be locked within a respective aperture when the retainer is orientated to extend laterally outward beyond the lug and the shoulder and the retainer are held in abutment contact against respective regions of the flange surrounding the respective aperture.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim when dependant on claim 2 wherein the retainer is rotatably mounted at the lug via a pin, screw or bolt.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first part comprises a non-circular cross sectional profile.

8. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim when dependant on claim 2 wherein the retainer when orientated in a second position extends laterally outward beyond at least two sides or regions of the lug.

9. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim when dependant on claim 3 wherein the second part comprises a collar to surround the shaft, the collar having an internal bore having an internal diameter that is greater than an outside diameter of the shaft to enable the shaft to tilt or pivot within the collar.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the collar comprises an annular first groove recessed into the internal bore and the shaft comprises a second groove recessed into an outward facing surface; a gasket mounted within the first and second grooves to couple the shaft and the collar as a unitary assembly.

11. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim when dependant on claim 3 wherein the shaft is formed as a part of a bolt, the bolt having a bolt head.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim when dependant on claim 3 wherein the shaft comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending channels.

13. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flanges each comprise a respective ridge at least partially surrounding each of the respective apertures at a first face of the flange, at least part of the second part of each interconnector configured to at least partially sit within the ridge.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13 when dependant on claim 2 wherein the flanges each comprise a recess extending from each respective aperture at a second face of the flange to at least partially receive the retainer of the first part when orientated to extend laterally outward beyond the lug.

15. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each mat comprises a first set of flanges extending lengthwise and widthwise along the mat and a second set of flanges extending lengthwise and widthwise along the mat, the first and second set of flanges being spaced apart or offset in a direction between the first surface and the second surface of the mat.

16. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second surface of the mat each comprise a respective ridge or tread pattern such that neighbouring mats may be stacked on top of one another to form an interlocked stack via frictional engagement between the ridge or tread pattern of the first and second surface of neighbouring mats when orientated opposed to one another.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the ridge or tread pattern on the first and second surface are configured to overlap in touching frictional contact with the ridges or tread pattern of a neighbouring mat so as to vertically stack and interlock neighbouring mats.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the ridge or tread pattern on the first surface defines a plurality of first geometrically shaped projections and the ridge or tread pattern on the second surface defines a plurality of second geometrically shaped projections having a shape profile different to the first geometrically shaped projections.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the ridge or tread pattern on one of the first and second surfaces comprises regions that define octagonal shaped projections and the ridge or tread pattern on the alternate first or second surface comprises regions that defines rectangular, diamond and/or triangular shaped projections.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein the rectangular, diamond and/or triangular shaped projections define gap regions within which the octagonal shaped projections are configured to sit.