MXPA98008201A - Reinforced composite mat - Google Patents

Abstract

It is depicted a reinforced composite mat, to provide basementfor the development of vegetation for stabilizing the surface of a channel, as an effective alternative regarding costs and which is environmentally friendly in comparison with the slope coating or the interior coating of concrete channel. The reinforced composite mat is formed with a lower mesh, a three-dimensional mesh or cusp-shaped mesh having protuberances and channels extending through the extensiveness of the three-dimensional mesh or cusp- shaped mesh, with the channels substantially adjacent to the lower mesh, and an upper mesh substantially adjacent to the protuberances of the three-dimensional mesh or cusp- shaped mesh. A fiber matrix is distributed preferably made of coconut fibers between the lower mesh and the three- dimensional mesh or cusp-shaped mesh, and the bottom mesh, the fiber matrix, the three-dimensional mesh or cusp-shaped mesh and the upper mesh are fastened together, preferably with filaments in order to form the reinforced composite mat of the present invention.

Description

I í / i I - 1 - REINFORCED COMPOUND MATTRESS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention is directed to a reinforced composite mat, for environmental use in the interior coating of channels.

RELATED PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE US Patent 2,092,183 describes wiring system formed of large current bank structures to help trap sediment and float plant material to cause accretion (accumulation) of the current bank. U.S. Patent 3,517,514 discloses a soil protection mat formed of small bunches of fibers to provide sediment trapping. US Patent 4,002,034 describes a nonwoven fiber medium having different pore sizes and a top cover sheet with fins that react to pressure to prevent erosion on coatings, while allowing the release of hydraulic pressure from under the face ground. This carpet describes a first layer of coconut fiber, but the description departs from the applicant's description that the carpet is not designed to collect sediment from the flowing water. U.S. Patent 4,159,360 describes a fabric having a stabilized network. U.S. Patent 4,662,778 discloses a drainage mat in the form of a cusp. Together, these patents represent the most pertinent prior art in relation to the environmental mat for use in the internal coating of channels.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a reinforced composite mat for use in the inner lining of a channel. This reinforced composite mat can be used with vegetation sown and for the permanent reinforcement of mature vegetation. Without reinforcement, the vegetation of the channels is based mainly on a system of roots of each plant and its union to the surface of the channel. The channels with grass inner lining have root systems reinforced with synthetic rugs that are able to withstand more than twice the flow rates and durations of the unreinforced grass interior liners. Therefore, the present invention extends to the use of indoor lined channels with vegetation within high discharge channels where only previously scolley or slope and concrete channel casings have been previously specified. Previous plant reinforcement systems require manual soil filling on the carpet during installation, which is often impractical and expensive, and does not provide adequate protection against the erosive force in the channel before and during establishment of the vegetation . The root systems of the vegetation can not be reinforced if the surrounding basement soil is removed by erosive force. The reinforced composite mat described herein, is installed directly on the surface of the channel without additional filling of the soil, and works together with the natural process to facilitate phase one (0-6 months) prevegetation protection; the establishment of vegetation in phase two (6-24 months); and the protection of mature vegetation in phase three (24 + months). During phase one, the reinforced composite mat is installed and fixed in the channel with suitable staples. The reinforced composite mat stabilizes the channel surface and provides a solid foundation for the development of a stable channel. The fiber matrix is quickly filled with sediment from the runoff that passes through the channel, which allows germination of seeds and the establishment of root systems.

During phase two, a layer of sediment and straw cover, the reinforced composite mat and vegetation is spread across the surface, and the roots penetrate through the mat into the channel floor. Without the composite mat, the soil around the developing vegetation in the canal is exposed to being washed away and combined with preexisting soil erosion problems, endangering the vegetable inner lining of the canal. Phase three provides mature vegetation on the reinforced composite mat, which reinforces the plant interior lining system, and consolidates the superimposed soil, roots and subsoil on a uniformed mat. The dense matrix formed in this way fixes the roots of the plants to the surrounding soil, keeping the individual plants from coming off from the surface of the channel under the high shear flow tensions. The reinforced composite mat and the mature vegetable inner lining provide permanent stabilization for the channel for the remainder of the channel life, which provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to the slope lining or the inner lining of the channel. concrete. The reinforced composite mat comprises a heavyweight lower mesh, a superheavy weight three-dimensional cusp shaped mesh having protrusions and alternating channels extending in a substantially parallel relationship across the width of the cusp shaped mesh, and a heavy weight upper mesh. Interposed between the lower mesh and the cusp shaped mesh is a fiber matrix, formed of elongated chains of commercially available fibers, such as coconut fibers or recycled nylon fibers. The bottom of the mesh, the fiber matrix, * the cusp-shaped mesh and the upper mesh are preferably fixed together by sewn threads of thread in separate relation tangent to the plurality of protrusions and channels formed in the mesh in the form of cusp. Other known means for fixing the lower mesh, the fiber matrix, the three-dimensional or cuspal-shaped mesh and the upper mesh, together, can be used without departing from this description, or from the scope of the following claims. The lower mesh, the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh and the upper mesh each are preferably formed of plastic materials stabilized in ultraviolet light. The lower mesh, the upper mesh and the cusp shaped mesh preferably each form an aperture grid, each aperture having a substantially uniform spacing that is selected from 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) in length and 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) in width. The grids are preferably formed from substantially rectangular openings. Other forms of openings, such as diamond-shaped openings, also form a part of this invention. The above-mentioned features and other features and objects of this invention and the manner of obtaining them will become apparent and the invention itself will be better understood with reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention, when considered together with the accompanying drawings. .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure IA is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced composite mat placed in a channel to provide protection against environmental erosion of the channel during the growth of the channel in phase one. Figure IB is a cross-sectional view taken along lines B-B in Figure IA, showing the direction of channel flow during channel growth in phase one. Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a reinforced composite mat placed in a channel during channel two growth. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines B-B in Figure 2A, showing the flow direction of the channel during growth in phase two.

Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced composite mat placed in a channel during the channel three phase growth. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines B-B in Figure 2A, showing the direction of channel flow during channel growth in phase three. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced composite mat showing the bottom mesh, the fiber matrix, the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh and the upper mesh fixed together, forming the reinforced composite mat described herein . Figure 5A is a plan view of a section of the upper and lower mesh, showing the substantially rectangular openings. Figure 5B is a plan view of a section of the upper and lower mesh, showing openings in substantially diamond form. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a section of the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh, showing the projections and folded channels extending substantially parallel across the width of the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh.

Figure 7 is a bottom view showing the lower mesh, the fiber matrix and the filament used to secure the reinforced composite mat together.

BEST MPPQ FOR frtiEV A CftBQ M. INVENTION The subject matter considered as of our invention is particularly highlighted and claimed in a distinctive manner in the claims. The structure and operation of this invention, together with additional objects and advantages, can be better understood from the following description provided in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure IA is a cross-sectional view of the mat 10. The reinforced composite of this invention, installed in a channel 12 to cover the sides 11, 13 of the channel and the bottom 15, during phase one, leads to the growth of vegetation in the channel. The reinforced composite mat 10 prevents excess erosion of the soil 14 of the channel and the seeds 16, and at the same time provides a fiber matrix 20 for trapping organic mattress 22 and sediment 24 to provide a growth medium 26 to promote establishment of plant vegetation 18. Figure IB is a cross-sectional view formed along the lines BB in Figure IA, showing the preferred direction of channel flow, with reinforced composite mat 10 installed in bottom 15 of the channel , during the growth of channel in phase one. Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced composite mat 10 of this invention, installed in a channel 12 to cover the sides 11, 13 of the channel and the bottom during phase two: growth and establishment of vegetation in the channel. Reinforced composite mat 10 provides an environment in which vegetation 18 germinates and propagates on the surface of channel 12. Reinforced composite mat 10 prevents excess erosion around new plants 18 in the form of seedlings and in areas of sparse grass or another growth 18 of plants. Reinforced composite mat 10 catches an organic mattress 22, sediment 24 and a layer of humus 28 of plants, helping to accumulate and grow the medium 26 for future generations of plants 18. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines BB in Figure 2, which shows the preferred direction of the channel flow, with the reinforced composite mat shown installed on the bottom 15 of the channel during the growth of channel in phase two. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the reinforced composite mat 10 of this invention installed on the sides 11, 13 and the bottom 15 of a channel 12, during phase three: growth in the mature vegetation channel. During phase three, vegetation 18 grows on the surface of channel 12.

The mesh 30 of the bottom, the 40 mesh in the form of a cusp and the upper 50 mesh are perforated under the grass or other vegetation 18 is supported and is trapped in the sediment 24 and the layer of humus 28 of plants, which provides reinforcement for the root system of the plant 18 and eliminates the extraction of the plant 18 during the flow of channel 12 at high speed. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines BB in Figure 2A, showing the preferred direction of channel flow, with the reinforced composite mat shown installed on the channel bottom 15 during channel growth in phase three. As best shown in Figure 4, the reinforced composite mat comprises a heavy weight bottom screen 30, a fiber matrix 20, preferably comprising a plurality of coconut fiber chains, a three dimensional mesh or a cusp shaped mesh. of super heavy weight, and a 50 mesh of heavy weight. The lower 30 mesh, the three-dimensional or cusp shaped mesh 40 and the upper 50 mesh each preferably is formed of a plastic material stabilized against ultraviolet (UV) light, to ensure a long life and usefulness in its proposed environment. As best shown in Figure 5A, the upper mesh 50 and the lower mesh 30 preferably are formed of a heavy-weight UV-stabilized plastic mesh lattice, which forms a plurality of openings 34 therebetween.

The upper 50 mesh of heavy weight and the lower 30 mesh each preferably are of an approximate weight of 1.4 kg (3 pounds) per 92.9 m2 (1000 square feet) of approximate weight. Preferably, the openings 34 are of a substantially rectangular configuration having a substantially uniform spacing that is selected from 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) in length 36, and 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) in width 38. Although substantially rectangular openings 34 are shown in Figure 5, it is intended that they fall within the scope of this disclosure and in the following claims other opening shapes such as diamond-shaped openings 34 , as shown in Figure 5B. As best shown in Figure 6, the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh 40 is formed of a UV-stabilized super heavy-weight plastic array that forms a plurality of openings 44 therebetween. The three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh 40 preferably has an approximate weight of 2.3 kg (5 pounds) per 92.9 m2 (1000 square feet). The openings 44 are preferably of a substantially rectangular configuration having a substantially uniform spacing that is selected from 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) in length 43, and 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) in width 45. Alternatively, other aperture shapes 34, such as diamond-shaped aperture shown in Figure 5B, can also be used to form the grid of the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh. As best shown in Figures 4 and 6, the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh 40 is folded with a plurality of protrusions 46 and alternating channels 48 extending in a substantially parallel relationship across the width 47 of the mesh 40. three-dimensional or cusp shaped. The projections 46 and channels 48 are of a substantially uniform height 41, which is selected from 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) to 2.5 cm (1 inch) in height, forming a grid of three-dimensional or crescent-shaped mesh 40 which serves to add strength and stability to the reinforced composite mat 10. The three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh 40 serves to provide a protected region for trapping an organic mattress 22, sediment 24 and a layer of humus 28 of plants, and to protect the seeds 16 during the growth of plants in phase one. The grid of the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh 40 further provides an ideal growing medium 26 for supporting plants 18 during the growth of plants in phase two and for supporting a second and third generation that rests, of vegetation 18 during the growth of plants in phase three. As best shown in Figure 5A, the upper mesh 50 is preferably formed of a heavyweight plastic lattice 52 forming a plurality of openings 54. Preferably the openings 54 are of a substantially rectangular configuration, and having a length 56 substantially uniform separation that is selected from 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) up to 5.1 cm (2 inches), and a substantially uniform separation of width 58 that is selected from 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) ). Although the openings 34 in the lower mesh 30, the openings 44 in the three-dimensional or cusp shaped mesh 40 and the openings 54 in the upper mesh 50 preferably form a substantially rectangular grid 52, it is within the scope of this invention to include other configurations known apertures such as those used in the manufacture of mesh devices, and such other aperture configurations are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. With reference once again to FIG. 4, the fiber matrix 20 is secured between the bottom mesh 30 and the channels 48 formed in the three-dimensional mesh or in the form of a cusp. The upper mesh 50 is secured adjacent the projections 46 of the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh, to add additional strength and stability to the composite mat 10. The fiber matrix 20 substantially fills the space between the lower mesh 30 and the three-dimensional or cusp shaped mesh 40, forming the projections 27 and grooves 29 in the fiber matrix 20 which generally conform to the projections 46 and grooves 48. of the three-dimensional 40 mesh or in the form of a cusp. The lower 30 mesh, the 20 fiber matrix, the mesh Three-dimensional or cuspal shaped and upper 50 mesh are preferably secured together by sewn threads of 60 to 100% polyester black yarn in separate tangent relation to the plurality of protrusions 46 and channels 48 formed in the three-dimensional mesh 40 or cusp shape. The sewn strands 60 secure portions of the upper mesh 50 to adjacent portions of the shoulders 46 in the three-dimensional mesh 40 or in the form of a cusp. The sewn strands 60 further secure portions of the lower mesh 30 to adjacent portions of the channels 48 formed in the three-dimensional mesh 40 or in the form of a cusp, thereby interposing and trapping the fiber matrix materials 20 therebetween. Any known means for fixing the lower mesh, the fiber matrix, the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh and the upper mesh together can be used, such as glue, thermal bonding, mechanical fasteners, etc., to ensure that the mat 10 Reinforced composite is placed during storage, installation and prolonged use in its proposed environment. The reinforced composite mat 10 described herein is intended to be used in internal coating channels 12 having an intermittent water flow, during the three growth phases of the channel. The lower mesh 30 provides structural support and retention for the fiber matrix 20 and serves to reduce fiber losses during the high velocity water flow in the channel 20. The fiber matrix 20 provides a temporary or long-term protection against the erosive force and produces entrapment of organic mattress 22, to protect the seeds 16 during the growth of the channel in phase one, as best shown in Figures IA and IB. The fiber matrix 20 also provides a protective environment for promoting the establishment of vegetation 18 on the surface of channel 12 during the growth of the phase two channel, which is best shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The projections 46 and channels 48 of the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh 40 retain the fiber matrix 20 between the lower 30 mesh and the three-dimensional or cusp shaped mesh 40 to trap sediment and form a medium for plant root reinforcement permanent during the growth of the channel in phase three, which is best shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh 40 forms a series of projections 46 and channels 48 through the transverse direction (width) of the mat 40, perpendicular to the expected flow of the channel 12, which serves to better trap the sediment. and the topsoil, therefore experiencing a natural filling of the soil 14 and reinforcement of the roots of the plants 18 and the vegetation of the surface of the channel 12. See Figures IB, 2B and 3B. The height 41 of the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh 40 serves to provide rigidity to the reinforced composite mat 10, while forming a permanent reinforcement medium for the vegetable roots 18 in the projections 46 and channels 48 formed in this manner. The upper 50 mesh structurally supports the mesh Three-dimensional or in the form of an underlying cusp to reduce the stretching and flattening of the projections 46 and channels 48 during the installation and prolonged use in its proposed environment of the inner lining of the channel 12. The upper mesh 50 joins the channels 48 and "the projections 46 of the three-dimensional mesh 40 or in the form of a cusp to trap sediment 24 and a layer of humus 28 of plants between them .. The upper mesh 50 acts to reduce the elimination by washing of the organic mattress 22 and the floor of the channels 48, and provides a permanent reinforcement for the roots of the vegetables 18 to provide an improved environment for the inner lining of the channel 12 during all of the three channel growth phases The projections 46 and the channels 48 of the three-dimensional mesh 40 or in the form of a cusp are designed for installation in the flow channel tangent to the proposed channel flow direction, see figures IB, 2B and 3B. This helps trap sediment 24 between the projections 46 and channels 48 of the three-dimensional or cusp-shaped mesh 40 and reduces the washout of the sediment 24 trapped during the flow 12 of the high-speed channel. Seeds 16 can be inserted into the fiber matrix 20 before the reinforced composite mat 10 is installed along the channel surface 12, in preparation for growth in the channel, in phase one.

. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The invention is designed for use in the control of erosion of ambient soil, particularly for use in internal channel liners having intermittent channel flow.

CONCLUSION Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in connection with an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood that this specification is illustrative of the invention, and is by no means limiting thereof. It is reasonably expected that those skilled in the art will be able to make numerous revisions and additions to the invention and it is intended that such revisions and additions will be included within the scope of the following claims as equivalents of the invention.

Claims (21)

REIVINDIC? CiaNES

1. A composite mat, characterized in that it comprises a fiber matrix held in place by a network reinforcement, the reinforcement has a lower mesh and a cusp shaped mesh, the mesh in the form of a three-dimensional cusp and defines an upper part and a lower part of the mat, the fiber matrix is formed of a plurality of randomly oriented fibers, the fiber matrix is interposed between the lower mesh and the cusp shaped mesh, the lower mesh is secured in a separate arrangement through from the fiber matrix to the mesh in the form of a cusp.

2. The composite mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower mesh comprises a lattice defining a plurality of substantially rectangular openings, each opening having a substantially uniform spacing selected from 1/16 inch to 5.1 cm ( 2 inches) in length and 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) in width.

3. The composite mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the cusp shaped mesh comprises a lattice defining a plurality of substantially rectangular openings, each opening having a substantially uniform spacing that is selected from 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) in length and 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) in width.

4. The composite mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the cusp-shaped mat has a plurality of projections and channels, and further comprises a top mesh fixed in a separate arrangement to the cusp-shaped mesh adjacent to the protrusions thereof. , the upper mesh has a lattice defining a plurality of substantially rectangular openings, each opening having a substantially uniform spacing that is selected 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) in length and 1.6 mm (1 / 16 inches) to 5.1 cm (2 inches) wide.

5. The composite mat according to claim 4, characterized in that the lower mesh, the upper mesh and the cusp shaped mesh are each formed of plastic material stabilized under ultraviolet light.

6. The composite mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the fibers comprise randomly oriented strands of organic fibers.

7. The composite mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the fibers comprise randomly oriented fibers of synthetic fibers.

8. The composite mat according to claim 4, characterized in that the lower mesh, the cusp-shaped mesh and the upper mesh are secured together by stitched yarn through the lower mesh, the fibers, the cusp-shaped mesh and the upper mesh, in separate relation, perpendicular to the protrusions and channels of the mesh in the form of a cusp.

9. The composite mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the fibers comprise a plurality of strands of coconut fibers.

10. The composite mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the fibers comprise a plurality of strands of synthetic fibers.

11. The composite mat according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper mesh and the lower mesh each comprise a lattice formed of openings in substantially diamond-shaped form.

12. The composite mat according to claim 4, characterized in that the protrusions and the channels formed in the cusp shaped mesh are selectively dimensioned to extend from 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) to 2.5 cm (1 inch) in height between the upper and lower mesh.

13. The composite mat according to claim 4, characterized in that the protrusions and channels formed in the cusp-shaped mesh are designed for installation perpendicular to the flow direction of the channel.

14. The composite mat according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a top mesh, the upper mesh is secured to the mesh in the form of a cusp, the cusp mesh is between the upper and lower meshes.

15. The composite mat according to claim 14, characterized in that the lower mesh, the cusp-shaped mesh and the upper mesh are each formed of plastic materials stabilized against ultraviolet light.

16. The composite mat according to claim 14, characterized in that the lower mesh, the fibers, the cusp-shaped mesh and the upper mesh are secured together by strands sewn by seam in separate relation tangent to the plurality of substantially parallel protrusions and channels of the mesh in the form of a cusp.

17. A mat composed of three phases which traps sediments, organic mattress, leaves and asparagus to quickly fill natural soil and entangle plant roots for improved control of erosion, characterized by comprising a fiber matrix formed of a plurality of fibers randomly oriented that are held in place by a network reinforcement, the reinforcement has a lower mesh stabilized against ultraviolet light that defines a grid of openings, and a mesh in the form of a cusp stabilized before ultraviolet light, the mesh in the form of cusp has a plurality of protrusions and alternating channels extending in substantially parallel relationship, the fiber matrix is interposed between the lower mesh and the cusp shaped mesh, the lower mesh is secured in a separate arrangement through the matrix of fiber in close proximity to the channels of the mesh in the form of a cusp, where the mesh in the form of a cusp As a structural support in fiber matrix retention to eliminate fiber losses under a high-speed channel flow, the cusp-shaped mesh forms a three-dimensional structure along with the fiber matrix to trap sediment and asphalt and fill In an expeditious manner the natural soil and reinforce roots, the fiber matrix provides both temporary and long-term erosion control and accumulation of organic cushion, for the channel surface by retaining the underlying soil, seeds and moisture, the mesh in Cushion form also contains padded soil, leaves and thatch that eventually form a complete three-dimensional structure that provides a permanent matrix for entanglement and reinforcing of plant roots.

18. The composite mat according to claim 17, characterized in that the lower mesh, the fiber matrix, and the cusp-shaped mesh are all secured together by stitched yarn in separate relation substantially tangent to the plurality of protrusions and channels formed in the mesh in the form of a cusp.

19. The composite mat according to claim 17, characterized in that the protrusions and channels of the cusp-shaped mat are designed for lifting substantially tangent to the proposed direction of channel flow.

20. The composite mat according to claim 17, characterized in that the fibers are formed of a plurality of strands randomly oriented of coconut fibers.

21. The composite mat according to claim 17, characterized in that the cusp-shaped mesh has a plurality of protrusions and alternating channels extending in a substantially parallel relationship, the bottom mesh being secured to the channels of the mesh in the form of cusp