GB1484997A - Resilient lattice structures - Google Patents

Abstract

1484997 Matting DUNLOP Ltd 29 Nov 1974 [22 Nov 1973 19 Feb 1974] 54323/73 and 7592/74 Heading A4S [Also in Divisions B7, B8, El and F2] An openwork matting, e.g. for covering ground surfaces, is composed of one or more layers of interlocked strips of rubber, polyurethane or p.v.c. having interfitting slots and/or apertures. Figs. 1 and 3 show identical interlocking strips all extending longitudinally and lying individually in planes inclined to the plane of the matting. Fig. 4 (not shown) illustrates the same strips interlocked to present a castellated cross-section. In modifications, Fig. 5, - parallel longitudinal strips 30 each have groups of three mutually inclined rectangular apertures 33a, b, c associated with lead-in slits 37 so that each aperture can receive a respective transverse strip 31a, b, c; each transverse strip, Figs. 7 or 8 (not shown) has rectangular apertures (32) or edge notches (41). The interlocked strips may be detachable, or may be secured together by adhesive, fusing or covering with film. The strip edges may be straight or wavy, may be flush or offset at intersections, and may be angled to form a matting having closed-end compartments rather than through-apertures. The strips may be stamped from sheet rubber formed from uncured scrap reinforced rubber by chopping, milling, calendering and vulcanizing. Two or more layers of matting may be superposed and may be interlocked together, or spaced by a foam layer. Alternatively a foam layer may be adhered to a single layer of interlocked strips to assist the growth of vegetation. The matting may be used (a) as packaging, (b) as a helicopter landing pad, (c) as a covering on limestone chippings to form a race track, (d) as a temporary road covering for horse traffic, (e) as a ground covering providing compartments for sand, ballast, sawdust or grass cuttings. Alternatively the matting may be laid in the ground and have vegetation growing therein.