A series of modules serve to provide a base for walkway members to be assembled into a walkway. Modules provide for support and orientation of walkway members and the ability to produce complex walkways with segments at varying orientations. In a preferred embodiment, a base mat is sized to engage walkway members. Using a combination of a number of base mats and walkway members, segments of walkway of any desired size can be readily assembled. Reflective and non-slip surfaces can be applied to increase safety when in use.

A structural system is provided that includes at least two pavers partially defining a paved surface, the pavers partially defining a void between them. The system also includes a permeable joint located in the void between the pavers, where the permeable joint also partially defines the paved surface. The permeable joint includes a base layer formed of aggregate and bonded together with a non-cement binder, and a membrane layer formed of aggregate that is sized smaller than the aggregate of the base layer, where the aggregate of the membrane is also bonded together with a non-cement binder. The membrane is less permeable than the base layer and is located above the base layer.

A lightweight universal panel mat made of plastic or elastomeric material and having a first section that provides a relatively flat surface and provides a frame for receiving a plurality of removable panels that form a working surface within the panel mat. The panel mat includes a second section having geometry that supports the first section. The mats also include first, second, third and fourth sides forming a perimeter of the mat, wherein the first and second sides include upper structures having a sloped lower surface and the third and fourth sides include lower structures having sloped upper surfaces. The sloped surfaces are configured to allow for overlapping with sloped surfaces other like mats for interlocking therewith while forming a generally flat continuous top and bottom surface of the overlapped mats. The mats may be interlocked by a fastening member which fits in aligned openings of the adjacent mats for connection therewith.

The present invention is a heatable pathway system comprising a prefabricated pathway block made by an insulator material. A plurality of open channels built inside the block forming a plurality of exposed surfaces on the top layer of the block and a plurality unexposed surfaces on the bottom of the open channels, wherein a set of heating elements are placed on the unexposed surfaces of the open channel, and the plurality of the open channels are filled by a thermally conductive material and disposed directly above the heating elements to allow for quick conduction of heat from a heating source through the top in order to permit quick melting of snow and ice.

The present invention is a heatable pathway system comprising a prefabricated pathway block made by an insulator material. A plurality of open channels built inside the block forming a plurality of exposed surfaces on the top layer of the block and a plurality unexposed surfaces on the bottom of the open channels, wherein a set of heating elements are placed on the unexposed surfaces of the open channel, and the plurality of the open channels are filled by a thermally conductive material and disposed directly above the heating elements to allow for quick conduction of heat from a heating source through the top in order to permit quick melting of snow and ice.

A laminated mat for use as the temporary surface at a construction site or roadway leading thereto. This mat includes at least three layers of boards in a top layer, at least one core layer and a base layer. Preferably, each layer is rectangular. The top and base layers each include a plurality of parallel boards of substantially equal length that are made of oak or other hardwoods, or of plastic or elastomeric materials. The core layer includes a plurality of parallel boards of substantially equal length that are made of chemically treated softwood, encapsulated softwood, or of plastic or elastomeric materials, with the boards arranged to be perpendicular to the boards of the top layer, and configured so that adjacent boards in the core layer engage, contact and abut each other to minimize or eliminate space between adjacent boards to improve the strength of the core layer.

A laminated mat for use as the temporary surface at a construction site or roadway leading thereto. This mat includes at least three layers of boards in a top layer, at least one core layer and a base layer. Preferably, each layer is rectangular. The top and base layers each include a plurality of parallel boards of substantially equal length that are made of oak or other hardwoods, or of plastic or elastomeric materials. The core layer includes a plurality of parallel boards of substantially equal length that are made of chemically treated softwood, encapsulated softwood, or of plastic or elastomeric materials, with the boards arranged to be perpendicular to the boards of the top layer, and configured so that adjacent boards in the core layer engage, contact and abut each other to minimize or eliminate space between adjacent boards to improve the strength of the core layer.

A lightweight universal panel mat (100, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100, 1500, 1800, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020) made of plastic or elastomeric material and having a first section that provides a relatively flat, textured or structured top surface to facilitate movement over the mat and a second section having geometry that includes a plurality of cells having top surfaces that support the first section. The panel mats have first, second, third and fourth sides (110,120,135,145) that are configured to matingly engage or connect to the second, third, fourth and first sides, respectively. The connection can be by insertion or snap-locking of one side to another, or by the use of fastening elements that more securely holds the sides together. Thus, similarly configured panel mats can be connected by interlocking to form a temporary support surface, deck, walkway or roadway. Additional side ramps (2030) and adapters (2050) can be used to facilitate installation of the mats (2005, 2010, 2015, 2020) and access to the upper surfaces of the joined mats.

A lightweight universal panel mat (100, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100, 1500, 1800, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020) made of plastic or elastomeric material and having a first section that provides a relatively flat, textured or structured top surface to facilitate movement over the mat and a second section having geometry that includes a plurality of cells having top surfaces that support the first section. The panel mats have first, second, third and fourth sides (110,120,135,145) that are configured to matingly engage or connect to the second, third, fourth and first sides, respectively. The connection can be by insertion or snap-locking of one side to another, or by the use of fastening elements that more securely holds the sides together. Thus, similarly configured panel mats can be connected by interlocking to form a temporary support surface, deck, walkway or roadway. Additional side ramps (2030) and adapters (2050) can be used to facilitate installation of the mats (2005, 2010, 2015, 2020) and access to the upper surfaces of the joined mats.

A temporary support surface, deck, walkway or roadway that includes a plurality of interlocked and interconnected lightweight universal panel mats and one or more side ramps and adapters. Each panel mat is made of plastic or elastomeric material and having a first section that provides a relatively flat, textured or structured top surface to facilitate movement over the upper surface, a second section having geometry that includes a plurality of cells having top surfaces that support the first section and an optional third or bottom surface. The panel mats also have sides that are configured to matingly engage with the sides of similarly configured mats. Also, adapter elements are provided to assist with the installation of the mats. Also, the side ramps and adapters themselves are additional embodiments of the invention.