Mats having a body having a thickness defined between a first side and a second side, a lip extending from the body and having a thickness less than the thickness of the body, the lip having a plurality of ribs and a plurality of channels defined between adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs, and a plurality of lip stiffeners arranged within the channels of the lip and defining a transverse rib extending in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the plurality of ribs.

A flooring element suitable for connection to other elements in a flooring system. The flooring element comprises a body, a female connector and a retainer. The body defines a connector surface that is horizontal when in use. The female connector comprises a connector recess which is suitable for receiving a male connector and also which defines a connector opening in the connector surface. The retainer is connectable to the body such that, while it is connected to the body, the retainer is movable between and open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, the retainer is arranged to restrict movement of the male connector to guard against the male connector exiting the connector recess through the connector opening. When in the open position, the retainer does not restrict movement of the male connector thereby permitting the male connector to exit the connector recess through the connector opening.

Apparatus and methods related to mats and connects are described. The apparatus include a mat having a top side, a bottom side, and an interior defined between the top side and the bottom side, and at least one connector post extending within the interior of the mat, wherein the at least one connector post comprises a connector pin cavity extending within the interior of the mat and configured to receive a connector pin and at least one locking structure configured to engage with a portion of the connector pin and secure the connector pin to the at least one connector post.

Improved containment mats and systems of containment mats may include multiple adjoining mats with a top surface and a bottom surface. The multiple mats may provide a modular structural mat system that may be installed at a drill site, with multiple mats placed adjacent to each other with a lap joint connecting adjacent mats. A geotextile may be used to cover the lap joints and a coating applied to the geotextile. Such a system may provide containment of potential spills, a reliable working surface for drilling operations, and relatively fast and less expensive installation.

An inventory of industrial mats having different core or internal constructions that are not visible because of the inclusion of side, end, upper and lower components which hide the core or internal construction from view, wherein each mat has an electronic device that indicates what is present in the hidden core or internal construction of the mat, with the electronic device including a processor, storage, and wireless communications circuitry that is configured to transmit identification, location, usage or physical property information of the mats over a wireless telecommunications network. Also, a method for providing an identification of mat properties or usage for an inventory of mats by viewing the information stored on the electronic device or by retrieving over a wireless telecommunications network identification, location, usage or physical property information of the mats from the storage of the electronic device.

A crane mat is disclosed having a plurality of panels of lumber positioned in alternating transverse directions with respect to one another, where the top and bottom panels are oriented parallel to the direction of vehicular traffic. The top and bottom panels may include a plurality of spaced apart grooves extending longitudinally from a first longitudinal end of the crane mat to a second longitudinal end of the crane mat for enhancing traction of a vehicle when traversing across the crane mat by transporting rain or moisture off the mat, or for receiving mud or other debris. The crane mat may include a plurality of edge protectors positioned on respective sides of the crane mat to protect the crane mat from handling damage. In various embodiments, the crane mat may be manufactured using either softwood, hardwood, or any combination of softwood and hardwood.

Improved containment mats and systems of containment mats may include multiple adjoining mats with a top surface and a bottom surface. The multiple mats may provide a modular structural mat system that may be installed at a drill site, with multiple mats placed adjacent to each other with a lap joint connecting adjacent mats. A geotextile may be used to cover the lap joints and a coating applied to the geotextile. Such a system may provide containment of potential spills, a reliable working surface for drilling operations, and relatively fast and less expensive installation.

A lightweight universal panel mat 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 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 and adapters can be used to facilitate installation of the mats and access to the upper surfaces of the joined mats.

A block includes a first block portion, a second block portion, a third block portion and a fourth block portion. The first block portion has a first upper surface, a second upper surface, and a lower surface. The second block portion is over the first block portion and has a third upper surface. The third block portion is over the first block portion and has a fourth upper surface. The fourth block portion is over the first block portion, has a fifth upper surface, and is positioned between the second block portion and the third block portion. A first recessed region is between the second block portion and the fourth block portion. A second recessed region is between the third block portion and the fourth block portion. The first upper surface is exposed in the first recessed region and the second upper surface is exposed in the second recessed region.