APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICALLY GROUNDING AT LEAST ONE MAT IN A LOAD-SUPPORTING SURFACE

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/838,064 filed on August 27, 2015 and entitled "Apparatus and Methods for Electrically Grounding a Load-Supporting Surface", which is a continuation application of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/496,105 filed on September 25, 2014 and entitled "Apparatus and Methods for Electrically Grounding a Load-Supporting Surface", which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61/888,580 filed on October 9, 2013 and entitled "Apparatus and Methods for Electrically Grounding a Load-Supporting Surface".

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to load-supporting surface technology and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for electrically grounding at least one mat in a load-supporting surface.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Temporary or semi-permanent support surfaces have been used for roadways, remote jobsites, industrial staging areas and the like in an ever-increasing myriad of industries, such as the construction, military, oilfield, transportation, disaster response, utilities and entertainment industries. These support surfaces are often made up of heavy duty mats, which are reusable and sometimes interlock together to form the support surface. In some instances, it is necessary or desirable to provide apparatus and methods for electrically grounding at least a portion of the support surface.

[0004] For example, it may be necessary or desirable to use a temporary or semi-permanent electrically grounded support surface as part of an Equi-Potential Zone (EPZ). The EPZ is an arrangement typically designed so that dangerous electric potential differences do not appear across the body of a person working on or near ground-based machinery. An EPZ is often used during projects that involve working in close proximity to an energized power line. For example, in performing overhead power line (OHL) projects, the EPZ may prevent the installation crew from being subject to an electric shock caused by, for example, a circuit flash from the energized line to the conductors being worked on. In the EPZ, the equipment and personnel are typically on a work surface that is electrically conductive and should be rounded to provide a natural path for large electrical voltages to flow.

[0005] Presently know solutions for temporary, or semi-permanent, electrically grounded support surfaces include the use of aluminum access plates bolted together at each corner. These plates are believed to have one or more disadvantages. For example, the plates may not overlap one another and therefore require a flat underlying surface. Otherwise, the edges of the plate(s) may protrude above the underlying surface and form a trip hazard. For another example, the aluminum plates may have considerable scrap value and thus require 24-hour security to prevent theft. For still a further example, these plates may not be useful or adapted to otherwise serve as support surfaces when electrical grounding is not required or needed.

[0006] It should be understood that the above-described features, capabilities and disadvantages are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope or subject matter of the appended claims or those of any related patent application or patent. Thus, none of the appended claims or claims of any related application or patent should be limited by the above discussion or construed to address, include or exclude each or any of the above-cited features, capabilities or disadvantages merely because of the mention thereof herein.

[0007] Accordingly, there exists a need for improved systems, articles and methods useful in connection with providing an electrically grounded support surface having one or more of the attributes or capabilities described or shown in, or as may be apparent from, the various portions of this patent application.

[0008] EP 1,845,195 discloses a transportable provisional road surface and plates for making said road surface. US 2015/099377 discloses apparatus and methods for electrically grounding a load-supporting surface. US 2016/134031 discloses a timber access mat with grounding.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] In some embodiments, the present disclosure involves a system for electrically grounding a reusable load-supporting surface deployed on or near the surface of the earth. The system includes at least two mats at least partially forming the load-supporting surface. Each mat has substantially planar respective top and bottom faces, multiple sides and at least one edge extending around each side. The mats are configured to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon. A plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers are constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and constructed and arranged to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon. Each cover extends at least partially across the top face of one of the mats without extending over any of the edges thereof and is flexibly coupled to the mat to allow the mat to flex, expand and contract relative to the cover due to one or more environmental factors and the movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface during normal, typical or expected use conditions without decoupling the cover from the mat or undesirably damaging or deforming the cover or mat, while allowing the cover and mat to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon. Each cover includes at least one conductive interface configured to electrically couple the cover to another cover in the load-supporting surface. At least one of the covers is configured to be electrically coupled to the earth.

[0010] The present disclosure involves an apparatus for electrically grounding at least two mats of a load-supporting surface deployed on or near the surface of the earth. Each mat includes substantially planar respective top and bottom faces, multiple sides and at least one edge extending around each side thereof. The mats are constructed and arranged to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon. The apparatus includes a plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and constructed and arranged to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon. Each cover extends at least partially across the top face of one of the mats without extending over any of the edges thereof. Each cover includes at least one conductive interface configured to electrically couple the cover to another cover in the load-supporting surface. At least one of the covers is configured to be electrically coupled to the earth. A plurality of adjustable, releasable couplers is configured to releasably couple each cover to its associated mat. A least some of the couplers are loosely engaged between, and not rigidly coupled to, the cover and the mat to allow acceptable relative movement therebetween so that each cover and its associated mat may flex, expand and contract relative to the other during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface without decoupling the cover from its associated mat or undesirably damaging or deforming the cover or the mat.

[0011] In various embodiments, the present disclosure involves methods of electrically grounding a reusable load-supporting surface deployed on or near the surface of the earth. The load-supporting surface includes at least two mats, each mat having substantially planar respective top and bottom faces, multiple sides and at least one edge extending around each side. The mats are configured to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon. The method includes positioning one among a plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers at least partially across the top surface of each mat without extending over any of the edges thereof. Each cover is constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and configured to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon. A plurality of selectively adjustable, releasable, couplers is loosely, releasably engaged a between each cover and its associated mat so that each cover stays positioned at least partially across the top face of its associated mat during use of the load-supporting surface and to allow the cover and mat to be moveable relative to one another due to one or more environmental factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface without decoupling the cover from its associated mat and without undesirably damaging or deforming the cover or mat while allowing the cover and mat to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon. At least one conductive interface of each cover is electrically coupled to at least one conductive interface of at least one other mat in the load-supporting surface. At least one of the mats is grounded.

[0012] Accordingly, the present disclosure includes features and advantages which are believed to enable it to advance support surface technology. Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure described above and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The following figures are part of the present specification, included to demonstrate certain aspects of various embodiments of this disclosure and referenced in the detailed description herein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary load-supporting surfacing having a single exemplary mat equipped with an exemplary electrically-conductive cover to form an exemplary EPZ mat not in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary load-supporting surfacing having multiple mechanically interconnected mats, some of which are equipped with an embodiment of an electrically-conductive cover and electrically coupled

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary mat useful in a load-supporting surface;

Figure 4 is a top view of a portion of an exemplary load-supporting surface

Figure 5 is a top view of an exemplary mat equipped with an embodiment of an electrically-conductive cover;

Figure 6A is a top view of an exemplary cut-out frame useful as part of an electrically-conductive cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6B is a side view of the exemplary cut-out frame of Figure 6A;

Figure 6C is a perspective view of the exemplary cut-out frame of Figure 6A;

Figure 7A is a top view of an exemplary load-supporting surface having two mats equipped with electrically-conductive covers, however not in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7B is a side view of the load-supporting surface of Figure 7A;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of a portion of the load-supporting surface of Figures 7A and B;

Figure 9 is an exploded view of a portion of the load-supporting surface of Figure 8;

Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of an outer frame useful as part of an electrically-conductive cover,however not in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of another a portion of an outer frame useful as part of an electrically-conductive cover, however not in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is an assembly view of an exemplary bolted mat with which an electrically-conductive cover may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12A is a top view of an exemplary load-supporting surfacing having a single mat equipped with an embodiment of an electrically-conductive cover

Figure 12B is an exploded view of a portion of the load-supporting surface of Figure 12A;

Figure 13 is an exploded assembly view of an exemplary EPZ mat not in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the exemplary EPZ mat of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a top view of the exemplary EPZ mat of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a top view of a first exemplary grate panel useful as part of an embodiment of an electrically-conductive cover in accordance with the present disclosure;

Figure 17 is a top view of a second exemplary grate panel useful as part of an embodiment of an electrically-conductive cover in accordance with the present disclosure;

Figure 18 is a top view of a third exemplary grate panel useful as part of an embodiment of an electrically-conductive cover in accordance with the present disclosure;

Figure 19 is a top view of an exemplary corner insert useful as part of an embodiment of an electrically-conductive cover in accordance with the present disclosure;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary load-supporting surface with exemplary EPZ mats having exemplary lip covers not in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 21 is an exploded perspective view of part of the exemplary load-supporting surface of Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of an exemplary short lip cover

Figure 23 is a perspective view of another exemplary short lip cover

Figure 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary corner short lip cover

Figure 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary long lip cover

Figure 26 is a perspective view of another exemplary long lip cover

Figure 27 is a perspective view of an exemplary load-supporting surface with exemplary EPZ mats having exemplary lip covers and an exemplary safety barrier system

Figure 28 is a perspective view of an exemplary electrical connection bar shown used with an exemplary EPZ mat in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 29 is a perspective view of the exemplary electrical connection bar of Figure 28;

Figure 30 is a perspective view from above of the exemplary electrical connection bar of Figure 29 shown used at a first location on an embodiment of an EPZ mat in accordance with the present disclosure;

Figure 31 is an exploded assembly view of the exemplary electrical connection bar and EPZ mat of Figure 30;

Figure 32 is a perspective view from below of the exemplary electrical connection bar and EPZ mat of Figure 30;

Figure 33 is a perspective view from above of the exemplary electrical connection bar of Figure 29 shown used at a second location on the exemplary EPZ mat shown in Figure 30;

Figure 34 is an exploded assembly view of the exemplary electrical connection bar and EPZ mat of Figure 30;

Figure 35 is a perspective view from below of the exemplary electrical connection bar and EPZ mat of Figure 30;

Figure 36 is a top view of an exemplary electrically-conductive corner plate shown used with an embodiment of an EPZ mat;

Figure 37 is an exploded perspective view of two of the exemplary electrically-conductive corner plates of Figure 36 shown mounted on adjacent exemplary EPZ mats and used to electrically connect them

Figure 38A is a top view of an exemplary load-supporting surface with multiple exemplary EPZ mats each having the exemplary electrically-conductive corner plate of Figure 36 mounted at each corner thereof

Figure 38B is an exploded view of part of the exemplary load-supporting surface of Figure 38A showing four adjacent exemplary electrically-conductive corner plates;

Figure 39 is a top view two of the exemplary electrically-conductive corner plates of Figure 36 shown mounted on adjacent exemplary EPZ mats and used to electrically connect them to an exemplary testing unit

Figure 40 is a perspective view of the exemplary electrically-conductive corner plate of Figure 36;

Figure 41 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrically-conductive cover shown coupled to an exemplary mat to form an exemplary EPZ mats in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 42A is a top view of the exemplary EPZ mat of Figure 41;

Figure 42B is a side view of the exemplary EPZ mat of Figure 41;

Figure 42C is a cross-sectional view of one of the exemplary EPZ mats of Figure 42A showing an exemplary coupler;

Figure 43A is a top view of an exemplary load-supporting surface with multiple of the exemplary EPZ mats of Figure 41 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 43B is an exploded view of part of one of the exemplary EPZ mats of Figure 43A showing exemplary connection ports formed therein; and

Figure 43C is an exploded view of part of the load-supporting surface of Figure 43A showing four of the exemplary EPZ mats electrically interconnected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure and additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and referring to the accompanying figures. It should be understood that the description herein and appended drawings, being of example embodiments, are not intended to limit the claims of this patent application or any patent or patent application claiming priority hereto. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure or any appended claims. Many changes may be made to the particular embodiments and details disclosed herein without departing from such scope.

[0015] In showing and describing preferred embodiments in the appended figures, common or similar elements are referenced with like or identical reference numerals or are apparent from the figures and/or the description herein. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0016] It is to be noted that only figs. 41-43C show an embodiment of the system in accordance with the invention.

[0017] As used herein and throughout various portions (and headings) of this patent application, the terms "invention", "present invention" and variations thereof are not intended to mean every possible embodiment encompassed by this disclosure or any particular claim(s). Thus, the subject matter of each such reference should not be considered as necessary for, or part of, every embodiment hereof or of any particular claim(s) merely because of such reference. The terms "coupled", "connected", "engaged" and the like, and variations thereof, as used herein and in the appended claims are intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection or engagement. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices and connections. In the follwing, 1 lbs corresponds to 0.453592 kg and 1 psi corresponds to 0,0689476 bar.

[0018] Referring initially to Figure 1, an exemplary mat 26 is shown including an electrically-conductive cover 110 useful for allowing the mat 26 to be electrically grounded in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustration, the mat 26 serves as a load-supporting surface 16 deployed on the ground or other surface. In other embodiments, such as shown in Figure 2, a larger load-supporting surface 16 that includes multiple interconnected mats 26 is shown. In that example, the load-supporting surface 16 includes some mats 26 having electrically-conductive covers 110 and other mats 26 not having electrically-conductive covers. As used herein, the terms "EPZ mat" 112 and variations thereof refer to a mat 26 having an electrically-conductive cover 110. Thus, in this embodiment, when multiple interconnected EPZ mats 112 are used, each electrically-conducive cover 110 is useful for allowing the load-supporting surface 16 to be electrically grounded. In the present embodiment, the load-supporting surface 16 (e.g. Figures 1 and 2) is reusable and capable of supporting the weight of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment thereupon and moving there-across.

[0019] Referring to Figure 3, the mats 26 may have any suitable form, construction and configuration. Some examples of mats 26 which may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described in in U.S. Patent Numbers 5,653,551 to Seaux, entitled "Mat System for Construction of Roadways and Support Surfaces" and issued on August 5, 1997, and 6,511,237 to Seaux et al., entitled "Interlocking Mat System for Construction of Load Supporting Surfaces" and issued on January 28, 2003, both of which have a common Assignee as the present patent. For example, each exemplary mat 26 may weigh approximately 1,000 lbs., be designed to withstand up to 600 psi in pure crush pressure placed thereupon, reduce point-to-point ground pressure on the ground 20 that may be caused by wheeled and/or tracked vehicles on the mat 26 or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the mats 26 may be 14' x 8' DURA-BASE^® mats currently sold by the Assignee of this patent application.

[0020] If desired, the mats 26 may be used in connection with any of the components and features described and shown in U.S. Patent Number 9,132,996 issued on September 15, 2015 to Robertson and entitled "Crane-Mounted Grab Head", U.S. Patent Number 9,297,124 issued on March 29, 2016 and entitled "Methods of Moving at Least One Mat With a Crane-Mounted Grab Head", U.S. Patent Number 7,370,452 issued on May 13, 2008 to Rogers and entitled "Mat Assembly for Heavy Equipment Transit and Support", U.S. Patent Number 9,039,325 issued on May 26, 2015 to McDowell and entitled "Liquid Containment System for Use with Support Surfaces", U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 14/720,799, filed on May 24, 2015 and entitled "Liquid Containment System", U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 14/336,163, filed on July 21, 2014 and entitled "Apparatus and Methods for Providing Illuminated Signals from a Support Surface", U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/322,458 filed on April 14, 2016 and entitled "Apparatus, System and Methods for Providing Accessories on a Support Surface", each of which has a common Assignee as the present patent application

[0021] Still referring to Figure 3, in the illustrated embodiment, each mat 26 is flat, or planar, and constructed of impermeable material, such as thermoplastic. Other example mats 26 may be constructed entirely or partially of wood, steel, steel-framed wood, aluminum, rubber, plastic, fiberglass, fiber reinforced plastic, recycled rubber or materials or any other desired material(s) or a combination thereof.

[0022] The exemplary mat 26 has a rectangular shape with an opposing pair of short sides 28, 30, an opposing pair of long sides 37, 38, and an edge 44 extending along each side 28, 30, 37 and 38. In this particular example, the first short side 28 and first long side 37 each have an upper lip 46 extending horizontally outwardly therefrom, forming the edge 44 and which will be spaced above the earth's surface, or ground, 20 or other surface. The second short side 30 and second long side 38 each have a lower lip 54 extending horizontally outwardly therefrom below the edge 44 thereof and which will rest on or near the earth's surface, or ground, 20 or other surface. In this embodiment, a first corner 40 of the mat 26 is formed by the adjacent upper lips 46 and a second corner 42 is formed by the adjacent lower lips 54.

[0023] The upper and lower lips 46, 54 may have any suitable size, shape, configuration and length. It should be understood, however, that the electrically-conductive cover 110 of the present disclosure is not limited to use with the above-described embodiments of mats 26 having upper and/or lower lips 46, 54. For example, other embodiments of the cover 110 may be used in connection with mats 26 not having upper and/or lower lips 46, 54.

[0024] Still referring to the embodiment of Figure 3, the respective upper and lower lips 46, 54 of different mats 26 are interconnectable with locking pins 34 (e.g. Figures 4 & 5) releasably securable through corresponding locking pin holes 32 formed therein. The locking pin holes 32 and locking pins 34 may have any suitable form, construction and configuration. In this embodiment, the illustrated mats 26 include a plurality of locking pin holes 32, each configured to accept a releasable locking pin 34 (e.g. Figure 4) therethrough. Each illustrated mat 26 may include a total of sixteen locking pin holes 32, eight formed in each of the upper and lower lips 46, 54.

[0025] Some examples of locking pins 34 which may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described in U.S. Patent Number 6,722,831 to Rogers et al., entitled "Fastening Device" and issued on April 20, 2004, U.S. Patent Number 8,388,291 to Rogers, entitled "Mat Lock Pin" and issued on March 5, 2013, U.S. Patent Number 9,068,584 to McDowell et al, entitled and "Apparatus & Methods for Connecting Mats" and issued on June 30, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/216,542, entitled "Apparatus for Connecting Mats and/or Other Components and Methods of Assembly and Use Thereof' and filed on September 10, 2015, each of which has a common Assignee as the present patent application.

[0026] In some embodiments, the locking pins 34 may form a fluid-tight seal around, or in, the locking pin holes 32 within which they are engaged, such as the exemplary locking pin 34 illustrated and described in U.S. Patent Number 9,068,584, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/216,542, entitled "Apparatus for Connecting Mats and/or Other Components and Methods of Assembly and Use Thereof' and filed on September 10, 2015 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/752,067 entitled "Adjustable Mat Locking Pin and Methods of Use Thereof' and filed on June 26, 2015, all of which have a common Assignee as the present patent.

[0027] In the illustrated example, the locking pin holes 32 of the mats 26 have an oval-shape to accept an oval-shaped enlarged head 36 (e.g. Figures 4 & 5) of the illustrated locking pins 34. It should be noted, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to use with the above-described or referenced types and configurations of load-supporting surfaces 16, mats 26, locking pins 34 and locking pin holes 32, or to the disclosures of the above-referenced patents and patent applications. Any suitable load-supporting surfaces 16 and mats 26, with or without any suitable locking pins 34 and locking pin holes 32, may be used.

[0028] Now referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, a gap 22 may be formed between adjacent edges 44 of adjacent interconnected mats 26 in the load-supporting surface 16 and one or more seal members 10 may be included therein. For example, the seal member(s) 10 may provide a fluid-tight seal in the gap 22 between adjacent mats 26 to prevent liquid introduced onto the load-supporting surface 16 from seeping or flowing between and below the load-supporting surface 16.

[0029] Some embodiments of seal members 10 that may be used in the gaps 22 are disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 9,212,746 to McDowell, issued on December 15, 2015 and entitled "Apparatus and Methods for Sealing Between Adjacent Components of a Load-Supporting Surface", U. S. Patent Application Serial Number 14/948,340, filed on November 22, 2015 and entitled "Method of Sealing Between Adjacent Components of a Load-Supporting Surface With at Least One Closed-Cell Compressible Rubber Seal", U. S. Patent Application Serial Number 14/730,938, filed on June 4, 2015 and entitled "Load-Supporting Surface with Actively Connected Gap Seals and Related Apparatus and Methods", and U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 14/733,324, filed on June 8, 2015 and entitled "Load-Supporting Surface with Interfacing Gap Seal Members and Related Apparatus and Methods", all of which have a common Assignee as the present patent application.

[0030] The load-supporting surface 16 may include or be associated with other components, and the seal member(s) 10 may also or instead be used between any combination of mats 26 and other components associated with the support surface 16. Some examples of such additional components that may be useful in connection with support surfaces 16, such as berm members, spacers, drive-over barriers, liquid drain assemblies, etc., are shown and disclosed in U.S. Patent 9,039,325 and U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 13/790,916, and borehole edge seal systems such as shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 14/497,429, entitled "Apparatus and Methods for Sealing Around the Opening to an Underground Borehole" and filed on September 26, 2014 and U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 14/666,584 entitled "Apparatus and Methods for Mechanically Coupling a Sealing System Around the Opening to an Underground Borehole" and filed on March 24, 2015, both of which have a common Assignee as the present patent application.

[0031] Referring back to Figure 1, in accordance with the present disclosure, the electrically-conductive cover 110 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation so that it can be used to allow the load-supporting surface 16 to be effectively and successfully grounded to the earth or other suitable structure. In the present embodiment, the electrically-conductive cover 110 includes an outer frame 120 (see also Figures 6A-C) and an inner mesh portion 126. The frame 120 and mesh portion 126 may be constructed of any suitable material and have any suitable configuration that allows the load-supporting surface 16 to be effectively and successfully grounded to the earth or other suitable structure. For example, the frame 120 and mesh portion 126 may be constructed at least partially of aluminum, stainless steel or other electrically-conductive material or a combination thereof. The illustrated frame 120 is a welded rectangular steel frame providing rigidity for the cover 110 and preserving its integrity during use, such as when the mat 112 is driven over by vehicles and machinery. In this embodiment, the illustrated frame 120 is shown extending around substantially the entire mesh portion 126, but in other embodiments may not extend around the entire mesh portion 126. The mesh portion 126 may be constructed of any suitable at least partially metallic mesh or grating, such as an aluminum mesh configuration that is sufficiently electrically conductive and sufficiently strong and durable to withstand use as part of a load-supporting surface 16.

[0032] In this example, the frame 120 and mesh portion 126 are welded together. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the perimeter edges 128 of the mesh portion 126 may be welded to the top 122 of the frame 120. However, the frame 120 and mesh portion 126 may be coupled together or interconnected in any other suitable manner.

[0033] Referring again to Figure 1, the illustrated cover 110 also includes at least one conductive interface 138 useful to electrically connect the EPZ mat 112 with one or more adjacent EPZ mats 112. The conductive interface(s) 138 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In this embodiment, the cover 110 has an interface 138 extending on each side 28, 30, 37 and 38 of the mat 26 to electrically connect the mat 26 with a corresponding respective adjacent interconnected mats 26 (see e.g. Figures 2, 7-9). For example, the frame 120 may be used to form an interface 138 on each side 28, 30, 37 and 38 of the mat 26 that will abut, and thus electrically contact, an interface 138 on a respective adjacent interconnected mat 26. In the present embodiment, on each side 28, 37 of the mat 26 having upper lips 46, the frame 120 extends at least partially around the edge 44 thereof to form an underside face 156 (Figure 9) which serves as the conductive interface 138 along that respective side of the mat 26 (See also Figures 8 & 9). On each side 30, 38 of the mat 26 having lower lips 54, the exemplary frame 120 extends at least partially across the top 142 of the lower lip 54 to form an upward face 160 that serves as the conductive interface 138 along that respective side of the mat 26. As shown in Figures 8 & 9, the respective interfaces 138 of adjacent interconnected EPZ mats 112 of this embodiment contact one another to form an electrically conductive path therebetween. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above type and arrangement of interfaces 138. For example, there may be interfaces on less than all sides 28, 30, 37 and 38 of the mat 26. For another example, the interface(s) 138 may be disposed at specific locations on one or more sides of 28, 30, 37 and 38 of the mat 26 and/or at entirely different locations on the cover 110.

[0034] Referring to Figure 5, if desired, a conductive booster 188 may be used in connection with one or more interfaces 138 of each mat 112, such as to assist in ensuring a good electrical connection between adjacent interconnected mats 112. The conductive booster 188 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the booster 188 is a metallic braided band 190 inserted between the corresponding underside face 156 (see e.g. Figure 9) and upward face 160 of the frames 120 on a pair of adjacent interconnected EPZ mats 112. The band 190 may, for example, have copper, aluminum or steel braiding and extend between a portion or all of the length of the adjacent faces 156, 160. In this embodiment, the band 190 is a copper braided band coupled, such as with rivets 198, screws or other connectors, to each upward face 160 of the frame 120 along its length. In other embodiments, multiple or few shorter sections of metallic braided band 190 may be used.

[0035] Referring to Figures 12A-B, if desired, the mesh portion 126 may include a cut-out 178 formed therein over each locking pin hole 32. For example, the cut-out 178 may be useful to electrically isolate a locking pin 34 (e.g. Figures 4 & 5) placed in the locking pin hole 32 and prevent electrical conductivity between the cover 110 and the locking pin 34. The cut-out 178 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In this example, each cut-out 178 is spaced away from its corresponding locking pin hole 32 to ensure sufficient electrical isolation. A cut-out frame 180 (see also Figures 6 & 8) constructed of any suitable material, such as one or more compatible electrically-conductive, metallic materials (e.g. aluminum, steel, etc.), is shown connected to, such as by weld, and covering the edges of the mesh portion 126 that form the cut-out 178. The cut-out frame 180 may, for example, provide stability around the cut-out 178 and/or protect the exposed mesh portion 126 on the edges of the cut-out 178. However, the cut-out frame 180, if included, may be constructed of any other suitable material and connected with the mesh portion 126 or mat 26 in any other suitable manner.

[0036] At least one interconnected EPZ mat 112 of a load supporting surface 16 may be grounded to the earth or other structure in any suitable manner. Referring back to Figure 1, for example, a metal plate 166 may be electrically connected, such as by weld, to the cover 110. In this embodiment, the plate 166 is welded atop the mesh portion 126 and frame 120 in one corner of the cover 110. A grounding cable 170 is shown electrically connected between the plate 166 and a grounding rod 174 that may be driven into the earth for electrically grounding the entire load-supporting surface 16. For example, any suitable commercially available grounding cable 170 and rod 174 and related components may be used, such as the grounding rod currently having Catalog No. 4370, stringing rod currently having Catalog No. 9738 and hanger studs currently having Catalog Nos. 13190-1 and 13210 currently sold by Hastings Hot Line Tools and Equipment.

[0037] In accordance with an embodiment of a method of assembly and use, the exemplary EPZ mat 112 may be assembled in any suitable manner. For example, referring to Figure 1, the illustrated frame 120 and mesh portion 126 are connected, such as by weld. If desired, the frame 120 and mesh portion 126 may be painted with galvanized paint, such as to enhance their electrical conductivity and reduce or prevent corrosion. The exemplary cover 110 is positioned on the generally planar top face, or surface, 132 of the mat 26. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "generally" and variations thereof means and includes (i) completely, or 100%, of the referenced parameter, variable or value, and (ii) a range of values less than 100% based upon the typical, normal or expected degree of variation or error for the referenced parameter, variable or value in the context of the particular embodiment or use thereof, such as, for example, 90-100%, 95-100% or 98-100%. Thus, the top surface 132 of the exemplary mat 26, as referenced herein, does not include its lower lips 54 because the lower lips 54 are in a substantially different plane. Similarly, the generally planar bottom face, or surface, 134 of the mat 26 (e.g. Figures 31, 42B), as referenced herein, does not include its lower lips 54 because the lower lips 54 are in a substantially different plane.

[0038] In this embodiment, the edges 148, 150 of the illustrated frame 120 that are aligned with the respective sides 28, 37 of the mat 26 may be at least partially bent around the edges 44 thereof. The edges 152, 154 of the illustrated frame 120 that align with the respective sides 30, 38 of the mat 26 may be at least partially bent down and out over part of the top 142 of the respective lower lip 54 (see also Figures 10A-B). In other embodiments, one or more of the edges 148, 150, 152, 154 of the frame 120 may be at least partially preformed or bent into its desired shape (see also Figures 10A-B) before placement of the cover 110 onto the mat 26.

[0039] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the cover 110 may also or instead extend at least partially across the generally planar bottom face, or surface, 134 (e.g. Figures 31, 42B) of the mat 26, or may extend across only part of the top surface 132 of the mat 26. Likewise, the frame 120 may extend across a different portion, or all, of the lower lip 54 of the sides 30, 38 of the mat 26 and may, if desired, extend around the edges 44 thereof. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to a cover 110 having a mesh portion 126 that extends over the entire top surface 132 of the mat 26 and a frame 120 that extends at least partially around the edges 44 of the sides 28, 37 and across at least a portion of the lower lip 54 of the sides 30, 38 of the mat 26. Any other suitable configuration may be used.

[0040] If desired, the frame 120 and/or mesh portion 126 may be further coupled to the mat 26, such as with one or more connectors. For example, referring to Figure 11, the mesh portion 126 (e.g. Figure 1) may be connected, such as by tack weld, to multiple of the bolt heads 70 accessible at the top surface 132 of a "bolted" mat 26. Bolted mats 26 may be formed, for example, by bolting two mat sections 21a, 21b together with bolts 69 extended through aligned holes 29 formed in the sections 21a, 21b and secured with nuts 71, such as shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 6,511,257 to Seaux et al., entitled "Interlocking Mat System for Construction of Load Supporting Surfaces" and issued on January 28, 2003 (e.g. Figure 6 therein).

[0041] Referring again to Figure 1, the booster(s) 188 and metal grounding plate 166, if included on this particular mat 112, may be coupled to the cover 110, such as described above, in advance or at any desired time after the cover 110 is coupled to the mat 26. If the load-supporting surface 16 includes multiple of the exemplary EPZ mats 112 (e.g. Figures 2, 7), the overlapping lips 46, 54 of adjacent mats 26 are interconnected using locking pins 34 (e.g. Figures 4 & 5) as described above and in one or more of the patents and patent applications. In the referenced embodiments, the exemplary locking pins 34 accurately position the adjacent mats 26 relative to one another and firmly interconnect them, avoiding unnecessary rises and falls and helping form a strong electrical connection therebetween.

[0042] As shown in Figures 7-9, upon interconnection of the illustrated mats 112, the interfaces 138 of adjacent mats 112 will contact one another to electrically connect them together. Grounding of at least one mat 112 will electrically ground the series of interconnected mats 112 in the load-supporting surface 16. A low resistivity path is formed between each mat 112, allowing the flow of electrical charge and limiting the rise of earth potential over the load-supporting surface 16. Electrical tests for the exemplary load-supporting surface 16 have demonstrated that they successful pass electrical current from one mat 112 to the next without substantial losses of electrical current or build-up of substantial heat.

[0043] After use, the mats 112 of a multi-mat load-supporting surface 16 may be disconnected from one another. In the present embodiment, the exemplary cover 110 of each EPZ mat 112 may be removed from its corresponding mat 26 and replaced onto the same or another mat 26. For example, if the cover 110 suffers extensive damage during use, it can be removed, repaired and/or replaced. The mat 26 may be reused with or without the cover 110.

[0044] Referring now to Figure 13, in another independent aspect of the present disclosure, the mesh portion 126 of the electrically-conductive cover 110 may include multiple grate panels 200 for any desired purpose, such as to provide ease of manufacture, handling, assembly, disassembly and/or maintenance, assist in preserving the integrity of the cover 110 during use or a combination thereof. The grate panels 200 may have any suitable form, configuration, construction and components. Further, any desired number of grate panels 200 may be used to form a mesh portion 126. In the illustrated example, three grate panels 200a, 200b, 200c are interconnected to form the mesh portion 126 (See also Figures 14-15). In other embodiments, only two, four, five or more grate panels 200 may be used.

[0045] The grate panels 200 may be constructed of any suitable material sufficiently electrically conductive and strong and durable to withstand use as part of a load-supporting surface 16. For example, the grate panels 200 may be at least partially metallic mesh or grating, such as an aluminum mesh configuration.

[0046] Still referring to the embodiment of Figure 13, if desired, the grate panels 200 may be formed with cut-outs 178. For example, the grate panels 200 may have cut-outs 178 extending to their edges and configured to at least partially surround the locking pin holes 32 formed in the upper lips 46 of the associated mat 26 (See e.g. Figures 14-15). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, the first grate panel 200a includes two short side cut-outs 178a, one long side cut-out 178b and one full corner cut-out 178c. The second exemplary grate panel 200b (e.g. Figure 17) includes two long side cut-outs 178b and one partial corner cut-out 178d. The third illustrated grate panel 200c (e.g. Figure 18) includes one long side cut-out 178b and one partial corner cut-out 178d.

[0047] Referring Figures 13-15, one or more cut-out frames 180 may be used with the grate panels 200. For example, cut-out frames 180 may be coupled to and cover the edges of the grate panels 200 that form the cut-outs 178. In this example, rectangular-shaped cut-out frames 180a are shown welded to the grate panels 200 over all of the illustrated cut-outs 178, except the full corner cut-out 178c of the first grate panel 200a (at the first corner 40 of the mat 26) is shown having a U-shaped cut-out frame 180b (See also Figures 14-15).

[0048] In some embodiments, the grate panels 200 may be interconnected, and in other embodiments may not be interconnected. When interconnected, the grate panels 200 may be interconnected in any suitable manner. For example, the grate panels 200 may be welded together at their adjacent edges, clamped together or coupled using any other suitable coupling mechanism(s). In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 110 includes one or more internal frame members 206 for interconnecting adjacent grate panels 200. For example, a first illustrated internal frame member 206a may be welded atop adjacent edges of the first and second grate panel 200a, 200b, and a second internal frame member 206 welded atop adjacent edges of the second and third grate panel 200b, 200c (See also Figures 14-15). In other embodiments, the internal frame members 206 may be welded underneath the adjacent panels 200, or connected to the panels 200 in any other suitable manner. If desired, the internal frame members 206 may have additional purposes, such as to add strength and/or stiffness to the cover 110 and assist in preserving its integrity during use.

[0049] The internal frame members 206 may have any suitable form, configuration and components. In this example, the internal frame members 206 are elongated. As used herein, the terms "elongated" and variations thereof mean an item having an overall length that is greater than its average width. The illustrated first internal frame member 206a is longer than the exemplary second internal frame member 206b, which intersects the illustrated adjacent partial corner cut-outs 178d of the grate panels 200b, 200c.

[0050] The internal frame members 206 may have any suitable construction. For example, the internal frame members 206 may be constructed at least partially of aluminum, steel, stainless steel or other sufficiently electrically-conductive material or a combination thereof, provide the desired strength, durability, rigidity and flexibility for the cover 110 to preserve its integrity during use, such as when the EPZ mat 112 is driven over by vehicles and machinery or other suitable purpose.

[0051] If desired, one or more of the ends 207 of the internal frame members 206 may be interconnected with the outer frame 120 or one or more cut-out frames 180, such as by weld, clamp or other mechanism. In the embodiment of Figure 14, both ends 207 of the internal frame members 206a are welded to the adjacent portions of the outer frame 120, while one end of the internal frame member 206b is welded to the adjacent outer frame 120 and its other end welded to the adjacent cut-out frame 180.

[0052] Referring still to Figures 13-15, in another independent aspect of the present disclosure, the mesh portion 126 (e.g. grate panels 200) may be connected to the mats 26 with one or more couplers 62. The couplers 62 may have any suitable form, configuration, constructions, components and operation. In this embodiment, for example, the couplers 62 include bolts 69 extending into, but not through, the mat 26. Also, the mesh portion 126 of the exemplary cover 110 of this embodiment is not welded to the bolts 69. A washer 73 may be sandwiched between each exemplary bolt head 70 and the upper surface of the exemplary mesh portion 126. In other embodiments, the couplers 62 may extend through the mat 26 and may be releasably secured to the mat 26, such as with one or more nuts 302 (e.g. Figure 42C) or other connector(s). Any desired number of couplers 62 may be included. In this example, fifteen bolts 69 are shown extending into the mat 26 at predetermined locations; however, more or less couplers 62 may be used.

[0053] Referring to Figure 13, in some embodiments, a space 208 is formed between the adjacent upper faces 160 of the frame 120 proximate to the second corner 42 of the mat 26. In such instances, if desired, a corner insert 210 may be affixed to the frame 120 and/or mat 26 in the space 208. The corner insert 210 may have any suitable form, shape, configuration and operation. In this example, the corner insert 210 is triangular, or star-shaped (e.g. Figure 19), and fills in the space 208. If desired, the corner insert 210 may engage the frame 120 and/or mat 26, such as to assist in securing the frame 120 to the mat 26. In this example, the corner insert 120 may be welded to the adjacent edges of the frame 120, such as to assist in preserving the integrity of the frame 120 at that location. Also, if desired, one point 212 of the corner insert 210 may be configured to stab into the mat 26 to assist in securing the frame 120 to the mat 26.

[0054] Referring now to Figure 20, in another independent aspect of the present disclosure, in some situations, it may be desirable to have substantially all upwardly facing surfaces of the EPZ mats 112 in the load-supporting surface 16 covered with electrically-conductive material. This may be desirable, for example, when the user of the load-supporting surface 16 having EPZ mats 112 desires to minimize exposed surfaces of mats 26 (e.g. exposed thermoplastic or other material) in the load-supporting surface 16. For example, the electrically-conductive covers 110 on mats 112 with exposed lower lips 54 (e.g. disposed on the perimeter 18 of the load supporting surface 16) may extend across the lower lips 54 to fully cover the mats 112. For another example, in the illustrated embodiment, one or more electrically-conductive lip covers 220 are used on one or more of the lower lips 54 of one or more of the mats 26. For example, the mats 112 with lower lips 54 disposed on the perimeter 18 of the load supporting surface 16 may be equipped with lip covers 220.

[0055] The lip cover 220 may have any suitable form, configuration, construction, components, location and operation. For example, referring to Figure 22, the lip cover 220 may include a lip cover frame 224 and a lip cover mesh portion 230. The lip cover frame 224 may have any or all of the features, characteristics and details of the outer frame 120 as described above and shown in the appended figures, and the lip cover mesh portion 230 may have any or all of the features, characteristics and details of the mesh portion 126 as described above and shown in the appended figures. For example, the lip cover frame 224 and lip cover mesh portion 230 may be constructed at least partially of aluminum, steel, stainless steel or other sufficiently electrically-conductive material or a combination thereof that allows the associated lower lip 54 to be effectively grounded to the earth or other suitable structure, to provide sufficient strength, durability, rigidity and flexibility to preserve the integrity of the lip cover 220 during use as part of a load-supporting surface 16 or other suitable purpose. In some embodiments, the lip cover mesh portion 230 may be constructed at least partially of metallic mesh or grating, such as an aluminum mesh configuration, and the lip cover frame 224 may be a welded rectangular steel frame.

[0056] Still referring to Figure 22, in this embodiment, the lip cover frame 224 includes (i) a generally flat, elongated, inner frame member, or portion 226, (ii) a generally flat end frame member, or portion, 225 on each end of the lip cover 220 and (iii) an elongated, L-shaped, outer frame member, or portion, 227, all rigidly coupled together. The outer portion 227 of the illustrated lip cover frame 224 is designed to extend at least partially over the respective edge 234 of the lower lip 54 of the corresponding mat 112 (e.g. Figure 21) when the lip cover 220 is coupled to the mat 112.

[0057] In some embodiments, the lip cover frame 224 may be coupled to the lip cover mesh portion(s) 230 and in other embodiments may not. When coupled together, any suitable coupling mechanism(s) or technique may be used. In the illustrated example, the lip cover frame 224 and lip cover mesh portion 230 are welded together. For example, the lip cover frame 224 may be welded atop the edges of the lip cover mesh portion 230. In other embodiments, the lip cover mesh portion 230 may be welded atop the lip cover frame 224 or coupled in any other suitable manner.

[0058] Referring now to Figure 21, if desired, the lip cover 220 may include at least one lip cover conductive interface 238 useful to electrically connect the lip cover 220 to one or more other components, such as the cover 110 of the same mat 26, the cover 110 of one or more other mats 26, another one or more lip covers 220 of the same mat 26 and/or one or more other mats 26, any other desired component(s) or a combination thereof. The lip cover conductive interface(s) 238 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. For example, the lip cover conductive interface 238 may include a connector for electrically coupling the lip cover 220 to another component. In this embodiment, at least one lip cover conductive interface 238 is configured to electrically connect the lip cover 220 to the cover 110 of the same mat 26. The illustrated lip cover conductive interface 238 extends at least partially along the inner portion 226 of the lip cover frame 224 and contacts the cover 110 to allow electrical conductivity therebetween. For example, the bottom surface 228 of the inner portion 226 of the illustrated lip cover frame 224 overlays and contacts the upward face 160 (and conductive interface 138) of the frame 120 to form an electrically-conductive path therebetween. However, the lip cover conductive interface 238 may have any other desired form.

[0059] Referring back to Figure 20, in the illustrated embodiment, a distinct lip cover 220 is positionable on the each lower lip 54 of the mat 26. For example, a short lip cover 250 may be configured to extend across substantially the length of the lower lip 54 at the second short side 30 of the mat 26, and a long lip cover 260 may be configured to extend across substantially the length of the lower lip 54 extending from the second long side 38 of the mat 26. For any exemplary mat 26 having its corner 42 (formed between adjacent lower lips 54) exposed, either the short lip cover 250 or the long lip cover 260 may be shorter than the other respective covers 250, 260. In this embodiment, the corner short lip cover 254 (e.g. Figure 24) is shorter than the other short lip cover(s) 250 (e.g. Figures 22-23).

[0060] If desired, the lip covers 220 may be formed with one or more cut-outs 178, such as to allow access to one or more locking pin holes 32 on the lower lip 54 of the mat 26, or for any other purpose. Also if desired, one or more cut-out frames 180 may be used with the lip covers 220. For example, cut-out frames 180 may be coupled to and cover the edges of the lip covers 220 that form the cut-outs 178.

[0061] Any desired number of cut-outs 178 and cut-out frame 180 may be included. In the present embodiment, since the exemplary mats 26 (e.g. Figure 3) each have three locking pin holes 32 on the lower lip 54 at the second short side 30 of the mat 26, the short lip cover 250 (e.g. Figure 22) may be configured to include three cut-outs 178 to allow access to all of the locking pin holes 32. For another example, in Figure 23, the short lip cover 250 includes only two cut-outs 178 to allow access to two of the locking pin holes 32 (See also Figure 20). Similarly, since the exemplary mats 26 (e.g. Figure 3) each have six locking pin holes 32 on the lower lip 54 at the second long side 38 of the mat 26, the long lip cover 260 (e.g. Figure 25) may be configured to include six cut-outs 178 to allow access to all of the locking pin holes 32. For another example, in Figure 26, the long lip cover 260 includes only three cut-outs 178 to allow access to three of the locking pin holes 32 (See also Figure 20).

[0062] Other embodiments may include fewer cut-outs 178 on the lip covers 220. It may be necessary or desirable to allow access to only some of the locking pin holes 32 in the respective lower lips 54 through the lip covers 220 depending upon the expected use of the locking pin holes 32. For example, when all the locking pin holes 32 of the lower lips 54 are not needed, fewer cut-outs 178 may be desirable, such as to preserve the integrity, strength and rigidity of the lip covers 220. For another example, in embodiments where the lip covers 220 are secured to the mats 26 via one or more locking pin holes 32, only those locking pin holes 32 needed to adequately secure the lip covers 220 to the mats 26 may be made accessible though the cut-outs 178. For another example, in some embodiments, such as load-supporting surfaces 16 having mats 26 without locking pin holes 32, the lip covers 220 may not include any cut-outs 178.

[0063] Referring now to Figure 27, the lip covers 220 may be coupled to the mat 26 in any suitable manner. For example, the lip cover mesh portions 230 may be secured with couplers 62, such as bolts 69, similarly as described above with respect to mesh portions 126 and mesh grate panels 200. For another example, the lip cover frame 224 may engage or wrap around one or more edges of the associated lower lip 54. For still a further example, the lip cover 220 may be coupled to the cover 110 disposed on the same mat 26. In the present embodiment, the lip covers 220 are shown coupled to the illustrated mats 26 by one or more upright members 310, each releasably engaging a locking pin hole 32 in one of the respective lower lips 54 of the associated mats 26. The upright member 310 may have any desired components, configuration, operation and use. For example, the upright member 310 may be, or include, a bar, post, frame or the like. In this embodiment, the upright member 310 is a pole 312 useful to support one or more signs, fences or safety barriers, and may be constructed of any suitable material, such as aluminum, steel or fiberglass. The upright member 310 may be releasably engaged with the locking pin hole 32 in any suitable manner. For example, an upright member support system 320, such as the system 300 disclosed in U. S. patent application Serial Number 15/132,410, filed on April 19, 2016 and entitled "Apparatus, System and Methods for Supporting One or More Upright Items from a Support Surface", may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple upright member support systems 320 are shown supporting multiple poles 312 as part of a safety barrier system 420. U. S. patent application Serial Number 15/132,410 has a common Assignee as the present patent.

[0064] Now referring to Figure 28, in another independent aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical connection bar 270 may be used with one or more EPZ mats 112 in the load-supporting surface 16. The electrical connection bar 270 may be used for any suitable purpose, such as grounding the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16, electrically connecting the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16 to testing monitoring, measuring or other equipment, electrically interconnecting multiple EPZ mats 112 or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, a grounding rod 174 for grounding the load-supporting surface 16 is shown releasably, electrically coupled to the electrical connection bar 270 via a grounding cable 170 and an electrical connector 288. In some embodiments, the electrical connection bar 270 may serve as part of the conductive interface(s) 138 useful to releasably, electrically connect the EPZ mat 112 with one or more other EPZ mats 112, such as with the use of an electrical connector 288 or other electrically-conductive wire, cable, bar or other electrical connection component(s).

[0065] The electrical connection bar 270 may be releasably coupled to one or more electrical connection components (e.g. electrical connector(s) 288, wires, cables, pins, testing, monitoring, measuring or other equipment, etc.) in any suitable manner. For example, the electrical connection bar 270 may include one or more connection ports 278. The connection port 278 may have any suitable form and configuration. In this embodiment, the connection port 278 is an orifice 280 formed into the bar 270. The illustrated connection ports 278 face generally horizontally on the connector bar 270, such as to allow ease of electrical connection therewith, maintain a low profile of the electrical connection components (e.g. electrical connector(s) 288, grounding cables 170, etc.) above the top surface 132 of the mat 112, minimize the risk of undesired or accidental decoupling of electrical connection components or other desired purpose. If desired, multiple connection ports 278 (e.g. Figure 29) may be included, such to allow flexibility and multiple options in the position(s) and quantity of electrical connections that can be made to the EPZ mat 112 or other desired purpose.

[0066] Referring to Figures 28-29, the electrical connection bar 270 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, other electrically-conductive material or a combination thereof, and have any suitable form, configuration and operation. In this embodiment, the electrical connection bar 270 is a section of rigid angle-iron 271 sufficiently strong and durable to withstand use as part of a load-supporting surface 16. The exemplary bar 270 is elongated, such as to provide space for multiple connection ports 278, maintain a low profile above the top surface 132 of the mat 112, be sufficiently securable to the mat 112 to preserve its electrical contact therewith during use of the load-supporting surface 16 or other desired purpose. For still a further example, the electrical connection bar 270 may be configured and positioned to allow cables (e.g. the grounding cable 170), wire and the like to be coupled to the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16 without substantial risk of undesirable coiling or being undesirably draped over or across a substantial portion of one or more electrically-conductive covers 110 in the load-supporting surface 16.

[0067] Referring now to Figures 30-32, the electrical connection bar 270 may be connected to the EPZ mat 112 in any suitable manner. For example, the bar 270 may be welded to the frame 120, mesh portion 126, one or more cut-out frames 180 of the exemplary cover 110 or a combination thereof. For another example, the electrical connection bar 270 may be releasably coupled to one or more locking pin holes 32 of the mat 26, such as to allow desired positioning of the electrical connection components, or electrical connection with an adjacent mat 112 or other component(s), at a side or corner of the mat 26 or load-supporting surface 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connection bar 270 is configured to be releasably connected and electrically coupled to the EPZ mat 112 proximate to its first corner 40, such as to allow desired positioning of the electrical connection components, or electrical connection with an adjacent mat 112 or other component(s), at a side or corner of the mat 26 or load-supporting surface 16. The exemplary electrical connection bar 270 is configured so that when it is coupled to the EPZ mat 112, one leg of the angle-iron 271 is substantially vertically oriented and the connection ports 278 formed therein are oriented generally horizontally. The other illustrated leg of the angle-iron 271 is substantially horizontally oriented to abut and make electrical contact with the electrically-conductive cover 110 and align at least one anchor hole 272 formed therein (e.g. Figure 31) over a locking pin hole 32 of the mat 26.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connection bar 270 is shown releasably coupled to two locking pin holes 32 of the EPZ mat 112. For example, as shown in Figure 31, at each such locking pin hole 32, a bolt 282 (or other connector, such as a pin, screw etc.) may extend through an anchor hole 272 in the connector bar 270 then through the locking pin hole 32. The exemplary bolt 282 (or other connector) may, for example, be releaseably secured below the mat 112 to a threaded anchor base 284 placed below the locking pin hole 32. If desired, the bolt 282 may threadably engage a nut 286 welded to, or otherwise extending from, the upper surface of the anchor base 284. As shown in Figure 32, under the mat 26, the exemplary anchor base 284 releasably secures the electrical connection bar 270 to the mat 26 at least partially around the locking pin hole 32. However, any other method and mechanism for coupling the bar 270 to one or more mats 26 may be used.

[0069] If desired, the electrical connection bar 270 may be useful at different locations on the mat 112 to provide flexibility in the location of electrical connection components or other desired purpose. In this example, the electrical connection bar 270 may be coupled to the two locking pin holes 32 closest to the first corner 40 of the mat 26 on either the first long side 37 (Figures 30-32) or the first short side 28 (Figures 33-35) of the mat 26. However, in other embodiments, the electrical connection bar 270 may be coupled to different locking pin holes 32 or any other desired portion or component of the mat 112 or load supporting surface 16.

[0070] Referring back to Figure 28, the electrical connection bar 270 may be electrically coupled to the EPZ mat 112 in any desired manner. In this example, the bar 270 abuts and electrically contacts the electrically-conductive cut-out frames 180 of the cover 110. The bar 270 may also, or instead, abut and electrically contact the mesh portion 126 and/or frame 120 of the cover 110. In other embodiments, the bar 270 may be electrically coupled to a different part or component of the mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16.

[0071] When included, the electrical connector(s) 288 useful for electrically coupling the electrical connection bar 270 (or other component(s) of the mat 112) to one or more other component or mat 112 may have any suitable form, configuration and construction. In this embodiment, the electrical connector 288 is a rigid bolt 289 coupled to the bar 270. If desired, the electrical connector 288 may be flexible, such as to allow relative movement between the respective mat 112 (or cover 110) and other component without disconnecting therefrom. Other examples of electrical connectors 288 may include one or more pin, flexible member, copper wires, jumper cables 292 (e.g. Figure 37), braided steel strips 269 (e.g. Figure 43C) and the like. If desired, the electrical connector 288 may be coupled with slack (e.g. Figure 37), such as to allow relative movement between the mat 112 (or cover 110) and other component without disconnecting therefrom. In some embodiments, the electrical connector 288 may serve as part of the conductive interface(s) 138 between mats 112.

[0072] Now referring to Figures 36-37, in another independent aspect of the present disclosure, an electrically-conductive corner plate 290 may be used with one or more EPZ mats 112 in the load-supporting surface 16. The corner plate 290 may be used for any suitable purpose, such as to releasably, electrically interconnect multiple EPZ mats 112, ground the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16, electrically connect the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16 to testing, monitoring, measuring or other equipment, or a combination thereof. For example, the corner plate 290 may be useful to electrically connect the EPZ mat 112 to one or more other EPZ mats 112, serving as part of the conductive interface(s) 138 (e.g. Figure 37). In some embodiments, the corner plate 290 may also or instead be used in addition to one or more other engaged conductive interfaces 138 (e.g. Figure 9) of two or more electrically coupled mats 112 to ensure effective electrical interconnection and/or grounding of the mats 112 and/or other components in the load-supporting system 16. For another example, in Figure 39, the corner plates 290 on adjacent mats 112 are shown releasably electrically coupled to a testing unit 294, such as a 4-wire kelvin-resistance measuring device.

[0073] The corner plate 290 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, other material or a combination thereof that is sufficiently electrically-conductive and, if desired, strong and durable enough to be useful in the load-supporting surface 16.

[0074] Referring now to Figures 39-40, the corner plate 290 may have any suitable form, configuration and operation. For example, the corner plate 290 may be configured to allow ease of electrical connection therewith, maintain a low profile of the electrical connection components (e.g. electrical connector(s) 288, cables, etc.) above the top surface 132 of the mat 112, minimize the risk of undesired or accidental decoupling of electrical connection components or other desired purpose. In this embodiment, the corner plate 290 is generally flat, L-shaped and configured to be physically and electrically coupled, such as by weld, to a corner of the EPZ mat 112, such as to allow desired positioning of the electrical connection components or electrical connection with an adjacent mat 112 or other component(s) at a side or corner of the mat 26 or load-supporting surface 16. For example, as shown in Figures 38A-B, the corner plate 290 may be welded to the corner of the frame 120 of the electrically-conductive cover 110. If desired, the corner plate 290 may be coupled to each corner of the frame 120. In other embodiments, the corner plate 290 may be coupled to only select corners of the frame 120 or to any other desired location on the frame 120, mesh portion 126, one or more cut-out frames 180 or other component of the cover 110 or EPZ mat 112, or a combination thereof, such as by weld, electrically-conductive mechanical connector (e.g. pin, bolt, screw) or other method.

[0075] Referring back to Figures 36-37, the exemplary corner plate 290 may be releasably coupled to one or more electrical connection components (e.g. electrical connector(s) 188, wires, cables, grounding, testing, monitoring, measuring or other equipment, etc.) in any suitable manner. For example, the corner plate 290 may include one or more connection ports 278. The connection port 278 may have any suitable form and configuration. In this embodiment, the connection port 278 is a threaded orifice 280 formed in the corner plate 170 and configured to receive any suitable electrical connector 288 or other connection component, such as a bolt, pin, screw, strip, wire, etc. In Figure 39, for example, a testing unit 294 is releasably secured in electrical contact with the corner plates 290 of adjacent mats 112 by electrical connectors 288 (e.g. bolts 296) threadably engaged with orifices 280 of the respective plates 170.

[0076] If desired, multiple connection ports 278 may be included, such to allow flexibility and multiple options in the position(s) and quantity of electrical connections that can be made to the EPZ mat 112 or other desired purpose. In this embodiment, the corner plate 290 includes four connection ports 278, but other embodiments may include less (one, two or three) or more (five, six, etc.) connection ports 278.

[0077] As mentioned above, if desired, one or more electrical connectors 288 may be used to secure the exemplary corner plate 290 to another component. In Figure 37, for example, the electrical connectors 288 include a jumper cable 292 and two bolts 296 releasably electrically coupled to orifices 280 of the respective corner plates 290 of adjacent mats 112 to electrically couple the mats 112 together. In this example, the electrical connectors 288 serve as part of the conductive interface(s) 138 between the mats 112. If desired, the jumper cable 292 or other electrical connector 288 may be coupled to the corner plate 290 with slack, such as to allow relative movement between the respective mats 112 (or covers 110) without disconnecting the therefrom or other desired purpose.

[0078] Now referring to Figure 41, in an embodiment of the present invention, the EPZ mat 112 is configured and arranged to allow some relative movement between the mat 26 and the cover 110, while at least substantially preserving the integrity and desired functioning of the mat 26 and cover 110. The cover 110 is constructed and configured to be rigid enough to perform as part of the EPZ mat 112 and load-supporting surface 16 (e.g. as described above) and flexible enough to bend, flex, expand, contract or a combination thereof relative to the mat 26, such as due to one or more environmental factors (e.g. changing temperatures), movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface 16 or other factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface 16 and without decoupling them or undesirably damaging or deforming either the cover 110 or mat 26. The terms "flexibly constructed" and variations thereof as used herein with respect to the cover 110 or any component thereof means the cover 110 (or component(s) thereof) is constructed and configured to be rigid enough to perform as part of the EPZ mat 112 and load-supporting surface 16 (e.g. as described above) and flexible enough to bend, flex, expand, contract or a combination thereof relative to the mat 26, such as due to one or more environmental factors (e.g. changing temperatures), movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface 16 or other factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface 16, without decoupling them or undesirably damaging or deforming either the cover 110 or mat 26.

[0079] The cover 110 may be coupled to the mat 26 sufficiently rigidly to perform as part of the EPZ mat 112 and load-supporting surface 16 (e.g. as described above) and also sufficiently flexibly to allow the mat 26 to bend, flex, expand, contract or a combination thereof relative to the cover 110, such as due to one or more environmental factors (e.g. changing temperatures), movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface 16 or other factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface 16 and without decoupling them or undesirably damaging or deforming either the cover 110 or mat 26. The terms "flexibly coupled" and variations thereof as used herein with respect to the cover 110 or any component thereof means the cover 110 (or component(s) thereof) is coupled to the mat 26 sufficiently rigidly to perform as part of the EPZ mat 112 and load-supporting surface 16 (e.g. as described above) and sufficiently flexibly to allow the mat 26 to bend, flex, expand, contract or a combination thereof relative to the cover 110, such as due to one or more environmental factors (e.g. changing temperatures), movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface 16 or other factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface 16, without decoupling them or undesirably damaging or deforming either the cover 110 or mat 26. The terms "acceptable relative movement" and variations thereof as used herein with respect to the cover 110 (or any components thereof) and mat 26 (or any components thereof) means movement of either or both the cover 110 and mat 26 (or the referenced component(s) thereof) relative to the other, such as due to one or more environmental factors (e.g. changing temperatures), movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface 16 or other factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface 16, without decoupling them, undesirably damaging or deforming either the cover 110 or mat 26 or substantially diminishing the desired functioning of the mat 112 in the load-supporting surface 16 (e.g. such as described above).

[0080] Still referring to Figure 41, the cover 110 may be configured to allow acceptable relative movement between the cover 110 and mat 26 in any suitable manner. In accordance with the invention, the cover 110 does not extend around any edges 44 of the mat 26 (See also Figures 42A-B). In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 110 is generally planar and extends at least partially over only the top surface 132 of the mat 26. Unlike the exemplary frame 120 shown in Figures 8-9, the frame 120 in this embodiment does not extend around the edges 44 of the exemplary mat 26 on each side 28, 37 having upper lips 46 or across any part of the top 142 of the lower lips 54 of the exemplary mat 26. Also the frame 110 of this embodiment does not have any underside faces 156 (e.g. Figure 9) or upward faces 160 that serve as conductive interfaces 138 in the manner described with respect to the embodiment of Figures 8-9, which does not fall under the scope of the present invention.

[0081] Referring now to Figures 42A-C, if desired, the cover 110 may be flexibly coupled to the mat 26 to allow acceptable relative movement in any suitable manner. In the present embodiment, a plurality of couplers 62 releasably secures the cover 110 to the mat 26. The illustrated couplers 62 include bolts 69, but may include any other form of couplers (e.g. clips, pins, rods, screws, etc.). Referring to Figure 42C, at least some of the exemplary couplers 62 (i) extend over and through the cover 110 (e.g. over the frame 120 and/or mesh portion 126), (ii) include an elongated body that extends through an aperture 300 formed in the mat 26 and (iii) are releasably secured to the bottom surface 134 of the mat 26 with at least one nut 302 or other suitable releasable, adjustable anchor. In some embodiments, the couplers 62 may be the only interconnection of the cover 110 and the associated mat 26. If desired, to allow for some acceptable relative movement, at least some of the couplers 62 may be loosely engaged between, and not rigidly coupled (e.g. by weld) to the cover 110 or mat 26. As shown in Figure 42C, for example, the inner diameter 304 of the exemplary aperture 300 may be greater than the outer diameter 306 of the elongated body of the coupler 62, allowing some side-to-side relative movement between the mat 26, the coupler 62 and the cover 110. For another example, the nuts 302 (or other suitable anchors) may not be fully tightened against the bottom face 134 of the mat 26 to allow some relative up-and-down movement between the mat 26, the coupler 62 and the cover 110. However, the cover 110 and/or mat 26 may be configured to allow for acceptable relative movement therebetween in any other suitable manner.

[0082] Now referring to Figures 43A-C, in another independent aspect of the present invention, the electrically-conductive cover 110 may be formed with one or more connection ports 278 to releasably, electrically interconnect multiple EPZ mats 112, ground the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16, electrically connect the EPZ mat 112 or load-supporting surface 16 to testing, monitoring, measuring or other equipment, other desired purpose or a combination thereof. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 43C, the illustrated connection ports 278 formed in adjacent mats 112 are used to electrically interconnect adjacent EPZ mats 112 and thus serve as part of the conductive interfaces 138 of the mats 112. In other embodiments, one or more connection bars 270 (e.g. Figure 28), corner plates 290 (e.g. Figure 36), other forms of conductive interfaces 138 or a combination thereof may be used.

[0083] The connection ports 278 formed in this embodiment of the cover 110 may have any suitable form, configuration, construction and operation. For example, the connection ports 278 may be configured to allow ease of electrical connection therewith, maintain a low profile of the electrical connection components (e.g. braided steel strips 298) above the top surface 132 of the mat 112, minimize the risk of undesired or accidental decoupling of electrical connection components or other desired purpose. In this embodiment, the connection port 278 is a threaded orifice 280 formed in a corner of the EPZ mat 112, such as to allow desired positioning of the electrical connection components, or electrical connection with an adjacent mat 112 or other component(s), at a side or corner of the mat 26 or load-supporting surface 16. For example, the connection port 278 may be formed in the corner of the frame 120 of the electrically-conductive cover 110. If desired, connection ports 278 may be formed in each corner of the frame 120. In other embodiments, one or more connection ports 278 may be formed in only select corners of the frame 120 or at any other desired location on the frame 120, mesh portion 126, one or more cut-out frames 180 or other component of the EPZ mat 112 or a combination thereof.

[0084] Still referring to Figures 43A-C, the exemplary connection port 278 may receive any desired electrical connection components (e.g. electrical connectors 288, grounding, testing, monitoring or other equipment, wires, cables, connector pins, etc.). If desired, multiple connection ports 278 may be included at each location, such to allow flexibility and multiple options in the position(s) and quantity of electrical connections that can be made to the EPZ mat 112 or other desired purpose. In this embodiment, three connection ports 278 are shown at each location, but other embodiments may include less (one or two) or more (four, five, six, etc.) connection ports 278.

[0085] In some embodiments, one or more electrical connectors 288 may be coupled to one or more of the connection ports 278 of the exemplary mat 112. In Figure 43C, for example, electrical connectors 288 are shown releasably electrically coupled to connection ports 278 on each of four adjacent mats 112 to electrically couple the mats 112 together. The illustrated electrical connectors 288 and connection ports 278 thus serve as the conductive interfaces 138 between the mats 112. In this embodiment, the electrical connectors 288 include flexible, braided steel strips 269 and threaded bolts 296. If desired, similarly as mentioned above, the electrical connectors 288 (e.g. strips 269) may be flexible and/or coupled to one or more of the connection ports 278 with slack, such as to allow relative movement between the respective mats 112 (covers 110, connected electrical components, etc.) without disconnecting therefrom.

[0086] It should be noted that the corner plates 290, electrical connection bars 270 and connection ports 278 formed in mats 112 may be used alone, or in combination with one another, or with another one or more conductive interfaces 138 of one or more mats 112 to achieve the desired objective.

[0087] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure thus offer advantages over the prior art and are well adapted to carry out one or more of the objects of this disclosure. However, the present invention does not require each of the components and acts described above and is in no way limited to the above-described embodiments or methods of operation. Any one or more of the above components, features and processes may be employed in any suitable configuration without inclusion of other such components, features and processes. Moreover, the present invention includes additional features, capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications that have not been specifically addressed herein but are, or will become, apparent from the description herein, the appended drawings and claims.

[0088] While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, many variations, modifications and/or changes of the system, apparatus and methods of the present invention, such as in the components, details of construction and operation, arrangement of parts and/or methods of use, are possible, contemplated by the patent applicant(s), within the scope of any appended claims, and may be made and used by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative, and the scope of the disclosure and any appended claims should not be limited to the embodiments described and shown herein.

Claims

1. System for electrically grounding a reusable load-supporting surface (16) deployed on or near the surface of the earth, the system comprising:

at least two mats (26) at least partially forming the load-supporting surface (16), each said mat (26) having substantially planar respective top and bottom faces (160, 156), multiple sides (28, 30, 37, 38) and at least one edge extending around each said side (44), said mats (26) being configured to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon; and

a plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers (110) optionally comprising a frame (120) and constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and constructed and arranged to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon, each said cover (110) extending at least partially across said top face (160) of one of said mats (26) and not extending over any of said edges thereof and each said cover being flexibly coupled to said associated mat (26) wherein flexibly coupled means said cover (110) is coupled to said mat (26) sufficiently rigidly to perform as part of the load-supporting surface (16) and sufficiently flexibly to allow said mat (26) to bend, flex, expand and contract or a combination thereof relative to said cover (110) due to one or more environmental factors and the movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface (16) during normal, typical or expected use conditions without decoupling said cover (110) from said associated mat (26) and without undesirably damaging or deforming said cover (110) or said mat (26) while allowing said cover (110) and said mat (26) to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon, each said cover (110) having at least one conductive interface (138) configured to electrically couple said cover (110) to another said cover (110) of the load-supporting surface (16), and at least one of said covers (110) being configured to be electrically coupled to the earth.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein each said cover (110) is releasably coupled to said associated mat (26) with a plurality of releasable couplers (62), at least some of said couplers (62) being loosely engaged between said cover (110) and said mat (26) to allow acceptable relative movement therebetween, wherein acceptable relative movement means movement of either or both said cover (110) and said mat (26) relative to the other, such as due to one or more environmental factors, movement of personnel, vehicles and/or equipment across the load-supporting surface (16) or other factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface (16), without decoupling said cover (110) and said mat (26), undesirably damaging or deforming either said cover (110) or said mat (26) or substantially diminishing the desired functioning of said mat (26) in the load-supporting surface (16).

3. The system of claim 2 wherein each said coupler (62) includes an elongated body having an outer diameter (306) and being configured to extend through an aperture (300) formed in said associated mat (26) to secure said associated cover (110) to said mat (26), wherein at least some of said apertures (300) formed in each said mat (26) have an inner diameter (304) that is larger than said outer diameter (306) of said elongated portion of said associated coupler (62) to allow relative side-to-side movement between said coupler (62), said mat (26) and said cover (110).

4. The system of claims 2 or 3 wherein each said coupler (62) is secured to said associated mat (26) below the bottom face (156) of said mat (26) with at least one adjustable, releasable anchor (302), wherein said at least one anchor (302) associated with at least some of said couplers (62) on each said mat (26) is selectively positioned on said coupler (62) spaced below said bottom face (156) of said associated mat (26) to allow relative up-and-down movement between said coupler (62), said mat (26) and said cover (110).

5. The system of any preceding claim wherein each said cover (110) includes at least one upwardly facing corner, further wherein said at least one conductive interface (138) includes at least one electrically-conductive corner plate (290) welded to one of said corners, each said corner plate (290) including at least one connection port (278), preferably wherein the system further includes at least one electrically-conductive corner plate (290) welded to each corner of each said cover.

6. The system of claim 5 further including at least one electrical connector (288) releasably coupled to at least one said connection port (278) of one of said corner plates (290) and at least one of said connection ports (278) of at least one other said cover (110) to electrically couple said associated covers (110) in the load-supporting surface (16).

7. The system of any preceding claim wherein each said cover (110) includes an outer frame (120) and an inner mesh portion (126) connected to said outer frame (120), said outer frame (120) and inner mesh portion (126) being constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material, further wherein said outer frame (120) includes said at least one conductive interface (138).

8. The system of claim 7 wherein each said mat (26) includes at least one corner (40, 42) and each said outer frame (120) includes at least one corner aligned at least partially over one of said corners (40, 42) of said associated mat (26), further wherein said at least one conductive interface (138) includes at least one threaded orifice (280) formed in at least one said corner of said outer frame.

9. The system of claim 8 further including at least one electrical connector (288) releasably coupled to at least one said threaded orifice (280) of said outer frame (120) of one of said covers (110) and at least one of said threaded orifices (280) of said outer frame (120) of another said cover (110) to electrically couple said covers (110) in the load-supporting surface (16).

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said at least one electrical connector is flexible to allow relative movement between said electrically coupled covers; and/or wherein said at least one electrical connector is coupled between said electrically coupled covers with slack to allow relative movement between said covers.

11. The electrically conductive load-supporting surface (16) of claims 2, 3 or 4 wherein said couplers (62) are releasable, adjustable and at least some of said couplers (62) are not rigidly coupled to said associated cover (110) and its associated mat (26) so that each said cover (110) and its associated mat (26) may move relative to the other during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface (16).

12. The electrically conductive load-supporting surface (16) of claims 2, 3, 4, 5 or 11 wherein each said coupler (62) includes a bolt (282) secured to its associated mat (26) below the bottom face (156) of the mat (26) with at least one nut (286), wherein said nut (286) associated with at least some of said bolts (282) on each mat (26) is selectively coupled to said bolt (282) spaced away from the bottom face (156) of the associated mat (26) to allow relative up-and-down movement between said coupler (62), the mat (26) and said cover (110).

13. Method of electrically grounding a reusable load-supporting surface (16) to be deployed on or near the surface of the earth, the load-supporting surface (16) including at least two mats (26), each mat (26) having substantially planar respective top and bottom faces (160, 156), multiple sides (28, 30, 37, 38) and at least one edge (44) extending around each side, the mats (26) being configured to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon, the method comprising:

positioning one among a plurality of substantially planar, removable, electrically-conductive covers (110) optionally comprising a frame (120) at least partially across the top face (160) of each mat (26) such that the cover is not extending over any of the edges thereof, each cover (110) being constructed at least partially of electrically-conductive material and configured to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon;

selectively, loosely, releasably engaging a plurality of selectively adjustable, releasable, couplers (62) between each cover (110) and its associated mat (26) so that each cover (110) stays positioned at least partially across the top face (160) of its associated mat (26) during use of the load-supporting surface (16) and to allow at least one among the cover (110) and mat (26) to be moveable relative to the other due to one or more environmental factors during normal, typical or expected use conditions of the load-supporting surface (16) without decoupling the cover (110) from its associated mat (26) and without undesirably damaging or deforming the cover (110) or the mat (26), while allowing the cover (110) and the mat (26) to support the weight and movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment thereupon;

electrically coupling at least one conductive interface (138) of each cover (110) to at least one conductive interface (138) of at least one other cover (110) in the load-supporting surface (16); and

grounding at least one of the mats (26).

14. The method of claim 13 wherein each coupler (62) includes an elongated body having an outer diameter (306) and being configured to extend through an aperture (300) formed in the associated mat (26) to secure the associated cover (110) to the mat (26), wherein at least some of the apertures (300) formed in each mat (26) have an inner diameter (304) that is larger than the outer diameter (306) of the elongated portion of the associated coupler (62), further including inserting each coupler (62) into an aperture (300) in its associated mat (26), and at least some of the couplers (62) moving side-to-side relative to the mat (26).

15. The method of claim 13 or 14 further including at least one adjustable, releasable anchor (302) securing each coupler (62) to its associated mat (26) below the bottom face (156) of the mat (26) with, and at least some of the anchors (302) associated with each mat (26) engaging their associated couplers (62) spaced below the bottom face (156) of the mat (26) to selectively, releasably loosely secure each cover (110) to its associated mat (26) and allow relative movement therebetween.

Ansprüche

1. System zur elektrischen Erdung einer wiederverwendbaren lasttragenden Oberfläche (16), die an oder in der Nähe der Erdoberfläche eingesetzt wird, wobei das System umfasst:

mindestens zwei Matten (26), die mindestens teilweise die lasttragende Oberfläche (16) bilden, wobei jede der Matte (26) jeweils eine im Wesentlichen ebene obere und untere Fläche (160, 156), mehrere Seiten (28, 30, 37, 38) und mindestens einen Rand, der sich um jede der Seite (44) erstreckt, aufweist, wobei die Matten (26) dazu ausgelegt sind, das Gewicht und die Bewegung von Personen, Fahrzeugen und Ausrüstung darauf zu tragen; und

eine Vielzahl von im Wesentlichen ebenen, abnehmbaren, elektrisch leitfähigen Abdeckungen (110), wahlweise umfassend einen Rahmen (120) und mindestens teilweise aus elektrisch leitfähigem Material konstruiert und konstruiert und eingerichtet, um das Gewicht und die Bewegung von Personen, Fahrzeugen und Ausrüstung darauf zu tragen, wobei jede der Abdeckung (110) sich mindestens teilweise über die obere Fläche (160) einer der Matten (26) erstreckt und sich nicht über irgendeinen der Ränder davon erstreckt und wobei jede der Abdeckung flexibel mit der zugeordneten Matte (26) gekoppelt ist, wobei flexibel gekoppelt bedeutet, dass die Abdeckung (110) mit der Matte (26) ausreichend steif gekoppelt ist, um als Teil der lasttragenden Oberfläche (16) zu arbeiten, und ausreichend flexibel, um der Matte (26) zu erlauben, sich in Bezug auf die Abdeckung (110) aufgrund eines oder mehrerer Umgebungsfaktoren und der Bewegung von Personen, Fahrzeugen und/oder Ausrüstung über die lasttragende Oberfläche (16) während normaler, typischer oder erwarteter Verwendungsbedingungen zu biegen, zu knicken, sich zu dehnen und zusammenzuziehen oder eine Kombination davon, ohne die Abdeckung (110) von der zugeordneten Matte (26) zu entkoppeln und ohne die Abdeckung (110) oder die Matte (26) unerwünscht zu beschädigen oder zu verformen, während der Abdeckung (110) und der Matte (26) erlaubt wird, das Gewicht und die Bewegung von Personen, Fahrzeugen und Fahrzeugen darauf zu tragen, wobei jede der Abdeckung (110) mindestens eine leitfähige Grenzfläche (138) aufweist, die dazu ausgelegt ist, die Abdeckung (110) elektrisch mit der anderen Abdeckung (110) der lasttragenden Oberfläche (16) zu koppeln und wobei mindestens eine der Abdeckungen (110) dazu ausgelegt ist, elektrisch mit der Erde gekoppelt zu sein.

2. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei jede der Abdeckung (110) lösbar mit der zugeordneten Matte (26) mit einer Vielzahl von lösbaren Kopplern (62) gekoppelt ist, wobei mindestens einige der Koppler (62) lose zwischen der Abdeckung (110) und der Matte (26) im Eingriff stehen, um akzeptable relative Bewegung dazwischen zu erlauben, wobei akzeptable relative Bewegung Bewegung von einer oder beiden der Abdeckung (110) und der Matte (26) in Bezug zu der anderen bedeutet, wie etwa aufgrund eines oder mehrerer Umgebungsfaktoren, Bewegung von Personen, Fahrzeugen und/oder Ausrüstung über die lasttragende Oberfläche (16) oder anderer Faktoren während normaler, typischer oder erwarteter Verwendungsbedingungen der lasttragenden Oberfläche (16), ohne die Abdeckung (110) und die Matte (26) zu entkoppeln, entweder die Abdeckung (110) oder die Matte (26) unerwünscht zu beschädigen oder zu verformen oder die gewünschte Funktion der Matte (26) in der lasttragenden Oberfläche (16) wesentlich abzuschwächen.

3. System nach Anspruch 2, wobei jeder des Kopplers (62) einen länglichen Körper beinhaltet, der einen Außendurchmesser (306) aufweist und dazu ausgelegt ist, sich durch eine in der zugeordneten Matte (26) gebildeten Öffnung (300) zu erstrecken, um die zugeordnete Abdeckung (110) an der Matte (26) zu sichern, wobei mindestens einige der Öffnungen (300), die in jeder der Matte (26) gebildet sind, einen Innendurchmesser (304) aufweisen, der größer ist als der Außendurchmesser (306) des länglichen Abschnitts des zugeordneten Kopplers (62), um relative Seitenbewegung zwischen dem Koppler (62), der Matte (26) und der Abdeckung (110) zu erlauben.

4. System nach den Ansprüchen 2 oder 3 wobei jeder des Kopplers (62) an der zugeordneten Matte (26) unter der unteren Fläche (156) der Matte (26) mit mindestens einem einstellbaren, lösbaren Anker (302) gesichert ist, wobei der mindestens eine Anker (302), der mindestens einem der Koppler (62) auf jeder der Matte (26) zugeordnet ist, selektiv auf dem Koppler (62) unter der unteren Fläche (156) der zugeordneten Matte (26) beabstandet positioniert ist, um relative Auf- und Abwärtsbewegung zwischen dem Koppler (62), der Matte (26) und der Abdeckung (110) zu erlauben.

5. System nach einem vorstehenden Anspruch, wobei jede der Abdeckung (110) mindestens eine nach oben gewandte Ecke beinhaltet, wobei weiter die mindestens eine leitfähige Grenzfläche (138) mindestens eine elektrisch leitfähige Eckplatte (290) beinhaltet, die an eine der Ecken geschweißt ist, wobei jede der Eckplatte (290) mindestens einen Verbindungsanschluss (278) beinhaltet, wobei das System vorzugsweise mindestens eine elektrisch leitfähige Eckplatte (290) beinhaltet, die an jeder Ecke jeder der Abdeckung geschweißt ist.

6. System nach Anspruch 5, das weiter mindestens ein elektrisches Verbindungsglied (288) beinhaltet, das lösbar mit mindestens einem Verbindungsanschluss (278) einer der Eckplatten (290) und mindestens einem der Verbindungsanschlüsse (278) mindestens einer anderen der Abdeckung (110) gekoppelt ist, um die zugeordneten Abdeckungen (110) elektrisch in der lasttragenden Oberfläche (16) zu koppeln.

7. System nach einem vorstehenden Anspruch, wobei jede der Abdeckung (110) einen Außenrahmen (120) und einen inneren Gitterabschnitt (126), der mit dem Außenrahmen (120) verbunden ist, beinhaltet, wobei der Außenrahmen (120) und innere Gitterabschnitt (126) mindestens teilweise aus elektrisch leitfähigem Material konstruiert sind, wobei der Außenrahmen (120) weiter mindestens eine leitfähige Grenzfläche (138) beinhaltet.

8. System nach Anspruch 7, wobei jede der Matte (26) mindestens eine Ecke (40, 42) beinhaltet und jeder des Außenrahmens (120) mindestens eine Ecke, die mindestens teilweise über eine der Ecken (40, 42) der zugeordneten Matte (26) ausgerichtet ist, beinhaltet, wobei weiter die mindestens eine leitfähige Grenzfläche (138) mindestens eine Gewindeöffnung (280) beinhaltet, die in mindestens einer der Ecke des Außenrahmens gebildet ist.

9. System nach Anspruch 8, das weiter mindestens ein elektrisches Verbindungsglied (288) beinhaltet, das lösbar mit mindestens einer Gewindeöffnung (280) des Außenrahmens (120) einer der Abdeckungen (110) und mindestens einer der Gewindeöffnungen (280) des Außenrahmens (120) einer anderen der Abdeckung (110) gekoppelt ist, um die Abdeckungen (110) in der lasttragenden Oberfläche (16) elektrisch zu koppeln.

10. System nach Anspruch 9, wobei das mindestens eine elektrische Verbindungsglied flexibel ist, um relative Bewegung zwischen den elektrisch gekoppelten Abdeckungen zu erlauben; und/oder wobei das mindestens eine elektrische Verbindungsglied zwischen den elektrisch gekoppelten Abdeckungen mit einem Spielraum gekoppelt ist, um relative Bewegung zwischen den Abdeckungen zu erlauben.

11. Elektrisch leitfähige lasttragende Oberfläche (16) nach den Ansprüchen 2, 3 oder 4 wobei die Koppler (62) lösbar, einstellbar sind und mindestens einige der Koppler (62) nicht steif mit der zugeordneten Abdeckung (110) und ihrer zugeordneten Matte (26) gekoppelt sind, sodass jede der Abdeckung (110) und ihre zugeordnete Matte (26) sich während normaler, typischer oder erwarteter Verwendungsbedingungen der lasttragenden Oberfläche (16) in Bezug zu der anderen bewegen können.

12. Elektrisch leitfähige lasttragende Oberfläche (16) nach den Ansprüchen 2, 3, 4, 5 oder 11, wobei jeder des Kopplers (62) einen Bolzen (282) beinhaltet, der an seiner zugeordneten Matte (26) unter der unteren Fläche (156) der Matte (26) mit mindestens einer Buchse (286), gesichert ist, wobei die Buchse (286), die mindestens einigen der Bolzen (282) auf jeder Matte (26) zugeordnet ist, selektiv mit dem Bolzen (282) von der unteren Fläche (156) der zugeordneten Matte (26) beabstandet gekoppelt ist, um relative Auf- und Abwärtsbewegung zwischen dem Koppler (62), der Matte (26) und der Abdeckung (110) zu erlauben.

13. Verfahren zur elektrischen Erdung einer wiederverwendbaren lasttragenden Oberfläche (16), die an oder in der Nähe der Erdoberfläche einzusetzen ist, wobei die lasttragende Oberfläche (16) mindestens zwei Matten (26) beinhaltet, wobei jede Matte (26) jeweils eine im Wesentlichen ebene obere und untere Fläche (160, 156), mehrere Seiten (28, 30, 37, 38) und mindestens einen Rand, der sich um jede Seite (44) erstreckt, aufweist, wobei die Matten (26) dazu ausgelegt sind, das Gewicht und die Bewegung von Personen, Fahrzeugen und Ausrüstung darauf zu tragen, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:

Positionieren einer unter einer Vielzahl von im Wesentlichen ebenen, abnehmbaren, elektrisch leitfähigen Abdeckungen (110), wahlweise einen Rahmen (120) umfassend, mindestens teilweise über die obere Fläche (160) jeder Matte (26), sodass die Abdeckung sich nicht über irgendeinen der Ränder davon erstreckt, wobei jede Abdeckung (110) mindestens teilweise aus elektrisch leitfähigem Material konstruiert ist und dazu ausgelegt ist, das Gewicht und die Bewegung von Personen, Fahrzeugen und Fahrzeugen darauf zu tragen;

Bringen einer Vielzahl von selektiv einstellbaren, lösbaren Kopplern (62) zwischen jeder Abdeckung (110) und ihrer zugeordneten Matte (26) selektiv, lose, lösbar in Eingriff, sodass jede Abdeckung (110) während einer Verwendung der lasttragenden Oberfläche (16) mindestens teilweise über der oberen Fläche (160) ihrer zugeordneten Matte (26) positioniert bleibt und um mindestens einer unter der Abdeckung (110) und der Matte (26) zu erlauben, in Bezug zu der anderen aufgrund von einem oder mehreren von Umgebungsfaktoren während normaler, typischer oder erwarteter Verwendungsbedingungen der lasttragenden Oberfläche (16) beweglich zu sein, ohne die Abdeckung (110) von ihrer zugeordneten Matte (26) zu entkoppeln und ohne die Abdeckung (110) oder die Matte (26) unerwünscht zu beschädigen oder zu verformen, während der Abdeckung (110) und der Matte (26) erlaubt wird, das Gewicht und die Bewegung von Personen, Fahrzeugen und Ausrüstung darauf tragen;

elektrisches Koppeln mindestens einer leitfähigen Grenzfläche (138) jeder Abdeckung (110) mit mindestens einer leitfähigen Grenzfläche (138) mindestens einer anderen Abdeckung (110) in der lasttragenden Oberfläche (16); und

Erden mindestens eine der Matten (26).

14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, wobei jeder Koppler (62) einen länglichen Körper beinhaltet, der einen Außendurchmesser (306) aufweist und dazu ausgelegt ist, sich durch eine in der zugeordneten Matte (26) gebildeten Öffnung (300) zu erstrecken, um die zugeordnete Abdeckung (110) an der Matte (26) zu sichern, wobei mindestens einige der Öffnungen (300), die in jeder Matte (26) gebildet sind, einen Innendurchmesser (304) aufweisen, der größer ist als der Außendurchmesser (306) des länglichen Abschnitts des zugeordneten Kopplers (62), das weiter das Einfügen jedes Kopplers (62) in eine Öffnung (300) in seiner zugeordneten Matte (26) und relative Seitenbewegung mindestens einiger der Koppler (62) in Bezug zur Matte (26) beinhaltet.

15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13 oder 14, das weiter mindestens einen einstellbaren, lösbaren Anker (302) beinhaltet, der jeden Koppler (62) an seiner zugeordneten Matte (26) unter der unteren Fläche (156) der Matte (26) sichert, und wobei mindestens einige der Anker (302), die jeder Matte (26) zugeordnet sind, in ihre zugeordneten Koppler (62) beabstandet unter der unteren Fläche (156) der Matte (26) eingreifen, um jede Abdeckung (110) selektiv, lösbar, lose mit ihrer zugeordneten Matte (26) zu koppeln und relative Bewegung dazwischen zu erlauben.

Revendications

1. Système de mise à la terre d'une surface réutilisable de support de charge (16) déployée sur ou près de la surface de la terre, le système comprenant :

au moins deux tapis (26) formant au moins partiellement la surface de support de charge (16), chaque dit tapis (26) présentant des faces supérieure et inférieure respectives sensiblement plates (160, 156), de multiples côtés (28, 30, 37, 38) et au moins un bord s'étendant autour de chaque dit côté (44), lesdits tapis (26) étant configurés pour supporter le poids et le déplacement de personnel, de véhicules et de matériel sur ceux-ci ; et

une pluralité d'éléments de couverture électroconducteurs sensiblement plats, amovibles (110) comprenant optionnellement un cadre (120) et constitués au moins partiellement d'un matériau électroconducteur et constitués et agencés pour supporter le poids et le déplacement de personnel, de véhicules et de matériel sur ceux-ci, chaque dit élément de couverture (110) s'étendant au moins partiellement sur ladite face supérieure (160) de l'un desdits tapis (26) et ne s'étendant sur aucun desdits bords de celui-ci et chaque dit élément de couverture étant couplé de manière flexible audit tapis associé (26) dans lequel couplé de manière flexible signifie que ledit élément de couverture (110) est couplé audit tapis (26) de manière suffisamment rigide pour se comporter comme une partie de la surface de support de charge (16) et de manière suffisamment flexible pour permettre audit tapis (26) de se courber, se plier, s'agrandir et se contracter ou une combinaison de ceux-ci par rapport audit élément de couverture (110) en raison d'un ou plusieurs facteurs environnementaux et du déplacement de personnel, de véhicules et/ou de matériel sur la surface de support de charge (16) durant des conditions d'utilisation normales, typiques ou attendues sans découpler ledit élément de couverture (110) dudit tapis associé (26) et sans trop endommager ou déformer ledit élément de couverture (110) ou ledit tapis (26) tout en permettant audit élément de couverture (110) et audit tapis (26) de supporter le poids et le déplacement de personnel, de véhicules et de matériel sur ceux-ci, chaque dit élément de couverture (110) présentant au moins une interface conductrice (138) configurée pour coupler électriquement ledit élément de couverture (110) à un autre dit élément de couverture (110) de la surface de support de charge (16), et au moins un desdits éléments de couverture (110) étant configuré pour être couplé électriquement à la terre.

2. Système selon la revendication 1 dans lequel chaque dit élément de couverture (110) est couplé de manière libérable audit tapis associé (26) avec une pluralité de coupleurs libérables (62), au moins certains desdits coupleurs (62) étant en prise de manière lâche entre ledit élément de couverture (110) et ledit tapis (26) pour permettre un déplacement relatif acceptable entre ceux-ci, dans lequel un déplacement relatif acceptable signifie un déplacement dudit élément de couverture (110) et/ou dudit tapis (26) l'un par rapport à l'autre, par exemple en raison d'un ou plusieurs facteurs environnementaux, d'un déplacement de personnel, de véhicules et/ou de matériel sur la surface de support de charge (16) ou d'autres facteurs durant des conditions d'utilisation normales, typiques ou attendues de la surface de support de charge (16), sans découpler ledit élément de couverture (110) et ledit tapis (26), sans trop endommager ou déformer ledit élément de couverture (110) ou ledit tapis (26) ou sans diminuer sensiblement le fonctionnement souhaité dudit tapis (26) dans la surface de support de charge (16).

3. Système selon la revendication 2 dans lequel chaque dit coupleur (62) inclut un corps allongé présentant un diamètre extérieur (306) et configuré pour s'étendre à travers une ouverture (300) formée dans ledit tapis associé (26) pour fixer ledit élément de couverture associé (110) audit tapis (26), dans lequel au moins certaines desdites ouvertures (300) formées dans chaque dit tapis (26) présentent un diamètre intérieur (304) qui est plus grand que ledit diamètre extérieur (306) de ladite portion allongée dudit coupleur associé (62) pour permettre un déplacement côte à côte relatif entre ledit coupleur (62), ledit tapis (26) et ledit élément de couverture (110).

4. Système selon les revendications 2 ou 3 dans lequel chaque dit coupleur (62) est fixé audit tapis associé (26) sous la face inférieure (156) dudit tapis (26) avec au moins un ancrage réglable, libérable (302), dans lequel ledit au moins un ancrage (302) associé à au moins certains desdits coupleurs (62) sur chaque dit tapis (26) est positionné de manière sélective sur ledit coupleur (62) espacé sous ladite face inférieure (156) dudit tapis associé (26) pour permettre un déplacement relatif de haut en bas et de bas en haut entre ledit coupleur (62), ledit tapis (26) et ledit élément de couverture (110).

5. Système selon une quelconque revendication précédente dans lequel chaque dit élément de couverture (110) inclut au moins un coin face vers le haut, en outre dans lequel ladite au moins une interface conductrice (138) inclut au moins une équerre d'assemblage électroconductrice (290) soudée à l'un desdits coins, chaque dite équerre d'assemblage (290) incluant au moins un trou de liaison (278), de préférence dans lequel le système inclut en outre au moins une équerre d'assemblage électroconductrice (290) soudée à chaque coin de chaque dit élément de couverture.

6. Système selon la revendication 5 incluant en outre au moins un connecteur électrique (288) couplé de manière libérable à au moins un dit trou de liaison (278) de l'une desdites équerres d'assemblage (290) et à au moins un desdits trous de liaison (278) d'au moins un autre dit élément de couverture (110) pour coupler électriquement lesdits éléments de couverture associés (110) dans la surface de support de charge (16).

7. Système selon une quelconque revendication précédente dans lequel chaque dit élément de couverture (110) inclut un cadre extérieur (120) et une portion grillagée intérieure (126) reliée audit cadre extérieur (120), ledit cadre extérieur (120) et ladite portion grillagée intérieure (126) étant constitués au moins partiellement d'un matériau électroconducteur, en outre dans lequel ledit cadre extérieur (120) inclut ladite au moins une interface conductrice (138).

8. Système selon la revendication 7 dans lequel chaque dit tapis (26) inclut au moins un coin (40, 42) et chaque dit cadre extérieur (120) inclut au moins un coin aligné au moins partiellement sur l'un desdits coins (40, 42) dudit tapis associé (26), en outre dans lequel ladite au moins une interface conductrice (138) inclut au moins un orifice fileté (280) formé dans au moins un dit coin dudit cadre extérieur.

9. Système selon la revendication 8 incluant en outre au moins un conducteur électrique (288) couplé de manière libérable à au moins un dit orifice fileté (280) dudit cadre extérieur (120) de l'un desdits éléments de couverture (110) et à au moins un desdits orifices filetés (280) dudit cadre extérieur (120) d'un autre dit élément de couverture (110) pour coupler électriquement lesdits éléments de couverture (110) dans la surface de support de charge (16).

10. Système selon la revendication 9 dans lequel ledit au moins un connecteur électrique est flexible pour permettre un déplacement relatif entre lesdits éléments de couverture couplés électriquement ; et/ou dans lequel ledit au moins un connecteur électrique est couplé entre lesdits éléments de couverture couplés électriquement avec un jeu pour permettre un déplacement relatif entre lesdits éléments de couverture.

11. Surface de support de charge électroconductrice (16) selon les revendications 2, 3 ou 4 dans laquelle lesdits coupleurs (62) sont libérables, réglables et au moins certains desdits coupleurs (62) ne sont pas couplés de manière rigide audit élément de couverture associé (110) et à son tapis associé (26) de telle façon que chaque dit élément de couverture (110) et son tapis associé (26) puissent se déplacer l'un par rapport à l'autre durant des conditions d'utilisation normales, typiques ou attendues de la surface de support de charge (16).

12. Surface de support de charge électroconductrice (16) selon les revendications 2, 3, 4, 5 ou 11 dans lequel chaque dit coupleur (62) inclut un boulon (282) fixé à son tapis associé (26) sous la face inférieure (156) du tapis (26) avec au moins un écrou (286), dans laquelle ledit écrou (286) associé à au moins certains desdits boulons (282) sur chaque tapis (26) est couplé de manière sélective audit boulon (282) à distance de la face inférieure (156) du tapis associé (26) pour permettre un déplacement relatif de haut en bas et de bas en haut entre ledit coupleur (62), le tapis (26) et ledit élément de couverture (110).

13. Procédé de mise à la terre d'une surface réutilisable de support de charge (16) devant être déployée sur ou près de la surface de la terre, la surface de support de charge (16) incluant au moins deux tapis (26), chaque tapis (26) présentant des faces supérieure et inférieure respectives sensiblement plates (160, 156), de multiples côtés (28, 30, 37, 38) et au moins un bord (44) s'étendant autour de chaque côté, les tapis (26) étant configurés pour supporter le poids et le déplacement de personnel, de véhicules et de matériel sur ceux-ci, le procédé comprenant :

un positionnement d'un parmi une pluralité d'éléments de couverture électroconducteurs sensiblement plats, amovibles (110) comprenant optionnellement un cadre (120) au moins partiellement sur la face supérieure (160) de chaque tapis (26) de sorte que l'élément de couverture ne s'étende sur aucun des bords de celui-ci, chaque élément de couverture (110) étant constitué au moins partiellement d'un matériau électroconducteur et configuré pour supporter le poids et le déplacement de personnel, de véhicules et de matériel sur celui-ci ;

une mise en prise sélective, lâche, libérable d'une pluralité de coupleurs réglables de manière sélective, libérables (62) entre chaque élément de couverture (110) et son tapis associé (26) de telle façon que chaque élément de couverture (110) reste positionné au moins partiellement sur la face supérieure (160) de son tapis associé (26) durant l'utilisation de la surface de support de charge (16) et pour permettre à au moins un parmi l'élément de couverture (110) et le tapis (26) d'être mobile par rapport à l'autre en raison d'un ou plusieurs facteurs environnementaux durant des conditions d'utilisation normales, typiques ou attendues de la surface de support de charge (16) sans découpler l'élément de couverture (110) de son tapis associé (26) et sans trop endommager ou déformer l'élément de couverture (110) ou le tapis (26), tout en permettant à l'élément de couverture (110) et au tapis (26) de supporter le poids et le déplacement de personnel, de véhicules et de matériel sur ceux-ci ;

un couplage électrique d'au moins une interface conductrice (138) de chaque élément de couverture (110) à au moins une interface conductrice (138) d'au moins un autre élément de couverture (110) dans la surface de support de charge (16) ; et

une mise à la terre d'au moins un des tapis (26).

14. Procédé selon la revendication 13 dans lequel chaque coupleur (62) inclut un corps allongé présentant un diamètre extérieur (306) et configuré pour s'étendre à travers une ouverture (300) formée dans le tapis associé (26) pour fixer l'élément de couverture associé (110) au tapis (26), dans lequel au moins certaines des ouvertures (300) formées dans chaque tapis (26) présentent un diamètre intérieur (304) qui est plus grand que le diamètre extérieur (306) de la portion allongée du coupleur associé (62), incluant en outre une insertion de chaque coupleur (62) dans une ouverture (300) dans son tapis associé (26), et au moins certains des coupleurs (62) se déplaçant côte à côte par rapport au tapis (26).

15. Procédé selon la revendication 13 ou 14 incluant en outre au moins un ancrage réglable, libérable (302) fixant chaque coupleur (62) à son tapis associé (26) sous la face inférieure (156) du tapis (26), et au moins certains des ancrages (302) associés à chaque tapis (26) mettant en prise leurs coupleurs associés (62) espacés sous la face inférieure (156) du tapis (26) pour fixer de manière sélective, de manière libérable et de manière lâche chaque élément de couverture (110) à son tapis associé (26) et permettre un déplacement relatif entre ceux-ci.

Drawing