Patent US5364204A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5364204A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cover for an area of ground
Assignee: Terraplas Ltd
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Filing: 1991-02-27
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Granted: 1994-11-15
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Expires: 2011-02-27
Abstract
Abstract A cover unit 12 adapted to interlock with other such units having a top surface 14 capable of supporting persons. The unit 12 is formed of semi-opaque plastics material thereby providing for a required reduced amount of light to reach any plants located beneath the unit 12. A grid is provided by a plurality of recesses 18, 20 on the surface 14, the recesses 18, 20 accepting liquids thereby permitting evaporation and run-off of the liquids from the unit 12. A framework of ribs 22 is provided on the underside of each unit 12. Locating means may be provided on the ribs 22 in the form of spikes 24 or alternatively feet 224. The locating means are shaped to engage the ground beneath the unit 12 substantially without causing damage thereto. A plurality of ports 28 extend through the unit 12 enabling plants beneath the unit 12 to breathe. The ports 28 and recesses 18, 20 are of a size to be bridged by footwear.
Inventors
- 👤 Iain M. MacLeod
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 14:16
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63C; A63C19/00; A63C19/12; E; E01; E01C; E01C9/00; E01C9/004; E01C9/08; E01C9/086; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A30/00; Y02A30/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
Apparatus for temporarily covering an area of ground and which is reusable at the same or another location, said apparatus comprising: (a) covering means for defining a surface capable of supporting one or more persons thereon above the area of ground; (b) said covering means defining therein a plurality of holes extending therethrough to permit air to reach plants covered by said apparatus, said holes being of a size sufficiently small to be bridged by footwear; (c) locating means for locating said apparatus on the ground, said locating means comprising a downwardly extending member for locating said covering means in spaced apart relation to the ground, said locating means further including feet extending transversely from said downwardly extending member to be capable of spreading load applied to said covering means away from said downwardly extending member; (d) light-admitting means for enabling continued growth of plants in said area when covered by said apparatus.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
Apparatus for temporarily covering an area of ground and which is reusable at the same or another location, said apparatus comprising: (a) covering means for defining a surface capable of supporting one or more persons thereon above the area of ground; (b) said covering means defining therein a plurality of holes extending therethrough to permit air to reach plants covered by said apparatus, said holes being of a size sufficiently small to be bridged by footwear; (c) locating means for locating said apparatus on the ground, said locating means comprising a downwardly extending member for locating said covering means in spaced apart relation to the ground, said locating means further including feet extending transversely from said downwardly extending member to be capable of spreading load applied to said covering means away from said downwardly extending member; (d) light-admitting means for enabling continued growth of plants in said area when covered by said apparatus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said feet have rounded edges to prevent damage to the ground.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or more ports are provided through said feet to aid plant growth.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said covering means comprises strengthening ribs, and said feet are mountable on said strengthening ribs.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said covering means comprises a substantially planar member with an upper surface and an underside, said upper surface having the form of a grid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said recesses extend across the whole extent of said planar member to provide drainage therefrom.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of said upper surface of said planar member includes friction-inducing means for providing enhanced traction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said friction-inducing means comprises a coating of a granular material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a plurality of units with sides and side walls, and interlocking means provided on each said unit for interlocking with one or more other such said units.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said interlocking means comprises components which can act as either male or female components.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said interlocking means comprises components which can be lockably interlocked by the action of a key means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein openings are provided in said side walls of said units, said openings being aligned with such said openings in adjacent such said units, thereby providing ventilation beneath said units.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is formed of a plastics material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said apparatus is formed of natural co-polymer polypropylene.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said apparatus is formed of high density polyethylene.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
153 words
Apparatus for temporarily covering an area of ground and which is reusable at the same or another location, said apparatus comprising: (a) covering means for defining a surface capable of supporting one or more persons thereon above the area of ground; (b) said covering means defining therein a plurality of holes extending therethrough to permit air to reach plants covered by said apparatus, said holes being of a size sufficiently small to be bridged by footwear; (c) locating means for locating said apparatus on the ground, said locating means comprising a downwardly extending member for locating said-covering means in spaced apart relation to the ground, said locating means further including a flange extending transversely from said downwardly extending member to be capable of spreading load applied to said covering means away from said downwardly extending member; (d) light-admitting means for enabling continued growth of plants in said area when covered by said apparatus.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
153 words
Apparatus for temporarily covering an area of ground and which is reusable at the same or another location, said apparatus comprising: (a) covering means for defining a surface capable of supporting one or more persons thereon above the area of ground; (b) said covering means defining therein a plurality of holes extending therethrough to permit air to reach plants covered by said apparatus, said holes being of a size sufficiently small to be bridged by footwear; (c) locating means for locating said apparatus on the ground, said locating means comprising a downwardly extending member for locating said-covering means in spaced apart relation to the ground, said locating means further including a flange extending transversely from said downwardly extending member to be capable of spreading load applied to said covering means away from said downwardly extending member; (d) light-admitting means for enabling continued growth of plants in said area when covered by said apparatus.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said locating means comprises a plurality of spikes, each of said spiles including an annular flange.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said annular flange curves towards said covering means and is deformable under load towards a planar alignment.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said covering means comprises a substantially planar member with an upper surface and an underside, said upper surface having the form of a grid.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said recesses extend across the whole extent of said planar member to provide drainage therefrom.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a part of said upper surface of said planar member includes a friction-inducing means for providing enhanced traction.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said friction inducing means comprises a coating of a granular material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said apparatus comprises a plurality of units with sides and side walls, and interlocking means provided on each said unit for interlocking with one or more other such said units.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said interlocking means comprises components which can act as either male or female components.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said interlocking means comprises components which can be lockably interlocked by the action of a key means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein openings are provided in said side walls of said units, said openings being with such said openings in adjacent such said units, thereby providing ventilation beneath said units.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said apparatus is formed of a plastics material.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said apparatus is formed of natural co-polymer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said apparatus is formed of high density polyethylene.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-11-14 | 1998-05-16 | 1998-11-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-11-14 | 2002-05-16 | 2002-11-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-11-14 | 2006-05-16 | 2006-11-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |