Panel mats connectable with interlocking and pinning elements

Abstract

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