Gripping surface having protrusions embedded with soft materials

Abstract

Wear resistant gripping surfaces are disclosed having a high friction material embedded between protrusions of a harder material. The protrusions may be of the same material or may even be part of the base substrate. The resulting surfaces have high friction properties and exhibit good wear resistance. The high friction material may consist of rubber or other relatively soft substances. Applications include the running boards of sport utility vehicles and trucks, non-slip pads for stairs and walkways, and pads for pedals such as brakes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a surface having numerous protrusions.

FIG. 2 shows a non-slip gripping surface consisting of numerous protrusions of a hard material with softer material filling in the voids between them.

FIG. 3 shows a set of two steps having a non-slip gripping surface of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a round gripping surface of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of a soft high friction material filling in voids between surface protrusions of a harder material.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of a soft high friction material filling in voids between surface protrusions of a harder material having flattened tops.

FIG. 7 shows a soft high friction material filling in voids between surface protrusions of a harder material having flattened tops.

Claims

1. A gripping surface assembly comprising: a bottom solid portion, and a gripping agent;said bottom solid portion having a top surface;said top surface of said bottom solid portion having a plurality of protrusions extending from said top surface in an outward direction forming one or more cavities;and;said plurality of protrusions extending in an outward direction from said top surface of said bottom solid portion being comprised of a material having a greater hardness than said gripping agent;and;said gripping agent dispersed within said cavities of said top surface of said bottom solid portion thereby providing gripping properties to other surfaces.