Patent Application
20070062131
The present invention generally relates to synthetic flooring systems, namely modular or interlocking flooring systems, as well as game or sports play areas comprising a synthetic flooring system, such as backyard game courts. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for supporting sports-related and other recreational components about a modular or interlocking flooring system, and for facilitating skateboard and other types of spots or sports-related play about a synthetic flooring system using one or more modular components designed and configured for use with the synthetic flooring system.
Synthetic modular flooring systems are comprised of a plurality of individual floor tiles configured with means for interlocking one floor tile to another to form the modular flooring system. In recent years, synthetic modular flooring systems have increased significantly in popularity. Indeed, it is not uncommon to find various types of modular flooring systems used in both residential and professional settings, as well as in various educational institutions and venues hosting competitive events. Perhaps their popularity may be largely attributed to their unique and advantageous features over more traditional flooring surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, wood, and others. For example, modular flooring systems are easy to install and maintain, with little skill being required. Modular flooring systems are also extremely durable, while remaining lightweight. In addition, if desired, modular flooring systems may be relocated and reinstalled, thus making them an attractive and economical alternative to the more traditional types of flooring. In most cases, these traditional types of flooring are more expensive, difficult to install, difficult to maintain (particularly wood), and for the most part permanent and impractical to relocate, except for perhaps modular wood flooring systems.
Another advantage is that synthetic flooring systems are very durable and capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions, as well as being well suited for such conditions. Indeed, synthetic flooring systems may be configured to provide some degree of water drainage in order to minimize the potential for moisture to accumulate on the upper contact surface.
Most of the advantages of synthetic flooring systems results from the ability to design and manufacture the individual floor tiles according to different specifications, thus providing the ability to design and create many different surface configurations. One of the more popular types of surface configurations, and one that is particularly used on modular flooring systems intended for outdoor use, comprises a grid-type configuration or arrangement that facilitates water drainage in the event the surface is wetted, and also the removal of debris from the surface. Unlike traditional flooring materials, synthetic modular flooring systems, and particularly the individual floor tiles making up these systems, may be designed and configured to comprise any size, shape, and surface and/or support structure configuration.
Some of the more common types of synthetic modular flooring systems are those configured to facilitate game or sports play, such as basketball and volleyball, as well as various sports-related or other activities. Synthetic flooring systems, often referred to as game courts, are commonly found in backyards, as well as in various venues hosting competitive events.
Despite their growing popularity, modular flooring systems, particularly game courts, are intended primarily for court-type sports play or other similar activities. Indeed, the most common types of sports played on the modular flooring systems or game courts are basketball and volleyball. The structural equipment required to participate in these sports, such as the basketball standard or the volleyball net and supporting poles, is either placed adjacent the perimeter of the flooring system or within a space made available by removing one or more individual floor tiles, with the flooring system defining the court surface typically being constructed around or adjacent this equipment.
Although synthetic flooring systems accommodate a great number of sports or sports-related activities, there are numerous other popular activities that were not originally intended to be conducted about a synthetic flooring system and that currently are practiced on more traditional surfaces. Two specific examples of such activities include skateboarding and in-line skating. Because of the nature of these activities and the equipment used, concrete has typically been the surface of choice as it provides smooth, hard and fast characteristics. Over the years, there have been significant developments in skateboarding, including the development of several different types of components that may be associated with a skateboarding or other similar activity. For example, some of the more common types of skateboarding components include, but are not limited to, quarter pipes, half pipes, launch boxes, manual pads, spines, hips, pyramids, grind ledges, mini half pipes, banks, bank to banks, grind rails, launch ramps, various jumps, and others. Each of these is designed to be supported about a support surface, such as cement, and each allows riders to showcase their talents by facilitating various tricks or maneuvers. These components are also enjoyed by in-line skaters, bicyclists, and those having scooters for the same reasons.
As a result of the popularity of skateboarding and the desire of riders to improve their skills on such components, many cities have constructed skateboard parks in order to concentrate skateboarding activity in a centralized location. These skateboard parks typically comprise concrete formations and structures that include many, if not all, of the various types of skateboard components or equipment. As such, many having an interest in skateboarding are provided access to one or more variations of otherwise expensive skateboarding equipment. Although a seemingly great idea, there are significant problems associated with such parks. First, they tend to be expensive for the relatively few number of individuals in a community that might participate. Therefore, the number of parks available to riders may be limited. In addition, their planned location may not be accommodating to a majority of individuals, especially children, who live significant distances from the park. Second, these parks tend to be crowded, thus making it difficult to maneuver and to perform various tricks or stunts. Furthermore, due to crowds and lack of supervision, individuals may be at a higher risk for injury. Similar arguments may be made for other sports or sports-related activities, where individuals are required to visit designated locales in order to participate in a desired sport or activity.
Despite these drawbacks, skateboarding remains a popular activity participated in by a large number of children and teenagers worldwide. As with any sport, skateboarding inherently has associated with it a certain amount of risk. While the number of reported injuries resulting from skateboarding is relatively few as compared to other sports, there still are several injuries that occur each year. Most of the injuries reported, however, are a result of bodily impact with the skate surface, typically concrete, which provides little or no shock absorbing characteristics. Thus, any fall, even one from a short distance, can result in injury to the rider. In addition, concrete surfaces may comprise several inconsistencies (e.g., cracks, loose rocks and gravel, pock marks, etc.) that can also cause one to fall and thus contribute to injury. As such, its stands to reason that a great number of skateboarding injuries can be decreased by providing an alternative surface to concrete that provides safety enhancing features.
Similar arguments may be made for other sports and other activities, where individuals are required to visit designated locales where they can participate in a desired sport or activity.
In accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention features an activity court enabling participation in an activity, the activity court comprising: a support surface; a synthetic flooring system supported about the support surface, the synthetic flooring system comprising an upper contact surface; and at least one recreational component supported about the upper contact surface of the synthetic flooring system, the recreational component facilitating participation in the activity about the upper contact surface.
The present invention also features an activity court enabling participation in a variety of activities, the activity court comprising a first modular floor tile having a perimeter wall defining a boundary, an upper contact surface extending within the perimeter wall, and a support structure configured to support the first floor tile about a support surface; a second modular floor tile also having a perimeter wall defining a boundary, an upper contact surface extending within the perimeter wall, and a support structure configured to support the second floor tile about a support surface, the first and second modular floor tiles each being configured to interconnect with one another to form a modular synthetic flooring system; and at least one interchangeable recreational component supported about the upper contact surface of the modular synthetic flooring system, the recreational component facilitating participation in an activity about the upper contact surface.
The present invention further features a skate court enabling participation in an activity, the activity court comprising a support surface; a modular synthetic flooring system supported about the support surface, the synthetic flooring system comprising an upper contact surface having a plurality of openings formed therein, the openings being defined by a plurality of structural members having a flat, planar top surface and a transition surface extending between the top surface and a face; and a modular skate component supported about the upper contact surface of the synthetic flooring system, the modular skate component functioning to create the skate court.
A recreational component comprising a structural configuration configured to be interacted with by a user to facilitate participation in a particular activity; and means for supporting the structural configuration from at least a portion of a synthetic flooring system.
The present invention further features a method for facilitating an activity about a synthetic flooring system, the method comprising providing a recreational component intended for use about a synthetic flooring system; and facilitating the support of the recreational component from at least a portion of the synthetic flooring system.
The present invention further features a method for participating in one of a plurality of activities about a synthetic flooring system, the method comprising locating a flooring system; obtaining a recreational component configured to be removably supported from at least a portion of the flooring system; and causing the recreational component to be supported from at least a portion of the flooring system to provide an activity court for participation in a particular activity.
The present invention further features an activity court comprising a synthetic support surface; a synthetic flooring system supported about the synthetic support surface, the flooring system comprising an upper contact surface; and at least one recreational component supported from at least a portion of the synthetic support surface, the recreational component being configured to facilitate participation in a particular activity about the upper contact surface.
The present invention further features a method for facilitating an activity about a synthetic flooring system, the method comprising providing a recreational component; and facilitating the support of the recreational component from at least a portion of a support surface configured to support a flooring system, the recreational component facilitating activity about an upper contact surface of the flooring system.
The present invention further features a modular skate component configured for use about a synthetic flooring system having a contact surface, the modular skate component comprising a first skate module; a second skate module; means for coupling the first skate module to the second skate module to assemble and form the modular skate component; and a pliable layer disposed about an underside of the first and second skate modules, and configured to provide a non-slip interface between the contact surface and the modular skate component.
The present invention further features a skate component configured for use about a synthetic flooring system having a contact surface, the skate component comprising a structure configured to facilitate skate play thereon; and a pliable layer disposed about an underside of the structure, and configured to provide a non-slip interface between the contact surface and the skate component.
The present invention further features a skate court comprising a support surface; a synthetic flooring system disposed about the support surface; and at least one skate component located about and operable with the synthetic flooring system to facilitate skate play about the contact surface, the skate component comprising a pliable layer configured to provide a non-slip interface between the contact surface and the skate component.
The present invention further features a skate court comprising a support surface; a synthetic flooring system disposed about the support surface and having a lattice defining an upper contact surface; at least one skate component disposed about the contact surface, and having a pliable layer disposed about an underside of the skate component, the pliable layer being configured to provide a non-slip interface between the contact surface and the modular skate component, and to extend partially down from the contact surface into a gap defined by the lattice to decrease the likelihood the modular skate component will displace during use.
The present invention further features a method for facilitating skate play about a synthetic flooring assembly comprising obtaining a synthetic flooring system comprising a contact surface having a substantially flat upper surface configured to provide the contact surface with a non-abrasive texture; obtaining a first skate component configured with a pliable layer disposed about an underside of the skate component; and locating the first skate component about the contact surface of the synthetic flooring system, the pliable layer being configured to provide a non-slip interface between the contact surface and the first skate component.
The present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciated that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe the features and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth the best mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims.
The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention are designated by numerals throughout.
The present invention describes a method and system for supporting recreational components or equipment, such as sports or sports-related equipment, about and/or from a synthetic flooring system, such as a synthetic modular flooring system comprising a plurality of interlocking modular floor tiles (e.g., a modular backyard game court), or a non-modular synthetic flooring system.
Preliminarily, the term “flooring system” or “synthetic flooring system,” as used herein, shall be understood to comprise both modular synthetic flooring systems (e.g., those types of flooring systems that are comprised of a plurality of individual interlocking floor tiles) or non-modular synthetic flooring systems (e.g., those types of synthetic flooring systems that are comprised of a single unitary structure). One exemplary type of flooring system may be a backyard game court constructed of individual interconnecting floor tiles, such as those manufactured and sold by Connor Sport Court International, Inc. of Salt Lake City, Utah.
A synthetic flooring system, in general, comprises a perimeter, an upper contact surface extending within the perimeter, and a support structure configured to support the upper contact surface about a support surface, such as concrete, asphalt or a synthetic support surface, as well as to provide some degree of shock absorption, if desired. In the case of a modular flooring system, each individual floor tile will typically comprise a perimeter, an upper contact surface extending within the perimeter, and a support structure supporting the upper contact surface.
The terms “recreational component,” “recreational apparatus,” “recreational system,” or variants thereof, as used herein, shall be understood to mean any component, apparatus, or system, respectively, that may be directly or indirectly removably coupled to or supported by at least a portion of the flooring system to enable use thereof for an intended or other purpose. Examples of such include, but are not limited to sports equipment, sports-related equipment, skateboarding equipment, in-line or roller skating equipment, exercise equipment, leisure devices, lights or lighting systems, game components, play structures, and others.
Sports equipment is intended to comprise all of the components needed to participate in a particular sport. For example, sports equipment may comprise tennis equipment, such as the various support poles designed to support a net therebetween. Each of the support poles may be directly or indirectly coupled to a portion of the flooring system and the net attached thereto to provide a divided game court for tennis play. Sports equipment may also include, but is not limited to, tetherball equipment, badminton equipment, volleyball equipment, basketball equipment, and others as recognized by one skilled in the art.
Exercise equipment includes, but is not limited to, exercise mats, benches, machines, and others as recognized by one skilled in the art.
Leisure equipment includes, but is not limited to, tables, chairs, lawn chairs, canopies, umbrellas, and others as recognized by one skilled in the art.
Game play and skill components include, but are not limited to, line delineators usable to create various lines about the flooring system (e.g., lines for four square courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, hopscotch areas, etc.), skills testing equipment (e.g., pylons, etc.) obstacle course equipment, and others as recognized by one skilled in the art.
Play structures include, but are not limited to, swing sets, slides, play houses, jungle gyms, and others as recognized by one skilled in the art.
The term “activity,” as used herein, shall be understood to mean any type of activity, whether active or inactive, such as a sporting activity, an exercise activity, a skill activity, a leisure activity, and others. Such activities are particularly intended to involve one or more recreational components.
The term “activity court,” as used herein, shall be understood to mean a modular synthetic flooring system configured and converted to enable participation in an activity, particularly one in which one or more recreational components are used. One particular example of an activity court is a skate court, wherein a plurality of skate components are supported about the flooring system.
The term “skate equipment” or “skate component,” as used herein, shall be understood to mean a specific type of recreational component designed to facilitate in-line skate, skateboard, roller skate, scooter, and/or bike play. A skate component may comprise a modular skate component made up of a plurality of different or the same types of skate modules configured to provide the structure for the modular skate component. Alternatively, a skate component may comprise a stand-alone structure comprising a non-modular structure. Examples of skate components include, but are not limited to a deck table, a quarter pipe, a half pipe, a grind rail, a wedge ramp, a launch ramp, a kicker, a grind ledge, a grind bench, a grind spine, a street spine, pyramid ramp, a fun box, a platform, a bank ramp, and others as recognized by those skilled in the art. In-line and roller skating equipment may be similar to these.
The term “skate module,” as used herein, shall be understood to mean any type of modular structure configured to interconnect with or couple to one or more other similarly configured skate modules to form a modular skate component. Examples of some skate modules include, but are not limited to, a deck table, a quarter pipe, a half pipe, a wedge ramp, a launch ramp, a bank ramp, a kicker, a platform, and others as recognized by those skilled in the art.
The term “skate court,” as used herein, shall be understood to mean a synthetic flooring system having one or more skate components disposed or located thereon in accordance with the present invention. It is contemplated that a skate court and the skate components thereon, will not only accommodate skateboarding, but biking, in-line skating, and those using scooters. As such, a skate court is not be construed as being limited to skateboarding or in-line skating.
For purposes of convenience, the present invention focuses on a modular synthetic flooring assembly configured to support or couple one or more skate components to form a skate court. It is noted that the activity of skateboarding will be used to describe the characteristics and features of the present invention. However, it is contemplated that other types of activities, such as bicycling, in-line skating, etc. are appropriate or pertinent, and the following discussion should not be construed as being exclusive of these.
The present invention describes a method and system for facilitating skate play about a synthetic flooring assembly, and particularly its contact surface, wherein the synthetic flooring assembly functions as the primary or supporting surface on which one or more skate components may be placed or caused to interact with the synthetic flooring system. The skate components are designed to remain substantially in a fixed position about the contact surface during use. In other words, it is intended that the interface between the skate components and the contact surface be adequate enough to prevent slippage of the skate components despite the forces acting thereon as a result of impact forces from riders and their skateboards.
The present invention also focuses on the makeup and configuration of the synthetic flooring assembly so that a desirable skate surface is created that would rival traditional skate surfaces in many important performance aspects, such as providing enhanced traction through a relatively high coefficient of friction, but that would also improve upon these surfaces in other aspects, such as by minimizing the abrasiveness of the flooring system, thus decreasing the potential for injury in the event of contact with the surface.
The fact that a synthetic flooring system has not been considered a suitable surface for skateboarding and various other activities may be attributed to several reasons. For instance, because of their structural configurations, many prior art synthetic flooring systems do not lend themselves particularly well to these types of activities. Many such prior related surfaces are abrasive, and do not provide adequate performance. Another reason might be that a synthetic flooring system, existing only as a flat surface with nothing more provided to entertain and/or challenge a rider, does not create a very desirable skating environment. A third reason may be that several of the advantages of providing a suitable synthetic flooring system capable of accommodating such activities, as described herein, simply have not been recognized as influential enough to drive the design of a synthetic flooring system capable of providing a desirable skate surface. The present invention seeks to overcome each of these.
As recognized herein, it is contemplated that the present invention will provide several advantages over prior related skate environments, which advantages include, but are not limited to, those recited herein. First, the functionality and use of conventional synthetic flooring systems may be expanded to include activities otherwise not possible on prior related synthetic flooring systems. Second, the present invention provides an “anyplace” alternative to designated locales (e.g., community skate parks) that allows users to enjoy such activities wherever a synthetic flooring system is installed. For example, a backyard game court may be constructed in accordance with the present invention to allow children to develop their abilities and skills with less public intimidation. Third, a suitably configured synthetic flooring system is capable of providing a less abrasive, more forgiving impact surface than traditional surfaces, particularly concrete, while maintaining desirable speed characteristics. A surface capable of absorbing shock or impacts is beneficial to lessen the impact resulting from intended jumps or inadvertent or accidental falls, which helps to reduce the potential for injury to knees, joints, etc. In addition, a less-abrasive surface will not as easily scrape or cut into the skin in the event of a fall. As such, a synthetic flooring system provides a much safer surface alternative to traditional surfaces. Fourth, a synthetic flooring assembly may also be configured to facilitate water drainage and the removal of debris from the contact or skate surface. Other advantages not recited herein will be apparent from the detailed description provided herein, as well as obvious to those skilled in the art. Fifth, with a synthetic flooring system, different configurations can be engineered so that the flooring system comprises little or no inconsistencies. As such, one can get a truly flat and smooth surface that contributes to reduced friction and drag, and that reduces the chance that the flooring system is going to contribute to or cause a fall, thus making the surface safe for skate play.
With reference to
The modular flooring system 14 may comprise any suitable type and design of modular flooring system as known in the art. In addition, the modular flooring system 14 may comprise a design specifically suited for the intended purpose as described herein. As such, it is specifically noted that the present invention contemplates some embodiments as comprising a method and system for supporting recreational components about and/or from an existing modular flooring system by providing recreational components configured for use with such existing flooring systems. In addition, it is also specifically noted that the present invention contemplates other embodiments comprising a method and system for supporting recreational components about and/or from a specially designed floor tile and modular flooring system, wherein the specially designed individual floor tiles and resulting modular flooring system is configured to support one or more recreational components therefrom, wherein the recreational components also are configured for use with the specially designed floor tiles and flooring system. In still another embodiment, it is contemplated that the present invention may comprise recreational components that are supported from a synthetic support system, wherein one or more floor tiles are removed to expose a portion of the synthetic support system to enable the recreational components to be supported from a portion of the exposed support surface, or wherein the recreational components are supported from the support surface and contained within the perimeter of the flooring system.
As seen in
Preferably, each recreational component 40 comprises a structural configuration to facilitate activity participation by an individual, as well as means for supporting the structural configuration from at least a portion of the flooring system 14. The means for supporting the recreational component 40 from the flooring system 14 may comprise a coupling configuration designed to couple the recreational component to the flooring system. In addition, means for supporting may be integrally formed with the recreational component 40, or it may be a separate structural member or system that couples or joins to the recreational component 40. Each of these is discussed in greater detail below.
With reference to
The recreational components 140 may be spaced about the upper surface 122 of the flooring system 114 according to any pattern or random arrangement, which will largely depend upon the particular desired activity. In addition, any type of recreational component may be used with any other type of recreational component, such as various skateboarding equipment used with a series of lights. Recreational component 140-d further illustrates that the orientation about the upper surface 122 may also be any as desired depending upon capabilities and the configuration of the means for supporting the recreational component from the flooring system.
With reference to
With reference to FIGS. 4-A-4-D, illustrated are several different types of skate components that are operable with a synthetic flooring system.
The wedge ramp skate component 260 further comprises a pliable layer configured to grip the contact surface to prevent the wedge ramp skate component 260 from sliding or slipping during use. In one exemplary embodiment, the pliable layer may comprise individual members such as the feet 280 located on the underside of the support structure 268. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more continuous strips of a suitable material may comprise the pliable layer. The pliable layer is discussed in greater detail below.
Similar to the wedge ramp skate component, each of the bank ramp, quarter pipe ramp, and deck table skate modules comprise a pliable layer located between the underside of the respective support structures and the contact surface of the synthetic flooring system. Again, the pliable layer functions to retain the skate modules in a substantially fixed position about the contact surface.
The synthetic flooring system 514 used for the skate surface may comprise any suitable type and/or configuration capable of facilitating skateboarding, in-line skating and other similar activities (collectively “skate play”) about the contact surface 522 of the synthetic flooring system 514. One exemplary, but specific type of floor tile that may be used to construct the flooring system 514 and that is particularly well suited to accommodate skate play about its contact surface is the floor tile described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/244,723, filed Oct. 5, 2005, and entitled, “Tile With Multiple-Level Surface.” Further advantages of this floor tile are also described in copending United States Provisional Application No. 60/______, filed Jul. 31, 2006, and entitled, “Modular Synthetic Floor Tile Configured for Enhanced Performance (Attorney Docket No. 00772-22731). Each of these applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
One embodiment of this particular floor tile is illustrated in
The synthetic flooring system 514, and particularly the individual floor tiles 518, as shown in
The skate component 560 further comprises a base component 580 coupled to the skate ramp 564. The base component 580 releasably or removably couples to the skate ramp 564 to provide a flat, horizontal surface 592 leading into the downwardly curved skate surface 572. The base component 580 further comprises a support structure 584 and a plurality of legs 588 extending therefrom. The legs each further comprise a pliable member 596 configured to interface with the upper contact surface of the flooring system.
With reference to
In
The floor tile 518 further comprises a plurality of structural members that make up or define the grid-type upper contact surface 522, and that provide structural support to the upper contact surface 522. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the floor tile 518 comprises a first series of rigid parallel structural members that, although parallel to one another, extend diagonally, or on an incline, with respect to the perimeter 520. The floor tile 518 further comprises a second series of rigid parallel structural members that also, although parallel to one another, extend diagonally, or on an incline, with respect to the perimeter 520. The first and second series of structural members are oriented differently and are configured to intersect one another to form and define a plurality of openings 536, each opening 536 having a geometry defined by a portion of the structural members configured to intersect with one another at various intersection points to form at least one acute angle as measured between imaginary axes extending through the intersection points. In this case, the structural members are configured to form openings 536 having a diamond shape, in which the structural members that define each individual opening are configured to intersect or converge on one another to form opposing acute angles and opposing obtuse angles, again as measured between imaginary axes extending through the points of intersection of the structural members. Of course, other opening shapes are contemplated herein.
The structural members further comprise a smooth, planar top surface forming at least a portion of the upper contact surface 522, and opposing sides or faces oriented transverse to the top surface. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the faces are oriented in a perpendicular or orthogonal manner with respect to the top surface, and intersect the top surface. Although not shown in detail, the structural members comprise a similar configuration, each also having a top surface and opposing faces.
In addition to its support, water draining, and smooth, high traction characteristics, the upper surface 522 is configured to provide at least one of lateral and normal support to a recreational component, shown as recreational component 620. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the recreational component 620 comprises a structure 624 configured to be interacted with by a user or an individual to facilitate participation in a particular activity. The structure 624 of the recreational component may be, for example, the frame and ramp of a skateboard ramp, the base and pole of a volleyball pole, etc. Supporting the structure 624 is a surface 628 intended to be adjacent to and rest against the upper surface 522 of the flooring system when the recreational component 620 is coupled thereto.
As indicted above, the present invention further comprises means for supporting the recreational component 620 from at least a portion of a flooring system. In one exemplary embodiment, means for supporting comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality, of floor tile interfaces formed with the structural configuration of the recreational component. The floor tile interfaces are configured to interface with and engage at least a portion of the flooring system to support the recreational component about the flooring system. The floor tile interfaces may be any size and shape, such as round, square, octagonal, diamond, and others.
The number and spacing of the pegs 632 about the surface 628 of the recreational component 620 is not limited. Indeed, one or a plurality of pegs 632 may be employed. However, a larger number of pegs will function to distribute more evenly the impact and other forces induced by use of the recreational component. In addition, the pegs 632 may be oriented in any position to allow the recreational component 620 to be oriented in any position about the upper contact surface 522 of the flooring system.
The present invention flooring system may further comprise means for locking the recreational component to the flooring system. For example, each floor tile interface may comprise a lip that extends therefrom that snaps into place under the upper surface of the floor tile to which the recreational component is being coupled. Other means for locking are contemplated herein.
With reference to
As shown, the skate component and also the pliable member 596 will be subject to various forces during use. These forces, represented as forces F, may be a result of a rider on a skateboard using the skate module to attend one or more stunts were maneuvers. The forces may also be a result of a rider accidentally falling and impacting the skate module. In any event, the pliable member 596 is designed to maintain its original fixed position about the contact surface of the synthetic flooring assembly. In order to do this, the pliable member 596 is comprised of a material capable of gripping the contact surface 522, which grip factor is capable of withstanding the majority of forces that might be encountered by the skate module during skate play.
In some exemplary embodiments, the pliable member 596 may be configured to comprise an increased degree of flex or deformation. The ability to flex or deform to a greater degree may be advantageous in the event the skate module is disposed about a contact surface having a plurality of gaps formed therein. As shown in
The pliable member 596 may also be configured to function as a dampener to absorb some of the shock experienced by the skate module during use. The degree of dampening built into the pliable layer should not interfere with the function of the skate module.
The support surface 712 may be any traditional type of support floor, with the recreational component being supported or anchored using various anchoring means as known in the art. In this embodiment, the recreational component is to be at least partially supported from the support surface within the perimeter of the flooring system. Alternatively, the support floor 712 comprises a synthetic support floor, such as those described and taught in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/410,506, filed Apr. 24, 2006, and entitled, “Synthetic Support System for Modular Flooring,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, wherein the recreational component is supported either entirely by the support surface, or both the support surface and the flooring system. In the embodiment shown, the support surface 712 comprises a synthetic support floor having a plurality of apertures 713 formed therein. The recreational component is supported from, such as coupled or otherwise anchored to, the support surface 712 by removing one or more floor tiles 718 from the flooring system 714 to create a void or space 738 exposing the support surface 712, or a portion thereof. Once removed, the recreational component may be coupled, removably coupled to, or otherwise supported from, at least a portion of the exposed support surface 712 using one or more means for supporting the recreational component from the support surface or both the support surface and the flooring system.
The exemplary recreational component 740 shown in
With reference to
As shown, the floor tile 874 comprises apertures 874 formed within its upper surface 878, which apertures are configure to receive and engage the pegs 852 formed on the recreational component 840, or an adapter used therewith. The floor tile 870 may comprise other types of coupling configurations and may utilize other types of coupling means other than those described herein.
The present invention further features a method for facilitating activity about a synthetic modular flooring system. With reference to
The present invention further features a method for participating in one of a plurality of activities about a synthetic flooring system. With reference to
The foregoing detailed description describes the invention with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are to be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, and all such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.
More specifically, while illustrative exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but includes any and all embodiments having modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the foregoing detailed description. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the foregoing detailed description or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term “preferably” is non-exclusive where it is intended to mean “preferably, but not limited to.” Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given above.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/707,206, filed Aug. 10, 2005, and entitled, “Method and System for Supporting Sports-Related and Other Components About a Modular Flooring system,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/779,103, filed Mar. 3, 2006, and entitled, “Modular Skate Components for Use About a Synthetic Flooring Assembly,” which is also incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60707206 | Aug 2005 | US | |
| 60779103 | Mar 2006 | US |
