Patent Application
20210138287
This application claims priority to NL Patent Application No. 2024218 filed Nov. 12, 2019, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The invention relates to a sports exercise area with an impact attenuating system and an impact attenuating system comprising an inflatable structure, in particular impact an attenuating system for attenuating impact onto a landing area of a sports exercise area when exercising freestyle sports such as freestyle cycling, freestyle motorbiking, freestyle skiing, (inline) skating, scootering, and alike, when landing onto a landing area when exercising gymnastics, or when landing onto a landing area when exercising athletics.
When exercising freestyle sports such as freestyle cycling, freestyle motorbiking, freestyle motocross (FMX), Bicycle Motocross (BMX), freestyle skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, inline skating, snow sleds, scootering and alike, good impact absorption is important for safety of the athlete, especially when developing, practicing and exercising new moves and tricks, e.g., jumps with aerial flips and spins during the so-called aerials of freestyle skiing, and/or when the risk for falling from some elevation is considerable. Impact attenuating systems, such as airbags, are often used for this purpose. For example, the BIGAIRBAG® FREESTYLE systems that are currently on the market provide a very good impact absorption. The BIGAIRBAG® FREESTYLE systems have a lower safety zone for reducing the risk of ground contact while providing stability for a realistic landing and an upper zone providing optimum impact absorption by releasing air through the adjustable air valves. The bulb-like shape of the BigAirBag® FREESTYLE aims to provide a soft landing while also allowing for an easy exit and high throughputs. These systems provide a very good impact absorption. However, when exercising freestyle sports such as freestyle cycling and freestyle motorbiking, good impact absorption is just one of many wishes for an impact attenuating system. For example, the freestyle cyclist or freestyle motor biker also wants to drive across the impact attenuating system without being too much disturbed from the impact attenuating system, such as without experiencing too much bounce. Also, the bulb-like shape of the BigAirBag® FREESTYLE may not be optimal for some situations and some applications. For example, the bulb-like shape may deviate from the shape of the landing surface in an actual competition and/or may affect the flying time and thus the moment of impact when using it for exercising free style sports. There may e.g. be a wish for thinner systems, for lighter systems, for systems with a flatter upper surface and/or for systems which adapt more easily to the underground on which they are placed.
Also when exercising other kinds of sports, a risk of injury resulting from an expected or unexpected impact on a surface due to, for example, a jump, a fall or an incorrect move from the athlete exists. Especially when jumping or falling from an elevation onto an area of impact when an athlete is exercising gymnastics at an elevation such as the horizontal bar and still rings, or when exercising gymnastics involving jumping and tricks such high jumps with somersaults and/or twists from the vaulting platform or on floor, good impact absorption of the area of impact is important for the safety of the athlete. Thus, various risks may apply when exercising various types of gymnastics, in particular horizontal bar, horizontal rings, vault, uneven bars, balance beam, floor and trampoline. For example, an athlete may miss the horizontal bar after a somersault over the horizontal bar or after another element of his exercise, and he may fall unexpected, sometimes even in an unlucky position or orientation, on the floor. As another example, an athlete may perform a planned jump at the end of his horizontal bar exercise but the planned jump may not always be executed correctly such that the athlete may not land on his feet, but otherwise and thereby risking to be injured. Especially when the athlete is practicing new elements (ever and ever more difficult), the risk of a wrong landing or a fall may be considerable and a safe landing area wanted. Impact attenuating system are known to attenuate the impact when exercising gymnastics, such as BigAirBag® ADVENTURE or foam fits. Although some of the known systems provide good impact absorption, they may not be optimal for some situations and some applications. There may e.g. be a wish to have thinner systems, e.g. under the still rings or the horizontal bar or behind the vaulting platform, a wish for systems that resemble the underlying surface better, e.g. when exercising a gymnastic floor program. Likewise, good impact absorption on falling is needed in high jump and pole vault in athletics, where athletes fall from a significant height onto an impact attenuating system which provides a relatively safe landing area. Also in athletics, there is a continued need for better and better performance, comfort and improved safety, such that there is a wish for alternative and/or improved impact attenuating systems.
Known sports exercise areas and known impact attenuating systems may thus suffer from various limitations and there is a wish to provide an impact attenuating system which alleviates at least one of the mentioned or any unmentioned limitations, or provides an alternative to existing systems.
An aspect of the invention provides a sports exercise area comprising a landing area and an air supply unit. The sports exercise area may be a sports exercise area for exercising freestyle sports such as freestyle cycling, freestyle motorbiking, freestyle motocross (FMX), Bicycle Motocross (BMX), freestyle skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, (inline) skating, snow sleds, scootering and alike, and the landing area may have a downhill slope, in particular a varying downhill slope, a combination of a downhill slope and an uphill slope, or be horizontal. The sports exercise area may be a sports exercise area for exercising gymnastics, in particular horizontal bar, horizontal rings, vault, uneven bars, balance beam, floor and trampoline; the landing area may herein typically be horizontal, somewhat concave, convex, and/or at a small inclination angle. The sports exercise area may be a sports exercise area for athletics, in particular high jump and pole vault; the landing area may herein typically be horizontal, somewhat concave, convex, and/or at a small inclination angle. The sports exercise area may be another type of sports exercise area where landing from a height onto a landing area may be involved, e.g., as a risk or as an integral element of the sport concerned. The landing area comprises an impact attenuating system The air supply unit is operable to provide air to the impact attenuating system for providing the landing area with an impact attenuating surface. Tithe impact attenuating system comprises a first inflatable structure. The first inflatable structure comprises a first sheet and a second sheet. The first side of the first sheet is in contact with and connected to a first side of the second sheet along a first plurality of parallel first connection lines to form a first plurality of parallel first air chambers extending along a first direction.
In an embodiment, the impact attenuating system of the sports exercise area further comprises a top layer. The top layer covers at least part of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers for distributing an impact pressure applied to an upper exterior surface of the impact attenuating system over multiple parallel first air chambers of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers. In an embodiment, the top layer provides the impact attenuating system with a substantially flat top impact surface.
An embodiment provides another sports exercise area comprising a landing area and an air supply unit. The landing area comprises an impact attenuating system. The air supply unit is operable to provide air to the impact attenuating system for providing the landing area with an impact attenuating surface. The impact attenuating system comprises first inflatable structure and a second inflatable structure. The first inflatable structure comprises a first sheet and a second sheet. A first side of the first sheet is in contact with and connected to a first side of the second sheet along a first plurality of parallel first connection lines to form a first plurality of parallel first air chambers extending along a first direction. The second inflatable structure comprises a third sheet, and a fourth sheet. A first side of the third sheet is in contact with and connected to a first side of the fourth sheet along a second plurality of parallel second connection lines to form a second plurality of parallel second air chambers extending along a second direction. The second plurality of parallel second air chambers is arranged on top of the first plurality of first parallel air chambers.
In a further embodiment, the impact attenuating system sports exercise area further comprises a top layer covering at least part of the second plurality of parallel second air chambers formed by the third sheet and the fourth sheet for distributing an impact pressure applied to an upper exterior surface of the impact attenuating system over multiple parallel second chambers of the second plurality of parallel second air chambers. In an embodiment, the top layer provides the impact attenuating system with a substantially flat top impact surface.
In other embodiments, the landing area of the sports exercise area comprises an impact attenuating system according to any of the embodiments of impact attenuating systems described below.
Another aspect of the invention provides an impact attenuating system for attenuating impact onto a landing area, in particular a landing area of a sports exercise area. The impact attenuating system comprises a first inflatable structure. The first inflatable structure comprises a first sheet, and a second sheet. A first side of the first sheet is in contact with and connected to a first side of the second sheet along a first plurality of parallel first connection lines to form a first plurality of parallel first air chambers extending along a first direction.
The first plurality of parallel first air chambers is inflatable to form a first plurality of parallel first tubular airbags arranged side-by-side in a first plane substantially parallel to surface of the landing area under the impact attenuating system. When inflated, an array of horizontal, side-by-side tubular air-bags is achieved to provide an impact attenuating structure for attenuating shocks when a sportsman is exercising so-called freestyle sports, in particular when landing on the landing area. Likewise, when used win gymnastics, the array of horizontal, side-by-side tubular air-bags provides, when inflated, an impact attenuating structure for attenuating impact when a gymnast is landing on the landing area after an unexpected fall or at a planned, but not perfectly executed, jump such as at the end of an exercise on the horizontal bar at after a jump of the vaulting platform. When used with the high jump or the pole vault in athletics, the array of horizontal, side-by-side tubular air-bags may provide, when inflated an impact attenuating structure for attenuating impact after an athlete jumped, or attempted to jump.
The impact surface corresponds, during use, to the externally facing upper surface of the impact attenuating system.
The impact attenuating system, when inflated, may be considered to works as a harmonica: when an objects impacts on one or some adjacent first tubular airbags below the impact surface, these airbags reduce in dimension in a direction perpendicular to the impact surface and perpendicular to the first plane while each of these one or some adjacent first tubular airbags substantially maintains its volume, such that they expand in dimension in the first plane in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, whereby cause the neighboring first tubular airbags to reduce in dimension in the first place in the direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and/or to be somewhat replaced in the first plane away from the one or some adjacent first tubular airbags in the direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first plurality of parallel first air chambers may thus be considered to act as an harmonica upon an impact and replies less than known systems on elasticity of the airbag material. Thus, the first and second sheets do not need to be of such a high elasticity as in some prior art systems With the impact attenuating system, there may be some air communication between adjacent air chambers when there is an impact, but the applicant believes that the working mechanism does not rely on this and that such air communication is not very relevant for the system to work. After being inflated, the pressure in and throughout the system is believed to be and remain quite uniform.
The first sheet may be impermeable to air, which may further be referred to as a first air-impermeable sheet. The first sheet may be semi-impermeable to air, which may further be referred to as a first air-semi-impermeable sheet. Likewise may the second sheet may be impermeable to air, which may further be referred to as a second air-impermeable sheet. The second sheet may be semi-impermeable to air, which may further be referred to as a second air-semi-impermeable sheet. The skilled person will understand which degree of semi-impermeability is suitable for use in an inflatable structure and requirements and limitations depending on, e.g., the use of a continuous supply of air using, e.g., a blower. In the below, air-permeable and air-semi-impermeable sheets may together also be referred to as a predominantly air-impermeable sheets or as (at least) semi-impermeable sheets.
The first sheet and the second sheet may be made of any suitable materials, such as PCV-coated textiles, TPU, HDPE and other plastics. The first sheet and the second sheet may for example be made of a commercially available tarpaulin from Mehler Texnologies, which combines properties such as strength, durability, flexibility and elasticity. Other top sheet materials may, for example, be HDPE.
The impact attenuating system may thus provide for an efficient damping while being thin and light. The impact attenuating system may thus be easy to transport. The impact attenuating system may have a much reduced degree of rebound compared to known systems. The impact attenuating system may be easy and comfortable to drive across with a bike, motorbike or alike.
As impact attenuating system may, in view of its low thickness and/or its working principle, adapt well to the shape of the underground that it is placed on. Prior art systems are usually specially adapted for the targeted use location and shaped to match the shape of the underground. Prior art systems may easily show buckles, folds or flexures when placed on an underground with a different shape than the system as designed for. Embodiments of the invention may adapt to the shape of the underground better. For example, in embodiments, a sudden 10° degree change in slope of the underground may be accommodated for without the attenuating system being specifically adapted for that change in slope. Another example, in embodiments, a 90° degree edge in the underground may be accommodated by arranging the impact attenuating system with the air chambers extending parallel to the edge, without the impact attenuating system being specifically adapted for the specific location with the 90° degree edge.
In an embodiment, the first side of the first sheet is connected to the first side of the second sheet along the first plurality of parallel first connection lines using a plurality of lines of adhesive, a plurality of lines of glue, a plurality of glue dots arranged along a line, a plurality of welds, a plurality of seams, a plurality of stitched seams, and/or a plurality of heat seals. The adhesive may, e.g., be a pressure sensitive adhesive. The glue may, e.g., be an epoxy resin. The seams may, e.g., be stitched seams obtained from stitching with a thread of any type suitable for airbags. The welds may, e.g., have been made using ultra-sonic welding or radio-frequent welding. The seals may, e.g., have been made using heat sealing. Heat sealing may use hot air and/or a hot surface for heating at least one of the first and the second sheet along a line, letting them contact each other while heated and cooling them while remaining in contact to create the heat seal line. Connecting the first side of the first sheet to the first side of the second sheet with continuous lines of adhesive, continuous lines of glue, continuous welding lines may create a substantially air-impermeable or air-semi-permeable connection line. Connecting the first side of the first sheet to the first side of the second sheet using discontinuous lines of adhesive, glue or welds or using stitched steams may create connection lines which are semi-impermeable to air, i.e., which may exhibit a small degree of leakage between two adjacent first tubular airbags. The small degree of leakage is well acceptable for the functioning of the impact attenuating system. Stitching may be, in particular, be an economically attractive way for connecting the sheets along connection lines.
In an embodiment, the first sheet is further in contact with and connected to the second sheet along a plurality of enclosures lines enclosing the first plurality of parallel first air chambers while to form at least one air supply chamber for distributing to and suppling air from a first air inlet to the first plurality of parallel first air chambers. The enclosure lines may be formed using lines of adhesive, lines of glue, lines of glue dots arranged along a line, welding lines, seams, stitched seams, and/or heat seal lines. The enclosure lines may be substantially impermeable to air or, e.g. when stitched seams are used, semi-impermeable to air. If the enclosure lines are semi-impermeable to air, the small degree of leakage may well acceptable for the functioning of the impact attenuating system; to compensate for any leakage, operating the system with a continuous flow of air, or operating the system while providing air at regular intervals, may provide the impact attenuating system with a substantially constant air pressure. The enclosure lines thus form a first enclosure, with a first air inlet, which not only encloses the first plurality of parallel first air chambers together in arrangement of connected air chambers, but also can distribute the air from the first air inlet via the at least one air supply chambers to the first plurality of parallel first air chambers.
In an embodiment, the connection lines are straight lines. In alternative embodiments, the connection lines are wobbled lines or zigzag lines extending along the first direction. In embodiments, a subset of the plurality of connection lines are straight lines and another subset of the plurality of connection lines are lines of a different type. In embodiments, all connection lines in at least a subset of the connection lines comprise a straight section and a section of a different type, such as a straight section and a zigzag section.
In an embodiment, the plurality of enclosures lines comprising at least two enclosure lines arranged perpendicular to the connection lines and being spaced apart from the ends of the connection lines as far as these do not form enclosure lines. The spacing of the enclosure lines from the first plurality of parallel first air chambers creates air supply chambers extending along the enclosure lines to form at least one first air supply channel from the first air inlet to the first air chambers of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers. In embodiments, the at least two enclosure lines arranged perpendicular to the connection lines are spaced apart from the ends of the connection lines as far as these do not form enclosure lines by at least a distance in a range of 10-100 cm, such as in a range of 20-80 cm, such as in a range of 20-60 cm, such as in a range of 30-40 cm, measured when the first plurality of parallel first air chambers are in a deflated state. Such distances between the enclosure lines and the first plurality of parallel first air chambers may create an efficiently air distribution from the first air inlet via the at least one first air supply channels from the first air inlet to the first air chambers. Such enclosure lines may be efficient to manufacture. Such enclosure lines may allow an easy construction as the air distribution is integrated within the same system.
In an embodiment, the plurality of enclosure lines comprise or consist of a plurality of double-stitched seams. For example, the edges of the first and second sheets may be double-seamed, folded and stitched again after having been folded to create a strong and economically attractive connected.
In an embodiment, the impact attenuating system comprises an air blower connected to the first air inlet for providing the impact attenuating system with a continuous flow of air, or for providing the impact attenuating with air at regular intervals.
In an alternative embodiment, the impact attenuating system is arranged to cooperate with an external air blower. The impact attenuating system may comprise an air inlet connection for connecting an external air blower to the first air inlet for providing the impact attenuating system with a continuous flow of air, or for providing the impact attenuating with air at regular intervals.
In an embodiment, the first sheet and the second sheet are made of the same material. The first sheet and the second sheet may, e.g., be made of materials commonly used for airbags, such as the materials used for BigAirBag® FREESTYLE. The first sheet and the second sheet may, e.g., be made of technical coated fabrics comprising TPU, PVC, EVA, or PVC/PU blends and HDPE.
In embodiments, the first sheet has a first sheet length in a range of 1-100 meters and a first sheet width in a range of 1-100 meters, such as a first sheet length in a range of 5-100 meters and a first sheet width in a range of 2-40 meters such as a first sheet length in a range of 5-80 meters and a first sheet width in a range of 5-30 meters, such as a first sheet length in a range of 10-50 meters and a first sheet width in a range of 4-10 meters. The impact attenuating system may thus be made in a wide range of dimensions, with a suitable dimension selected depending on its intended application. A high length may be used in the major direction of use, e.g., the riding direction when landing from a ramp onto an impact attenuating system on a down-hill slope, to allow a safe landing at a wide range of distances and a safe continuation of the riding after the landing. In an example, the first sheet has a length of 10 meters and a width of 6 meters, with, for example, connection lines at a spacing of 60 centimeters to form, when inflated, 45 cm-diameter tubular air bags, extending in the length direction of the first inflatable structure, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of a rectangular-shaped first inflatable structure. In another example, the first sheet has a length of 10 meters and a width of 6 meters, with, for example, connection lines at a spacing of 60 centimeters to form, when inflated, 45 cm-diameter tubular air bags, extending in the width direction of the first inflatable structure, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the first inflatable structure.
In embodiments, the parallel first connection lines of the first plurality of parallel first connection lines extend in the length direction of the first inflatable structure when in a deflated state. In alternative embodiments, the parallel first connection lines of the first plurality of parallel first connection lines extend in the width length direction of the first inflatable structure when in a deflated state.
In embodiments, the parallel first connection lines of the first plurality of parallel first connection lines are spaced apart at a distance in a range of 10-100 cm, such as in a range of 20-80 cm, such as in a range of 20-60 cm, such as in a range of 30-40 cm, measured when the first plurality of parallel first air chambers are in a deflated state. The impact attenuating system may thus be made with, when inflated, a small thickness compared to some prior art systems which have a bulb-like shape. The impact attenuating system may thus be made in a wide range of thicknesses, depending on its intended application, a suitable thickness selected depending on its intended application. The smaller the distance, the smaller the height variation of the top surface of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers in inflated state will be. The height variation may be further reduced, and the surface characteristics influenced, by applying a top layer or top liner on the top surface; the smaller the distance, the flatter the top layer or top liner will be arranged and/or the less external force needs to be applied to the top layer or top liner to achieve a substantially flat top surface. The larger the distance, the higher the speed of manufacturing may be. In some embodiments, the substantially flat top surface is a flat top surface. In other embodiments, the substantially flat top surface has a height variation of less than 25%, for example less than 15%, for example less than 10%, for example less than 5% of the height of an first tubular airbag in the inflated state, where height variation is measured as the distance in the vertical plane between the vertical position of the top surface of the top layer on top of the first tubular air chamber and the vertical position of the top surface of the top layer in between two adjacent first tubular air chambers.
For example, the plurality of parallel first air chambers may be inflatable to form the first plurality of parallel first tubular airbags arranged side-by-side, in the length direction of the first inflatable structure when in the deflated state, in the first plane with a long axis of an ellipse-shaped cross-section or a diameter of a substantially circular cross-section in a range of 4-60 cm, such as in a range of 15-50 cm, such as in a range of 15-40 cm, such as in a range of 20-30 cm, measured when the first plurality of parallel first air chambers are in an inflated state.
In an embodiment, the first plurality of parallel first air chambers is inflated with air to form a first plurality of parallel first tubular airbags arranged side-by-side in a first plane substantially parallel to the impact surface. The impact attenuating system may thus be operational for use or for testing.
In an embodiment, the first plurality of parallel first air chambers is inflated using a continuous supply of air to form a first plurality of parallel first tubular airbags arranged side-by-side in a first plane substantially parallel to the impact surface. The impact attenuating system may thus be brought to operation and/or kept operational for use or for testing while any leakage of air from the impact attenuating system to the exterior may be compensated for. The impact attenuating system may thus be provided with a substantially constant internal pressure. The impact attenuating system may thus be provided with a substantially constant degree of impact attenuation.
In an embodiment, the first inflatable structure being provided in a folded and/or rolled form, the first plurality of parallel first air chambers not being inflated with air when in the folded and/or rolled form. The impact attenuating system may thus be in a compact form, allowing for easy handling and transport.
In an embodiment, the impact attenuating system further comprises a top layer covering at least part of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers for distributing an impact pressure applied to an upper exterior surface of the impact attenuating system over multiple parallel first air chambers of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers. Hereby, the impact is attenuated by multiple parallel first air chambers. This may provide for a more smooth landing upon impact. This may allow the impact attenuating system to better attenuate larger forces and pressures. This may alternatively or additionally also provide for a reduced risk of touching the ground surface under the impact attenuating system. The top layer may, by covering at least part of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers, be arranged for distributing an impact pressure applied to an upper exterior surface of the impact attenuating system over at least two parallel first air chambers of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers, such as over at least three or at least four parallel first air chambers.
In an embodiment, the impact attenuating system further comprises a top layer covering a first part of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers for distributing an impact pressure applied to an upper exterior surface of the impact attenuating system over multiple parallel first air chambers of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers, while a second part of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers is left uncovered. E.g., the top layer may not cover the first air chambers at the exterior side of the parallel, side-by-side arrangement of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers.
In embodiments, the top layer covers all the first plurality of parallel first air chambers for distributing an impact pressure applied to an upper exterior surface of the impact attenuating system over multiple parallel first air chambers of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers. Hereby, all first air chambers of the first plurality of parallel first air chambers and the impact may be spread until close to the edge of the impact attenuating system.
In embodiments, the top layer further provides the impact attenuating system with a substantially flat top impact surface. This may provide for an even more smooth landing upon impact and/or for a smooth driving surface when continuing driving on the top surface of the impact attenuating system after landing. When used with gymnastics, for example with vault jump, such smooth and flat top impact surface may be advantageous in view of the horizontal speed that the gymnast may still have when the landing is not executed perfectly.
In an embodiment, the top layer is made of or comprises a technical coated fabric comprising TPU, PVC, EVA, PVC/PU blends and/or HDPE
In embodiments, the top layer may be a layer of any suitable material, such as any relatively flexible air-impermeable material or semi-permeable material, such as a suitable canvas or another suitable textile, a suitable PVC-coated textile, a suitable plastic, a suitable thermoplastic rubber, PVC, polyurethane, polyethylene, silicone, ethylene vinyl acetate, HDPE, or another suitable thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, or any other suitable material, a coated layer of one of these listed materials and a coating, e.g., a neoprene-coated fabric, or a laminate of at least one of these listed materials. A relatively flexible material, such as PVC-coated textile, may provide for a good landing characteristics when landing with, for example, a freestyle motorbike on a down-hill slope.
In other embodiments, the top layer may be a relatively stiff material. In embodiment, the top layer has a larger stiffness than the materials used for the air chambers. Hereby, the distribution over the impact in length and width over the inflatable structure(s) below the top layer may be further enhanced.
In embodiments, top layer may be a relatively stiff material that is also relatively smooth, allowing for good landing characteristics when landing with, for example, a freestyle bicycle with rubber tires with an appropriate profile on a down-hill slope. An example of a top layer with such characteristics is a top liner made from, what is commonly referred to as, “dump truck liner”. With such top layer, a smooth landing surface allowing to conveniently continue riding after the landing may be obtained.
In an embodiment, the top layer comprises or is a top sheet. The top sheet may have uniform characteristics in all directions. The top sheet may provide uniform characteristics in the length direction, corresponding to the major direction of motion across the top sheet when in use, and the perpendicular direction, corresponding to a direction perpendicular to the major direction of motion across the top sheet when in use.
In an embodiment, the top layer comprises or is a top liner. The top liner may have different characteristics in its length direction than in the direction perpendicular thereto. The top liner may provide first characteristics in the length direction, corresponding to the major direction of motion across the top sheet when in use, and different second characteristics in the perpendicular direction, corresponding to a direction perpendicular to the major direction of motion across the top sheet when in use. The first and second characteristics may, for example, comprise a friction coefficient of the liner; the first characteristics may be associated with a lower friction in the length direction than the higher friction associated with the second characteristics. A top liner may be obtained from a roll of liner, e.g. a roll of more than 100 meters of liner. The top liner may be cut from the roll. The top liner may, e.g., be a liner usually referred to as “Resi” liner. As an example, a 6 mm HDPE “Resi” liner may be used.
In an embodiment, the impact attenuating system further comprises a second inflatable structure. The second inflatable structure comprises a third sheet and a fourth sheet. A first side of the third sheet is in contact with and connected to a first side of the fourth sheet along a second plurality of parallel second connection lines to form a second plurality of parallel second air chambers extending along a second direction. The second plurality of parallel second air chambers is arranged on top of the first plurality of second parallel air chambers.
This embodiment thus provides an impact attenuating system for attenuating impact onto a landing area, the impact attenuating system comprising a first inflatable structure and a second inflatable structure, the first inflatable structure comprising a first sheet, and a second sheet, a first side of the first sheet being in contact with and connected to a first side of the second sheet along a first plurality of parallel first connection lines to form a first plurality of parallel first air chambers extending along a first direction the second inflatable structure comprising a third sheet, and a fourth sheet, a first side of the third sheet being in contact with and connected to a first side of the fourth sheet along a second plurality of parallel second connection lines to form a second plurality of parallel second air chambers extending along a second direction, the second plurality of parallel second air chambers being arranged on top of the first plurality of first parallel air chambers.
This provides a second inflatable structure, on top of the first inflatable structure, wherein the second plurality of parallel second air chambers is inflatable to form a second plurality of parallel second tubular airbags arranged side-by-side in a second plane parallel to the first plane.
The combination of the first inflatable structure and the second inflatable structure allows additional design freedom and, for some applications, provides additional advantages than an impact attenuating system with only one first inflatable structure. An impact attenuating system with one first inflatable structure may already adequately meet the technical requirements for some applications, such as for BMX freestyle. For some applications, the use of a top layer covering at least part of the first inflatable structure may be used to better meet the technical requirements for some applications and/or to provide additional benefits. When using a the first inflatable structure without a second inflatable structure, the top layer may be of a relatively stiff material, for example with a stiffness that allows a top layer of a length of 25 meters of more and a width of 25 meters or less to only easily to be rolled up on its long direction, for example for transport. For some other applications, the use of a second inflatable structure op top of the first inflatable structure, with the second inflatable structure being arranged perpendicular to the first inflatable structure, may be preferred due to further improved performance, for example to provide a further improved impact attenuation when the sportsman uses a relative heavy sports equipment is used such as a freestyle motorbike. When using a second inflatable structure op top of the first inflatable structure in combination with a top layer on top of the second inflatable structure and the first inflatable structure, the top layer may be less stiff than when using only a first inflatable structure; the top layer may then for example have a stiffness that allows the top layer to be foldable into a compact package for easy transport.
The third and/or fourth sheets may be impermeable to air, which may further be referred to as a third and fourth air-impermeable sheet. The third and/or fourth sheet may be semi-impermeable to air, which may further be referred to as a third and fourth air-semi-impermeable sheet. In an embodiment, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Hereby, the second air chambers of the second inflatable structure are oriented at a 90 degree angle relative to the first air chambers of the first inflatable structure. Such arrangement may be beneficial for impact, landing and/or crossing behavior for some applications, for example for some specific freestyle sport and/or some specific location. Other applications may better benefit from other angular arrangements. Thus, in another embodiment, the second direction is parallel to the first direction; hereby, the second air chambers of the second inflatable structure are oriented at a 0 degree angle relative to the first air chambers of the first inflatable structure. In again another embodiment, the second direction is at an angle in a range of 0-90 degrees to the first direction, such as for example at 30 degrees or 45 degrees.
In an embodiment, the second plurality of parallel second air chambers is inflated with air to form a second plurality of parallel second tubular airbags arranged side-by-side in a second plane parallel to the first plane. With both the first plurality of parallel first air chambers as well as the second plurality of parallel second air chambers being inflated with air, an efficient attenuating of an impact and/or an improved driving behavior when driving across the top surface of the impact attenuating system may be obtained.
In an embodiment, the first air chambers of the first inflatable structure extend in the width direction of the impact attenuating system and the second air chambers of the second inflatable structure extend in the length direction of the impact attenuating system. Hereby, the upper of the two inflatable structures has the air chambers extending in the length direction; where the length direction is the major direction of use, e.g., is the downhill direction on a landing slope, a suitable landing and/or riding surface may be provided.
In an embodiment, the impact attenuating system further comprises a top layer covering at least part of the second plurality of parallel second air chambers formed by the third and the fourth sheet for distributing an impact pressure applied to an upper exterior surface of the impact attenuating system over multiple parallel first second chambers of the second plurality of parallel second air chambers. Hereby, an improved impact attenuation may be achieved, and a relatively thin impact attenuating system may be provided which nevertheless has a good impact attenuation; for example, a quite uniform degree of impact attenuation may be achieved irrespective of whether a person exercising e.g. freestyle BMX lands on a position on the top layer above a top of one of the second air chambers or above a connection line between two adjacent second air chambers. As the impact is attenuated by multiple parallel second air chambers when using such top layer, this may provide for a more smooth landing upon impact. This allows the impact attenuating system to better attenuate larger forces and pressures. This may alternatively or additionally also provide for a reduced risk of touching the ground surface under the impact attenuating system. The top layer may, by covering at least part of the second plurality of parallel second air chambers, be arranged for distributing an impact pressure applied to an upper exterior surface of the impact attenuating system over at least two parallel second air chambers of the second plurality of parallel second air chambers, such as over at least three or at least four parallel second air chambers.
In a further embodiment, the top layer covering at least part of the second plurality of parallel second air chambers formed by the third and the fourth sheet further provides the impact attenuating system with a substantially flat top impact surface.
In some embodiments, the substantially flat top impact surface is a flat top surface of the impact attenuating system. In other embodiments, the substantially flat top impact surface has a height variation of less than 25%, for example less than 15%, for example less than 10%, for example less than 5% of the height of an second tubular airbag in the inflated state, where height variation is measured as the distance in the vertical plane between the vertical position of the top surface of the top layer on top of the second tubular air chamber and the vertical position of the top surface of the top layer in between two adjacent second tubular air chamber.
In embodiments, the top layer further covering at least part of the second plurality of parallel second air chambers formed by the third and the fourth sheet provides the impact attenuating system with a substantially flat top impact surface.
Examples of top layer materials were described above with reference to a top layer covering a first inflatable structure; the examples mentioned there may be also be used here.
In a further embodiment, the impact attenuating system further comprises a third inflatable structure. The impact attenuating system thus comprises the first inflatable structure and the second inflatable structure according to embodiments described above and further comprises a third inflatable structure. The third inflatable structure comprises a fifth sheet and a sixth sheet. A first side of the fifth sheet is in contact with and connected to a first side of the sixth sheet along a third plurality of parallel third connection lines to form a third plurality of parallel third air chambers extending along a third direction. The third plurality of parallel third air chambers is arranged on top of the second plurality of parallel second air chambers. The performance and/or appreciation of the impact attenuating surface may hereby be further improved.
Further embodiments of a sports exercise area comprising a landing area and an air supply unit are also provided. The landing area comprising an impact attenuating system according to any of the embodiments. The air supply unit is operable to provide air to the impact attenuating system for providing the landing area with an impact attenuating surface.
As the thickness of the impact attenuating system may be relatively thin compared to known systems, and the impact attenuating system may follow the structure of the underlying surface, the sports exercise are may thus be selectively operated between an exercising mode and a production mode, e.g., used during a competition and during the final exercising therefore, with quite similar moment of impact between the two modes. The system may hereby allow the sportsman to use the same take-off method and characteristics, such as power of take-off and rotational speed when jumping and preparing for landing. With known systems, the sportsman needs to adapt his take off method and characteristics due to a significant difference between moment of impact with and without known attenuation impact systems with a significant larger thickness, and/or the jumper needs to change the setup of the exercising area. With the sports exercise area according to the invention, exercising when practicing may thus resemble exercising when competing.
In an embodiment, the landing area has a major driving direction, for example the direction of movement when landing, and
In an embodiment, the landing area comprises a varying slope and the impact attenuating system is at least arranged on the varying slope.
In an embodiment, the landing area comprises an edge and the impact attenuating system is at least arranged on the edge.
In an embodiment, the sports exercise area is arranged to be selectively operated between an exercising mode and a production mode,
In an embodiment, the air supply unit being operable to provide a continuous flow of air to the impact attenuating system for providing the landing area with an impact attenuating surface during use.
In an embodiment, the air supply unit being operable to selectively provide air to the impact attenuating system for inflating the impact attenuating system to an inflated state for providing the landing area with an impact attenuating surface prior to use and to not provide air to the impact attenuating system during use, the impact attenuating system being arranged to maintain in the inflated state for providing the landing area with an impact attenuating surface during at least a predetermined time period, the predetermined time period being at least of a sufficient length for allowing an exercising session. E.g., the impact attenuating system may be arranged to maintain in the inflated state for providing the landing area with an impact attenuating surface during at least a predetermined time period in a range of 10-120 minutes, such as in a range of 10-60 minutes, such as in a range of 10-30 minutes.
According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of selectively operating a sports exercise area according to any one of the embodiments described herein between an exercising mode and a production mode, the air supply unit being operated in the exercising mode to provide air to the impact attenuating system for providing the landing area with impact attenuating surface in the exercising mode, and the air supply unit being operated in the production mode to not provide air to the impact attenuating system for providing the landing area without an impact attenuating surface in the production mode.
According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a use of an impact attenuating system according to any one of the embodiments described herein for attenuating impact onto a landing area when landing on the landing area when exercising freestyle sports such as freestyle cycling, freestyle motorbiking, freestyle motocross (FMX), Bicycle Motocross (BMX), freestyle skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, (inline) skating, snow sleds, scootering and alike.
According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a use of an impact attenuating system according to any one of the embodiments described herein for attenuating impact onto a landing area when landing on the landing area exercising gymnastics, in particular horizontal bar, horizontal rings, vault, uneven bars, balance beam, floor and trampoline.
According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a use of an impact attenuating system according to any one of the embodiments described herein for attenuating impact onto a landing area when landing on the landing area exercising athletics, in particular high jump and pole fault.
According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a first inflatable structure for an impact attenuating system, the method comprising:
The first plurality of parallel first air chambers is inflatable to form a first plurality of parallel first tubular airbags/elements arranged side-by-side in a first plane.
In an embodiment, the first side of the first sheet is connected to the first side of the second sheet along the first plurality of parallel first connection lines using a plurality of lines of adhesive, a plurality of lines of glue, a plurality of glue dots arranged along a line, a plurality of welds, a plurality of seams, a plurality of stitched seams, and/or a plurality of heat seals.
According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an impact attenuating system, the method comprises a method of manufacturing a first inflatable structure according to any embodiment, and the method further comprises:
The top layer me be a relatively stiff top layer. The top layer cooperates with the first inflatable structure to distributing an impact pressure applied to the upper exterior surface of the impact attenuating system over at least parts of multiple parallel first chambers of the first plurality of first second air chambers.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises:
According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an impact attenuating system, the method comprising the method of manufacturing a first inflatable structure according to any embodiment, and the method further comprising manufacturing a second inflatable structure, the manufacturing of the second inflatable structure comprising:
The second plurality of parallel second air chambers is inflatable to form a second plurality of parallel second tubular airbags arranged side-by-side in a second plane parallel to the first plane. The method thus provides an impact attenuating system with the second inflatable structure arranged on top of the first inflatable structure, with, when inflated, the second plurality of parallel second tubular airbags of the second inflatable structure rotated with 90° relative to the first plurality of parallel first tubular airbags of the first inflatable structure.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises:
The top layer me be a relatively stiff top layer or a relatively flexible top layer. The top layer cooperates with the first inflatable structure to distributing an impact pressure applied to the upper exterior surface of the impact attenuating system over at least parts of multiple parallel first chambers of the first plurality of first second air chambers.
In an embodiment, the method further comprises:
These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the drawings,
It should be noted that items which have the same reference numbers in different Figures, have the same or corresponding structural features and the same or corresponding functions, or are the same or corresponding signals. Where the function and/or structure of such an item has been explained, there is no necessity for repeated explanation thereof in the detailed description.
Throughout this document, the term “length” and “width” refer to a length and width dimension of a component, device or system as such. When a specific orientation is meant to be indicated by such a term, that is indicated explicitly or by reference to the use of the component, device or system when exercising sports.
Throughout this document, the term “length direction” and “width direction” refer to the direction along the length and along the width of a component, device or system as such. When a specific orientation is meant to be indicated by such a term, that is indicated explicitly or by reference to the use of the component, device or system when exercising sports.
Throughout this document the term “major direction” refers to the direction in which a user is moving over the system when exercising freestyle sports, e.g., the direction of riding a BMX bicycle when landing in a downhill direction when exercising tricks and moves. The term “perpendicular direction” refers to the direction in the plane of movement perpendicular to the major direction.
Throughout this document, any reference to a specific freestyle sports is only used for clarification and not intended to limit to the specific freestyle sports, unless the contrary is unambiguously implied by the context.
In the non-limiting examples below, sheets 101, 102, 201, 202 are described to be air-impermeable sheets. The sheets may alternatively be air-semi-impermeable sheets suitable for inflatable structures, such as used in known inflatable structures and such as sheets known to the skilled person.
The impact attenuating system 1 shown in
The first side 111 of the first sheet 101 is connected to the first side 112 of the second sheet 102 along the first plurality of parallel first connection lines 103-1, 103-2, 103-3 using a plurality of lines of adhesive, a plurality of lines of glue, a plurality of glue dots arranged along a line, a plurality of welds, a plurality of seams, a plurality of stitched seams, and/or a plurality of heat seals.
The first sheet 101 is further in contact with and connected to the second sheet 102 along a plurality of enclosures lines 115-1, 115-2, 115-3, 115-4 enclosing the first plurality of parallel first air chambers 104-1, 104-2, 104-3 while to form at least one air supply chamber 120-1, 120-2 for distributing air from a first air inlet 120-0 to the first plurality of parallel first air chambers; reference is also made to
The plurality of enclosures lines comprising at least two enclosure lines 115-1, 115-2 arranged perpendicular to the connection lines 103-1, 103-2, 103-3 and spaced apart from the ends of the connection lines as far as these do not form enclosure lines by at least a distance d115-1, d115-2 in a range of 10-100 cm, such as in a range of 20-80 cm, such as in a range of 20-60 cm, such as in a range of 30-40 cm, measured when the first plurality of parallel first air chambers are in a deflated state.
The first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers 104-1, 104-2, 104-3 may be inflated with air to form a first plurality of parallel first tubular airbags 104-1, 104-2, 104-3 arranged side-by-side in a first plane substantially parallel to the surface of the underground below the first inflatable structure and substantially parallel to the top surface of the impact attenuating system.
The first sheet and the second sheet have dimensions which may be predetermined according to the intended use. The first sheet and the second sheet may have dimensions which allow a general use. The dimensions are indicated in
The first sheet 101 may have a first sheet length l101 in a range of 1-100 meters and a first sheet width b101 in a range of 1-100 meters, such as a first sheet length in a range of 5-100 meters and a first sheet width in a range of 2-40 meters such as a first sheet length in a range of 5-80 meters and a first sheet width in a range of 5-30 meters, such as a first sheet length in a range of 10-50 meters and a first sheet width in a range of 4-10 meters.
The second sheet 102 may have a second sheet length l102 equal to the first sheet length l101 and a second sheet width b102 equal to the a first sheet width b101. Alternatively, the first and second sheet lengths and/or sheet widths may be different to allow for, e.g., some extra sheet at one or more sides of the inflatable structure for, e.g., handling and fixation.
The parallel first connection lines 103-1, 103-2, 103-3 of the first plurality 103 of parallel first connection lines may be spaced apart at a distance d113 (shown in
The impact attenuating system may be operated with an air supply unit 140, as shown in
The first inflatable structure 14 may, when not inflated, be provided in a folded and/or rolled form.
According to embodiments, an impact attenuating system may comprise a single first inflatable structure 14 and an air inlet device. Other embodiments of an impact attenuating system, described below, may additionally comprise a top layer 110 and/or a second inflatable structure 24.
A method to manufacture a first inflatable structure 14 for an impact attenuating system 1 is described with reference to
The first side 111 of the first sheet 101 may be connected to the first side 112 of the second sheet 102 along the first plurality 103 of parallel first connection lines 103-1, 103-2, 103-2 using a plurality of lines of adhesive, a plurality of lines of glue, a plurality of glue dots arranged along a line, a plurality of welds, a plurality of seams, a plurality of stitched seams, and/or a plurality of heat seals.
A method of manufacturing an impact attenuating system may comprise the method of manufacturing a first inflatable structure as described above, providing an air inlet system for applying air to the first inflatable structure.
In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an impact attenuating system comprises the method of manufacturing a first inflatable structure 14 as described above and further comprises providing a top layer 110 and covering at least part of the first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers 104-1, 104-2, 104-3 formed by the first air-impermeable sheet 101 and the second air-impermeable sheet 102 with the top layer 110.
This provides the impact attenuating system with an upper exterior surface arranged for distributing an impact pressure applied to the upper exterior surface of the impact attenuating system 1 over multiple parallel first chambers 104-4, 104-5, 104-6 of the first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers. Additionally or alternatively, this may provide the impact attenuating system with a substantially flat top impact surface.
The first inflatable structure 14 may be similar as described with reference with
Similar to what was described with reference to
Similar to what was described with reference to
Similar to what was described with reference to
The second inflatable structure 24 has a similar construction, as is shown in
As shown in
Similar to what was described with reference to
The third sheet 201 and the fourth sheet 202 have dimensions which may be predetermined according to the intended use and in relation to the dimensions of the first sheet and 101 the second sheet 102. The first, second, third and fourth sheet may have dimensions which allow a general use. The dimensions of the third sheet 201 and fourth sheet 202 are indicated in
The third sheet 201 may have a third sheet length 1201 in a range of 1-100 meters and a third sheet width b201 in a range of 1-100 meters, such as a third sheet length in a range of 5-100 meters and a third sheet width in a range of 2-40 meters such as a third sheet length in a range of 5-80 meters and a third sheet width in a range of 5-30 meters, such as a third sheet length in a range of 10-50 meters and a third sheet width in a range of 4-10 meters.
The fourth sheet 202 may have a fourth sheet length 1202 equal to the third sheet length 1201 and a fourth sheet width b202 equal to the third sheet width b201. Alternatively, the third and fourth sheet lengths and/or sheet widths may be different to allow for, e.g., some extra sheet at one or more sides of the inflatable structure for, e.g., handling and fixation.
The parallel second connection lines 203-1, 203-2, 203-3 of the second plurality 203 of parallel second connection lines may be spaced apart at a distance d213 (shown in
Thus, in the impact attenuating system shown in
The impact attenuating system 24 shown in
In an example of the impact attenuating system 2 shown in
The construction of the inflatable structure itself thus provides for distribution as the connection lines 103-2, 103-3, as far as these do not also form the outer wall of the airbag, stop before the outer walls 115-1, 115-2 where air supply channels 120-1, 120-2 are formed on either side of the tubular air bags. So, there is no need for additional air supply and air connections on the exterior of the inflatable structure, as is the usual case for many known airbag systems such as for example for a kite bladder and its connections.
In embodiments, the air supply unit 40 is operated to continuously supply air during use of the impact attenuating system to provide for a constant air pressure in the first inflatable structure 14 while it is used for exercising sports. In other embodiments, where the first inflatable structure 14 can maintain its pressure after being inflated for at least an required minimum time, such as a duration of an exercising session, the air supply unit 40 is only operated to supply air for inflating the first inflatable structure 14 prior to use and first air inlet 120-0 or the air connection 130 may comprises a valve (not shown) allowing to maintain pressure when the supply unit 40 is not supplying air.
Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the supply unit 40 provides, during use, for a continuous supply of air to the tubular air bags via the air supply channels 120-1, 120-2. In alternative embodiments, the supply unit 40 provides, prior to use, air to the tubular air bags to fill them with air where the system is sufficiently air tight to keep a sufficient amount of air in all the tubular air bags for a sufficient amount of use time, i.e., to keep it inflated without continuously supplying air. In such alternative embodiments, the blower may be detached after the system is filled and a valve may be provided in the air inlet 120-0 or air connection 130 to prevent air flowing out of the system after it has been inflated
In the embodiments describes above, the parallel connection lines were shown as straight lines.
From the above, the skilled person may appreciate that other shapes can be used for the connection lines in further alternative embodiments.
In embodiments with a second inflatable structure having parallel second connection lines, similar alternative shapes may be used for the parallel second connection lines as described above for the parallel first connection lines. Further, the parallel first connection lines and the parallel second connection lines may be different. In a non-limiting example, the parallel first connection lines are wobbling and the parallel second connection lines are straight.
In the embodiments describes above, the plurality 115 of enclosure lines were shown as straight lines.
In the embodiments of the impact attenuating system 2 with a second inflatable structure 24 on top of a first inflatable structure 14, and in some further embodiments covered with a cover layer 210, describes above—for example with reference to
The second plurality of parallel second air chambers may alternatively be thus arranged at other suitable angles to the first plurality of parallel second air chambers. For example, an angle of α=30 degrees may be used.
The first inflatable structure 14 and the second inflatable structure may be similar as described with reference with
The first inflatable structure 14 comprises a first air-impermeable sheet 101 and a second air-impermeable sheet 102. The first air-impermeable sheet 101 is connected to the second air-impermeable sheet 102 along a first plurality 103 of parallel first connection lines 103-1, 103-2, 103-2. More specifically, a first side 111 of the first sheet 101 is in contact with and connected to a first side 112 of the second sheet 102 along a first plurality 103 of parallel first connection lines 103-1, 103-2, 103-3. Hereby, the first plurality 103 of parallel first connection lines 103-1, 103-2, 103-3 form a first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers 104-1, 104-2, 104-3 extending along a first direction D1. The first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers 104-1, 104-2, 104-3 may be inflated with air to form a first plurality of parallel first tubular airbags 104-1, 104-2, 104-3 arranged side-by-side in a first plane substantially parallel to the surface of the underground below the first inflatable structure and substantially parallel to the top surface of the impact attenuating system.
The second inflatable structure 24 comprises a third air-impermeable sheet 201 and a fourth air-impermeable sheet 202. A first side 211 of the third sheet 201 is in contact with and connected to a first side 212 of the fourth sheet 202 along a second plurality 203 of parallel second connection lines 203-1, 203-2, 203-3 to form a second plurality 204 of parallel second air chambers 204-1, 204-2, 204-3 extending along a second direction D2. The second plurality 204 of parallel second air chambers 204-1, 204-2, 204-3 may be inflated with air to form a second plurality of parallel second tubular airbags 204-1, 204-2, 204-3 arranged side-by-side in a second plane substantially parallel to the top surface of the impact attenuating system.
The third inflatable structure 34 comprises a fifth air-impermeable sheet 301 and a six air-impermeable sheet 302. A first side 311 of the fifth sheet 301 is in contact with and connected to a first side 312 of the sixth sheet 302 along a third plurality 303 of parallel second connection lines (of which one is indicated as 303-1) to form a third plurality 304 of parallel third air chambers 304-1, 304-2, 304-3 extending along a third direction D3. The third plurality 304 of parallel third air chambers 304-1, 304-2, 304-3 may be inflated with air to form a third plurality of parallel third tubular airbags 304-1, 304-2, 304-3 arranged side-by-side in a third plane substantially parallel to the top surface of the impact attenuating system.
Thus, in the impact attenuating system shown in
The impact attenuating system 34 shown in
In an embodiment, α12, is 0 degrees and α13 is 0 degrees, such that the second plurality 204 of parallel second air chambers is oriented parallel to the first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers and also the third plurality 304 of parallel third air chambers is oriented parallel to the first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers. Hereby, the impact attenuation may be optimal in a direction of movement along the impact attenuation surface in some applications, e.g., where the impact attenuating system is arranged on a downhill slope.
In an embodiment, α12, is 90 degrees and α13 is 0 degrees, such that the second plurality 204 of parallel second air chambers is oriented perpendicular to the first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers and such that the third plurality 304 of parallel third air chambers is oriented parallel to the first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers. Hereby, the second plurality 204 of parallel second air chambers may provide for a more uniform pressure distribution in the horizontal plane than an arrangement in which they are all parallel.
In an embodiment, α12, is 60 degrees and α13 is −60 degrees, such that the second plurality 204 of parallel second air chambers is oriented at 60 degrees to the first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers, such that the third plurality 304 of parallel third air chambers is oriented at 60 degrees to the first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers, and such that the third plurality 304 of parallel third air chambers is oriented at 60 degrees to the first plurality 104 of parallel first air chambers.
Such impact attenuating system 23 comprising a second inflatable structure 24 on top of a first inflatable structure 14 and a third inflatable structure 34 on top of second inflatable structure 24, may show very good impact attenuation performance. The impact attenuation may e.g. be particular superior compared to other systems of similar height.
The landing area 514, 515 comprises an impact attenuating system 501 according to an embodiment. The impact attenuating system 501 is arranged on the varying slope 514, 515. The sports exercise area also comprises an air supply unit (not shown). The air supply unit is operable to provide air to the impact attenuating system 501 for providing the landing area with an impact attenuating surface.
The landing area 514, 515 may comprise an impact attenuating system 501 according to an embodiment as shown in
An alternative landing area 514, 515 may comprise an impact attenuating system 501 according to an embodiment as shown in any one of
According to an example, the sports exercise area 510 shown in
When exercising, a motorbike driver riding a freestyle motorbike accelerates on the jump ramp 511 to reach a suitable speed to jump from the jump surface 513 and then perform any tricks while being in the air and before landing on the landing area 514, 515 of the landing ramp 516. If the jump is unexpectedly short, he may land on the first, top part 514 of the landing area. If the jump is optimally executed, he may land on the part of the landing area with its transition from the major convex slope to the major concave slope of the second, lower part 515, or beyond that. Due to the impact and surface performance of the impact attenuating system 501, he may continue to drive downward on the landing area 514, 515 on a relatively safe and soft surface. In case the tricks fail and the biker lands out of balance, the impact and surface performance of the impact attenuating system 501 may often still allow him to continue driving. If the trick does not succeed, he may fall and land on a safe impact surface of the impact attenuating system 501.
Ramps 516 and/or 516 could be a natural ramp, e.g., a shaped snow slope. The ramp could alternatively be an artificial ramp, e.g., a man-made construction of for example concrete, metal, wood and/or any other suitable material(s). The ramp could alternatively be an inflatable ramp that can be setup almost anywhere. The impact attenuating system in combination with an inflatable ramps may be particularly cost effective, mobile and ideal for setting up at events and competitions.
The landing area 524, 525 comprises an impact attenuating system 501 according to an embodiment. The impact attenuating system 502 is arranged on the varying slope 524, 525. The sports exercise are also comprises an air supply unit (not shown). The air supply unit is operable to provide air to the impact attenuating system 501 for providing the landing area with an impact attenuating surface.
The landing area 524, 525 may comprise an impact attenuating system 502 according to an embodiment as shown in
An alternative landing area 524, 525 may comprise an impact attenuating system 502 according to an embodiment as shown in any one of
The landing area 534 comprises an impact attenuating system 503 according to an embodiment. The impact attenuating system 503 is arranged on the horizontal landing area 534. The sports exercise area also comprises an air supply unit (not shown). The air supply unit is operable to provide air to the impact attenuating system 503 for providing the landing area with an impact attenuating surface.
The landing area 534 may comprise an impact attenuating system 503 according to an embodiment as shown in
An alternative landing area 534 may comprise an impact attenuating system 502 according to an embodiment as shown in any one of
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments. For example, the sheets 101, 102, 201, 202 may have different shapes than the rectangular shapes mentioned in the description. E.g., the sheets may have rounded corners, have an oval shape, a trapezium shape, any other suitable shape; for such sheets, the terms length and width may relate to the length and width of the smallest rectangle that can enclose the shape. The distance between adjacent first connection lines may be different from the distance between adjacent second connection lines. Distance between adjacent connection lines within a single inflatable structure may all be the same; alternatively, the distance between connection lines may vary within an inflatable structure such as to provide, for example, different diameter air chambers at various heights along a landing area on a slope. Other embodiments of the impact attenuating system may comprise three, four or more inflatable structures on top of each other. More than one air inlets may be provided on a single inflatable structure. More than one top layer may be provided.
In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb “comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024218 | Nov 2019 | NL | national |
