Impact and energy absorbing product for floors, walls, and other flat surfaces
First Claim
1. An impact and energy absorbing assembly for floors, walls, crash mats and other flat surfaces comprising:
- a spring (12);
which comprises a spring first end (12A) and spring second end (12B);
a first flared insert (14) affixed to spring (12) at the spring first end (12A), the flared insert (14) generally conical in configuration, tapered such that an outer edge of the first flared insert (14) is of a greater diameter than an inner edge of the first flared insert (14) which comes in contact with the spring first end (12A);
a second flared insert (46) affixed to spring (12) at the spring second end (12B), the flared insert (16) generally conical in configuration, tapered such that an outer edge of the second flared insert (16) is of a greater diameter than an inner edge of the second flared insert (16) which comes in contact with the spring second end (12B);
a receiving member (18), comprising a top surface (18A), bottom surface (18B), and molded female slot (20), molded female slot (20) in the form of a tapered, generally conical aperture, functioning to slidingly receive first flared insert (14) therein, receiving member (18) rigidly affixed to a previously determined flat surface; and
an outermost panel (22) which covers the plurality of springs of the assembly, the outermost panel exposed and functioning to receive primary forces of humans and object coming in contact therewith, with the plurality of springs receiving secondary forces, the flat surface receiving additional forces, and only remaining dissipated forces distributed to the body of one coming in contact with the outermost panel (22).
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Accused Products
Abstract
An impact and energy absorbing product for floors, walls, panels, crash mats and other flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium or steel, to help absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with said flat surfaces. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or metals such as titanium or steel—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon a flat surface to hold the spring in place. Thus, a floor or wall surface may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein. The springs may be spread throughout the area to be protected, providing a completely controlled protected area to help effectively absorb and dissipate forces upon impact. As such, the assembly of the present invention may be utilized for items such as crash mats for many sports, wall mats in gymnasiums, or wall boards in indoor or outdoor rinks and arenas.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An impact and energy absorbing assembly for floors, walls, crash mats and other flat surfaces comprising:
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a spring (12);
which comprises a spring first end (12A) and spring second end (12B);
a first flared insert (14) affixed to spring (12) at the spring first end (12A), the flared insert (14) generally conical in configuration, tapered such that an outer edge of the first flared insert (14) is of a greater diameter than an inner edge of the first flared insert (14) which comes in contact with the spring first end (12A);
a second flared insert (46) affixed to spring (12) at the spring second end (12B), the flared insert (16) generally conical in configuration, tapered such that an outer edge of the second flared insert (16) is of a greater diameter than an inner edge of the second flared insert (16) which comes in contact with the spring second end (12B);
a receiving member (18), comprising a top surface (18A), bottom surface (18B), and molded female slot (20), molded female slot (20) in the form of a tapered, generally conical aperture, functioning to slidingly receive first flared insert (14) therein, receiving member (18) rigidly affixed to a previously determined flat surface; and
an outermost panel (22) which covers the plurality of springs of the assembly, the outermost panel exposed and functioning to receive primary forces of humans and object coming in contact therewith, with the plurality of springs receiving secondary forces, the flat surface receiving additional forces, and only remaining dissipated forces distributed to the body of one coming in contact with the outermost panel (22). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification