Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Underlying compressible layer or pad
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-21
2001-05-15
Canfield, Robert (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Underlying compressible layer or pad
C052S480000, C248S560000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230460
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to static structures and, more particularly, to floor systems with underlying, compressible layers or pads.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Professional dance companies, to improve the performances of their members and prolong their careers, have long used resilient flooring systems that “give” somewhat underfoot. Such systems typically include a wooden decking supported above an immovable base by compressible, rubber sheets or blocks. Although easy and inexpensive to install, conventional, resilient flooring systems are difficult to level and are prone to develop hard and soft spots which can destroy a dancer's rhythm and lead to fatigue or injury.
Resilient flooring systems designed to overcome these problems have been proposed. Unfortunately, they have not seen great commercial success since the supposed improvements add greatly to their cost and difficulties in installation. A need, therefore, exists for a flooring system that evenly deflects in response to a downward force and, then, rapidly rebounds to its original position yet is also uncomplicated in construction, easy to install and level, and low in cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In light of the problems associated with the known floor systems with underlying, compressible layers or pads, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a resilient flooring system with uniform, spring-like characteristics over the entirety of its surface and that is easy to install. The flooring system features a vertically movable decking supported by shock absorbers having a plurality of rubber spheres sandwiched between top and sole plates. A downward force applied to the decking is transmitted directly to the shock absorbers wherein the spheres are compressed in a manner that causes them to bulge at their centers and press against the top and sole plates. This deformation and pressure permits the decking to move slightly—first downwardly in a gradually decelerating manner and then upwardly in a rapid rebound to its original position.
It is another object of the invention to provide a resilient flooring system that can be accurately and easily leveled—the sole plate being easily shimmed to accomplish this end.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a resilient flooring system of uncomplicated construction that can be assembled with ease in an existing or new building from off-the-shelf parts without specialized tools or prolonged training. These parts can be inexpensively stored or, later, transported to the site of their assembly as a compact kit in a fully disassembled or partially disassembled state. If desired, the assembled flooring system can be easily broken down into its component parts, moved, and reassembled at a new site.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a resilient flooring system of the type described that absorbs sounds and mechanical vibrations. Such a flooring system is believed to be beneficial in: computer labs, hospital operating rooms, gymnasiums, dance halls, as well as television and sound recording studios among other locations.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an resilient flooring system for the purposes described which is lightweight in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and fully dependable in use.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
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Canfield Robert
Greiner Stephen R.
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