Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Underlying compressible layer or pad
Reexamination Certificate
2002-04-23
2004-06-01
Chapman, Jeanette (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Underlying compressible layer or pad
C052S480000, C248S632000, C248S634000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06742312
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a shock absorber, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved shock absorber for a sports floor.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
It is generally known to provide cushioning pads under a sports flooring system in order to provide resiliency to the floor. In such known systems, the amount of cushioning provided by the pads is generally controlled by the durometer, i.e., the hardness of the pads. There are both advantages and disadvantages to using either hard or soft pads.
Specifically, in sports such as basketball and racquetball, it is important that the floor be relatively stiff, so that the ball bounces back easily and uniformly throughout the floor. High durometer (hard) resilient pads produce a floor having preferred ball response characteristics. However, hard pads provide little shock absorption, and have a greater potential to cause injury to the athlete. This problem is especially severe when heavy loading occurs from a number of athletes performing in close proximity to each other.
Low durometer (soft) resilient pads provide greater shock absorption and hence provide a higher level of safety or protection to the athlete. However, floors employing such soft pads do not produce desirable ball response characteristics under normal loading conditions, and thus are not suitable for sports such as basket ball and racquetball. Furthermore, soft pads are prone to “compression set” which is a permanent change in profile after the pad has been subjected to high loads for a long period of time. Such compression set can occur in areas where bleachers, basketball standards, or other gymnasium equipment are likely to be placed for periods of time.
REFERENCES:
patent: 216656 (1879-06-01), Chase
patent: 498344 (1893-05-01), Williams
patent: 638997 (1899-12-01), Stock
patent: 863054 (1907-08-01), Dickerson
patent: 895215 (1908-08-01), Vogel
patent: 1137138 (1915-04-01), Heron
patent: 1356797 (1920-10-01), Stock
patent: 1356798 (1920-10-01), Stock
patent: 1477331 (1923-12-01), Ely
patent: 1734727 (1929-11-01), Herold
patent: 1757518 (1930-05-01), Ehmer
patent: 1789576 (1931-01-01), Bowman
patent: 2167696 (1939-08-01), Tetzman
patent: 2569709 (1951-10-01), Elmendorf
patent: 2862255 (1958-12-01), Nelson
patent: 2893665 (1959-07-01), Paulsen
patent: 3107377 (1963-10-01), Nathan
patent: 3273296 (1966-09-01), Soulon
patent: 3288405 (1966-11-01), Johnson
patent: RE26239 (1967-07-01), Rockabrand et al.
patent: 3337167 (1967-08-01), Johnson
patent: 3368806 (1968-02-01), Szonn
patent: 3417950 (1968-12-01), Johnson
patent: 3601345 (1971-08-01), Johnson
patent: 3604173 (1971-09-01), Dahlborg
patent: 4302552 (1981-11-01), Hongu et al.
patent: 4589243 (1986-05-01), Abendroth
patent: 4616462 (1986-10-01), Abendroth
patent: 4703601 (1987-11-01), Abendroth
patent: 4879857 (1989-11-01), Peterson et al.
patent: 4890434 (1990-01-01), Niese
patent: 4945697 (1990-08-01), Ott et al.
patent: 5277010 (1994-01-01), Stephenson et al.
patent: 5412917 (1995-05-01), Shelton
patent: 5609000 (1997-03-01), Niese
patent: 5619832 (1997-04-01), Myrvold
patent: 6141931 (2000-11-01), Simmons
patent: RE37615 (2002-04-01), Niese
patent: 6363675 (2002-04-01), Shelton
patent: 6397543 (2002-06-01), Hamar
patent: 18992 (1909-08-01), None
patent: 23589 (1913-10-01), None
patent: 242924 (1925-08-01), None
Chapman Jeanette
Citizens State Bank
Dunlap Codding & Rogers
LandOfFree
Shock absorber for sports floor does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Shock absorber for sports floor, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Shock absorber for sports floor will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3307619