Synthetic support base for modular flooring
Inactive Publication Date: 2006-12-21
CONNOR SPORT COURT INT
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Benefits of technology
[0014] In light of the problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art, the present invention seeks to overcome these by providing a support base comprised, at least in part, of a synthetic component, and that is designed and configure
Problems solved by technology
Thus, if a portion of the flooring configuration is damaged it may easily be removed and replaced.
Fifth, synthetic flooring configurations generally require little maintenance as compared to non-synthetic flooring materials, such as wood.
Although traditional support bases of concrete and asphalt are commonly used, there are several inherent difficulties associated with these.
First, and foremost, these are permanent structures that require significant effort and expense to install.
In addition, once installed, it is highly impractical, from a cost and labor standpoint, to try and remove and relocate these support bases in the event one desires to relocate the synthetic flooring configuration.
Moreover, it is not uncommon for the support base to comprise up to one half or more of the total cost of installing a synthetic flooring configuration, particularly if the support base requires retaining or reinforcement of any kind.
In the aftermath of natural disasters or other unforeseeable events, such materials can be in short supply, thus driving costs even higher.
In these locations, concrete must be imported, which is much too cost prohibitive and impractical in most instances for a game court.
In other countries, the technology needed to construct large slabs of concrete or asphalt is practiced or known by only a few, and equipment needed is either scarce or nonexistent.
Another significant problem centers around water drainage.
Recently, the number of government covenants and / or regulations placing restrictions on the use of concrete and asphalt has been on the rise as such slabs cause water to run off instead of being absorbed by the ground.
This has caused many city aquifers to be depleted.
Despite water drainage problems, many cities and counties have restricted the construction of additional concrete or asphalt slabs for various other reasons.
This has significantly limited the number of play areas within certain locations, particularly in large cities where much of the landscape comprises concrete or asphalt.
Traditional support bases are also very rigid and hard.
They do not provide any degree of inherent flexibility or give, nor do they exhibit any impact absorption characteristics.
Concrete and asphalt are also very susceptible to cracking.
As these slabs can often experience extreme weather conditions, such conditions can have a detrimental effect on the concrete or asphalt surface.
After time, the concrete or asphalt surface can become irregular, inconsistent, and unusable.
Finally, although not necessarily problematic, concrete and asphalt support bases are not particularly aesthetically pleasing.
Method used
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[0029] 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 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 ...
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A flooring system configured to accommodate sports play and other activities, wherein the flooring system comprises a support base having a synthetic component, such as a synthetic support structure, wherein the support base is configured to provide a support surface for receiving and supporting a flooring configuration. The support base may further comprise a filler material operable with the synthetic support component, wherein the synthetic support component is integrated into the filler material.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 60 / 674,123, filed Apr. 22, 2005, and entitled, “Synthetic Support System for Modular Flooring,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to synthetic sport and other flooring configurations, such as a modular sport flooring configuration comprising a plurality of interlocking modular tiles, designed for use in athletic play or for a variety of other purposes. More particularly, the present invention relates to a support base having a primarily synthetic component, wherein the support base is designed and configured to support a sports or other similar flooring configuration, and wherein the support base is configured to replace traditional support bases, such as concrete and asphalt. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART [0003] In recent years, the use of flooring configurations made of synthetic or artif...
Claims
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CPCE01C13/045
InventorGETTIG, ANDREWYOKUBISON, RONALD A.SMITH, DAVID F.GRAVES, CHARLIE M.MOHR, TROY D.HANEY, THAYNE B.URE, JOSEPH M.
OwnerCONNOR SPORT COURT INT