Mat, particularly for sports flooring and the like

Abstract

A mat (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f), particularly for sports flooring and the like, which comprises a lattice-like structure (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) constituted by a plurality of cells (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) organized in rows aligned along a first preferred direction and mutually staggered with respect to a second direction which is perpendicular to the first preferred direction. Each one of the cells (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) has a substantially concave geometric shape and is made of an elastically yielding material so as to absorb the energy released during a step of transverse compression of the mat (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f), releasing it as soon as the compression step ends.

Description

[0001] MAT, PARTICULARLY FOR SPORTS FLOORING AND THE LIKE

[0002] The present invention relates to a mat, particularly for sports flooring and the like.

[0003] As is known, the performance of an athlete can depend on the placement of the foot on the ground and how the ground responds to the stresses brought to bear by the athlete during the execution of an athletic gesture.

[0004] This happens especially for athletic disciplines that involve a running segment, or in which in any case the placement of the foot and its impact on the ground plays a fundamental role.

[0005] In some disciplines, such as for example track and field athletics, the use is known of Tartan® to make the tracks, which is an elastomer material capable of returning some of the energy released in the impact on the ground by the foot of the athlete, in the form of an elastic thrust, so as to aid the athlete in the foot return phase.

[0006] This principle is also sought-after in other disciplines for which the playing surface differs from athletics tracks.

[0007] Consider basketball courts, for example: although the court is made of wood, the need is felt to have a playing surface that aids players by absorbing shock from foot impact and, where possible, assisting the players when jumping.

[0008] The aim of the present invention consists in providing a mat, particularly for sports flooring and the like, that meets the above-mentioned requirements.

[0009] Within this aim, an object of the present invention consists in providing a mat that can be used directly or in conjunction with a covering flooring surface.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a mat that is adapted for use both indoors and outdoors.

[0011] Another object of the present invention consists in providing a mat that can be laid easily.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a mat that offers the widest guarantees of reliability.

[0013] Another object of the present invention consists in providing a mat made by materials and technologies that are per se known on the market, so as to keep down the costs of provision.

[0014] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a mat, particularly for sports flooring and the like, characterized in that it comprises a lattice-like structure constituted by a plurality of cells organized in rows aligned along a first preferred direction and mutually staggered with respect to a second direction which is perpendicular to said first preferred direction; each one of said cells having a substantially concave geometric shape and being made of an elastically yielding material so as to absorb the energy released during a step of transverse compression of said mat, releasing it as soon as said compression step ends.

[0015] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of six preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a mat, particularly for sports flooring and the like, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0016] - Figures 1 and 2 are two perspective views, one from above and one from below, of a first embodiment of the mat according to the present invention;

[0017] - Figures 3 and 4 are two perspective views, one from above and one from below, of a second embodiment of the mat according to the present invention;

[0018] - Figures 5 and 6 are two perspective views, one from above and one from below, of a third embodiment of the mat according to the present invention; - Figures 7 and 8 are two perspective views, one from above and one from below, of a fourth embodiment of the mat according to the present invention;

[0019] - Figures 9 and 10 are two perspective views, one from above and one from below, of a fifth embodiment of the mat according to the present invention;

[0020] - Figures 11 and 12 are two perspective views, one from above and one from below, of a sixth embodiment of the mat according to the present invention.

[0021] With reference to the figures, the mat according to the present invention, particularly for sports flooring and the like, designated in the six proposed embodiments with the reference numeral 1 followed by the letters “a”, “b”, “c”, “d”, “e” and “f” depending on the embodiment considered, comprises a lattice-like structure 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e and 2f constituted by a plurality of cells 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e and 3f organized in rows aligned along a first preferred direction and mutually staggered with respect to a second direction which is perpendicular to the first preferred direction.

[0022] Advantageously, each one of the cells 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e and 3f has a substantially concave geometric shape (as the upper surface) and is internally hollow, and is made of an elastically yielding material so as to absorb the energy released during a step of transverse compression of the performance mats la, lb, 1c, Id, le or If, releasing it as soon as the compression step ends.

[0023] More in detail, each cell 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e and 3f has a longitudinal extension so as to assume a wave-like shape4and a lateral reinforcement wall 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e and 4f which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first preferred direction and is adapted to increase the elastic resistance of each cell 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e and 3f along the compression direction of the mat la, lb, 1c, Id, le or If.

[0024] Conveniently, according to the use for which the mats la, lb, 1c, Id, le and If are designed, the mats can comprise a layer of non-woven fabric and a layer of needle felts arranged at at least one face of the lattice-like structure 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e or 2f so as to increase elastic performance, dimensional stability, resistance to swings in temperature, adhesion to any adjacent layers, and adhesion to glues used for its adhesive bonding to the floor.

[0025] Furthermore, an expansion joint can be arranged internally or externally to the lattice-like structures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e and 2f, for dimensional compensation owing to the thermal expansion of the cells 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e and 3f.

[0026] Advantageously, the lattice-like structures 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e or 2f have a plurality of holes and / or longitudinal cuts so as to, respectively, allow the drainage of water along a direction that is normal to the plane identified by the first direction and by the second direction, and allow the drainage of water along a direction that is parallel to the first preferred direction.

[0027] With particular reference to the first three embodiments, shown in Figures 1 to 6, the cells 3a, 3b and 3c extend only on one side of the latticelike structure 2a, 2b and 2c and are connected to each other by means of flat walls 5 located on the other side of the lattice-like structure 2a, 2b and 2c.

[0028] More in detail, in the first embodiment, shown in Figures 1 and 2, each cell 3a has a symmetrical wave-like shape, substantially humpbackshaped, and in the next two embodiments, shown in Figures 3 to 6, each cell 3b or 3c has a asymmetrical wave-like shape, substantially snail shellshaped.

[0029] This ensures the maximum absorption and return of energy in a specific direction, while ensuring the minimum absorption and return of energy in the opposite direction, therefore being particularly suitable for athletic tracks where an athlete can train at will on a softer track (therefore less stressful for muscles and joints, for the athlete's own protection) or the athlete can train on a track similar to a competitive track in the opposite direction (a harder track).

[0030] In the third embodiment only, such wave-shaped cells 3c are organized in parallel rows with an orientation that is mutually offset in pairs.

[0031] With particular reference to the fourth and to the fifth embodiment, shown in Figures 7 to 10, the cells 3d and 3e extend on either side of the lattice-like structure 2d and 2e according to a sinusoidal pattern along the first preferred direction.

[0032] More in detail, in the fourth embodiment, shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cells 3d have the same breadths and heights on both sides of the latticelike structure 2d, and in the fifth embodiment, shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cells 3e of one side of the lattice-like structure 2e have breadths and heights that are greater than those of the cells 3e of the other side of the lattice-like structure 2e.

[0033] Such dimensional variation can be taken to extremes, to the point that the waves on one side are so tight as to assume the shape of a bump.

[0034] In the last embodiment, shown in Figures 11 and 12, the cells 3f extend on both sides of the lattice-like structure 2f in a mutually alternating manner along a same row, so as to define a checkerboard structure constituted by solids and voids depending on the side observed.

[0035] The mats la- If can be laid by placing one side or the opposite side on the ground.

[0036] The performance mats la, lb, 1c, Id, le and If described above can be made of 70 / 80% of discarded tires and 20 / 30% thermoplastic material, obtained for example by recycling offcuts or end-of-life products; to cite one example, obtained by LDPE originating from the recovery of composite materials, resulting in a correct combination of elasticity^ stability^ performance and, of no less importance, a competitive market price, or they can be made of various other types of plastic materials, doped or non-doped, such as thermoplastic rubber, TPU elastomers in general, and many others.

[0037] Furthermore, the performance mats la, lb, 1c, Id, le and If thus described can be provided by means of a calendering process between oppositely rotating rollers.

[0038] More in detail, the oppositely rotating rollers, conveniently shaped, give the material, which exits from a flat head, therefore in the plastic state, the desired shape of the finished piece, thus ensuring the tolerances and the inclinations of the types of processing and, in the more advanced versions, can ensure an immediate cooling to a temperature lower than 10°C, thus keeping unaltered the contour of the product formed, with consequent minimal shrinkage.

[0039] This peculiarity of the processing is to make the material that exits from the extrusion head (therefore in the plastic state) pass through the gap between two rollers (between 0.2 and 1 mm) in order to apply an intense compression on the finished piece.

[0040] In practice it has been found that the mat according to the present invention achieves the intended aim and objects, insofar as it can be used, alone as an underlay mat for synthetic grass playing fields, or coupled to other layers, for basketball courts and volleyball courts, outdoors and indoors, gyms in general, athletic tracks, tennis courts and many others.

[0041] By virtue of the holes and the cuts for the drainage of water, the mat according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in synthetic grass gardens.

[0042] Moreover, the mat can also be applied in the sector of acoustics and of anti-vibration, such as for example as am intermediate separation layer between two floors, or in the sector of carpets in general (for residential and / or commercial use), and as an anti-fatigue mat.

[0043] The mat, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0044] Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0045] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art. The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102022000027243 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mat (la, lb, 1c, Id, le, If), particularly for sports flooring and the like, characterized in that it comprises a lattice-like structure (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) constituted by a plurality of cells (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) organized in rows aligned along a first preferred direction and mutually staggered with respect to a second direction which is perpendicular to said first preferred direction; each one of said cells (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) having a substantially concave geometric shape and being made of an elastically yielding material so as to absorb the energy released during a step of transverse compression of said mat (la, lb, 1c, Id, le, If), releasing it as soon as said compression step ends.

2. The mat (la, lb, 1c, Id, le, If) according to claim 1, characterized in that each one of said cells (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) has at least a longitudinal extension so as to assume a wave-like shape.

3. The mat (la, lb, 1c, Id, le, If) according to claim 2, characterized in that each one of said cells (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) comprises a lateral wall (4a-b-c-d-e-f) which is oriented at right angles to said first preferred direction and is adapted to ensure the elastic resistance of each one of said cells (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) along the compression direction of said mat (la, lb, 1c, Id, le, If).

4. The mat (la, lb, 1c, Id, le, If) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises one or both of a layer of non-woven fabric and a layer of needle felts, arranged at at least one face of said lattice-like structure (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f).

5. The mat (la, lb, 1c, Id, le, If) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an expansion joint arranged internally or externally to said lattice-like structure (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) in order to mutually join mats and for dimensional compensation owing to the thermal expansion of said cells (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f).

6. The mat (la, lb, 1c, Id, le, If) according to one or more of thepreceding claims, characterized in that said lattice-like structure (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) has a plurality of holes so as to allow the drainage of water along a direction that is normal to the plane identified by said first direction and by said second direction.

7. The mat (la, lb, 1c, Id, le, If) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lattice-like structure (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f) has a plurality of longitudinal cuts in such a manner as to allow the drainage of water along a direction that is parallel to said first preferred direction.

8. The mat (la, lb, 1c) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cells (3a, 3b, 3c) extend only on one side of said lattice-like structure (2a, 2b, 2c) and in that they are connected to each other by means of flat walls (5) located on the other side of said latticelike structure (2a, 2b, 2c).

9. The mat (la) according to claim 8, characterized in that each one of said cells (3a) has a symmetrical wave-like shape.

10. The mat (lb, 1c) according to claim 8, characterized in that each one of said cells (3b, 3c) has an asymmetrical wave-like shape.

11. The mat (1c) according to claim 9, characterized in that said cells (3c) are organized in parallel rows with an orientation that is mutually opposite in pairs.

12. The mat (Id, le) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said cells (3d, 3e) extend on either side of said latticelike structure (2d, 2e) in a sinusoidal pattern along said first preferred direction.

13. The mat (Id) according to claim 12, characterized in that said cells (3d) have equal breadths and heights on both sides of said lattice-like structure (2d).

14. The mat (le) according to claim 12, characterized in that said cells (3e) of one side of said lattice-like structure (2e) have greater breadths andheights than said cells (3e) of the other side of said lattice-like structure (2e).

15. The mat (If) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said cells (3f) extend on both sides of said lattice-like structure (2f) in a mutually alternating manner along a same row.

16. The mat (la, lb, 1c, Id, le, If) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided by means of a calendering process between oppositely rotating rollers.

Images