Composition for Sports Flooring Including Graphene and Composite Sports Flooring Therefrom

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition for a sports flooring material containing graphene installed on the ground and a laminated sports flooring material using the same. The composition for a sports flooring material comprises a bottom plate and a top plate coupled to the upper part of the bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate is formed by a bottom plate composition formed by mixing 70 to 90 parts by weight of polypropylene and 10 to 30 parts by weight of a reinforcing agent as a material forming the bottom plate, and a top plate composition formed by mixing 80 to 95 parts by weight of polypropylene, 5 to 20 parts by weight of an elastic material, and 0.01 to 0.2 parts by weight of graphene. The composition for a sports flooring material containing graphene comprises a bottom plate formed by a bottom plate composition containing a polypropylene component, and a top plate formed by a top plate composition comprising polypropylene, an elastic material, and graphene, wherein the bottom plate comprises a support plate, a first coupling member formed at two adjacent corners of the support plate, and the The present invention provides a laminated sports flooring material comprising a second coupling member formed at two other corners of a support plate and coupled to the first coupling member of an adjacent lower plate, wherein the second coupling member comprises a plurality of fixing bodies formed at the two other corners of the support plate and a locking wing formed protruding upward or downward from the fixing bodies, having at least one locking projection formed at an end, and inserted into a coupling hole formed in the first coupling member, after which the locking projection is engaged with one side of the first coupling member, wherein adjacent second coupling members among the plurality of second coupling members are intersected in a direction perpendicular to each other. The present invention provides a laminated sports flooring material that can reduce the burden on a user's joints and lower the risk of injury by including an elastic material in the upper plate and forming the upper and lower plates in a multilayer structure to enhance shock absorption performance, and at the same time, prevent slip accidents by appropriately mixing a material with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber powder.Furthermore, the bonding force between mats is strengthened through connecting links on the bottom plate, joining hooks on the top plate, and a bidirectional joining protrusion structure. Additionally, long-term durability can be ensured by suppressing product deformation through a reinforced structural design. Through such structural and functional design, the product's lifespan is extended and maintenance costs are reduced, allowing it to be utilized as a safer and more efficient laminated sports flooring material.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for sports flooring containing graphene installed on the ground and a laminated sports flooring using the same, and in particular, to a composition for sports flooring containing graphene that effectively absorbs shocks occurring during exercise, prevents slipping, and significantly improves the strong bonding strength between modules and long-term durability, and a laminated sports flooring using the same. Background Technology

[0003] As the importance of health promotion and leisure activities is highlighted in modern society, there is a growing demand for the expansion of sports facilities and the corresponding performance of flooring materials. As flooring is a key element that directly affects user activities, safety, functionality, and durability must be considered as essential factors.

[0004] Conventional sports flooring has primarily been manufactured using a single synthetic resin material, such as polypropylene (PP). While such single-material flooring had the advantages of a simple manufacturing process and low cost, it contained several serious problems that the present invention aims to solve.

[0005] First, the limitations of shock absorption have been one of the biggest weaknesses of conventional flooring materials. Rigid plastic materials, such as polypropylene, inherently have low elasticity, making them unable to effectively cushion the impact generated during exercise, such as jumping, landing, or falling. Consequently, impact energy is directly transmitted to major joints like the knees, ankles, and lower back, increasing the risk of injury. Particularly in sports involving repetitive jumping and rapid movements, such as basketball, badminton, and volleyball, the accumulation of impact could lead to chronic joint pain or fatigue, and in severe cases, ligament damage. Conventional flooring materials lack separate cushioning layers or mechanisms to absorb such shocks, leading to persistent concerns regarding the health and safety of users.

[0006] In addition, while materials composed solely of rubber may offer excellent shock absorption, their excessive elasticity could induce unnecessary rebound forces against the user's movements. This could lead to unstable support, particularly in sports involving frequent changes in direction or sudden stops, thereby increasing the risk of falling or reducing athletic efficiency. Furthermore, rubber is susceptible to wear, resulting in poor durability, and there was a concern that it might harden or deform in certain environments.

[0007] Furthermore, it was pointed out that the manufacturing process generates a distinctive rubber odor, making it unsuitable for indoor sports facilities, and that it is difficult to recycle and not environmentally friendly. As such, relying on a single material—whether polypropylene or rubber—had limitations in satisfying the diverse performance requirements of sports flooring.

[0008] Second, the lack of anti-slip performance was one of the major causes of slipping accidents. Polypropylene (PP), composed of a single material, had a low coefficient of friction on its surface and failed to provide sufficient friction; consequently, accidents caused by slipping could occur when users rapidly changed direction or stopped abruptly. In particular, at outdoor sports facilities, environmental factors such as rainfall, high humidity, and freezing during the winter season made the floor surface even more slippery, increasing the risk of slipping. This slipping issue not only compromised safety during sports activities but also caused psychological anxiety in users, which could negatively affect the performance of athletes during games.

[0009] Third, the lack of bonding strength between modules was a factor that undermined the overall structural stability of the flooring. Conventional modular flooring primarily adopted unidirectional bonding structures using interlocking or clipping methods, resulting in insufficiently robust connections between the mats. Even if there were no issues during initial installation, problems frequently occurred where mats separated or joints broke due to repeated use, external impacts, or the shrinkage and expansion of the material caused by temperature changes. These gaps could pose a risk of secondary accidents to users, such as tripping or tipping, and could also cause hygiene issues through the ingress of foreign substances or contaminants. Furthermore, repeated failure of the joints necessitated partial replacement or complete reinstallation of the flooring, leading to economic burdens such as increased facility maintenance costs.

[0010] Fourth, when the structural reinforcement of the sub-mat was insufficient along with low module bonding strength, there was a problem where the overall durability of the flooring was reduced. If the structural rigidity of the bottom plate was insufficient or the bonding strength between the top and bottom plates was weak, the entire flooring was prone to warping or deformation due to external impact or repeated use. This structural instability shortened the product's lifespan and caused increased maintenance costs due to repeated replacements. Furthermore, deformed flooring not only detracted from the appearance but also lowered user satisfaction by failing to properly perform its original functions, such as providing uniform rebound or maintaining a stable surface. In particular, damage to the flatness of the floor surface could negatively affect the fairness of sports competitions.

[0011] To address the aforementioned problems, various research and development efforts have been undertaken in the flooring industry. For instance, bonding structures have been researched and proposed, such as attaching anti-slip rubber components to the surface of flooring or combining upper and lower plates made of polypropylene (PP). Additionally, attempts have been made to improve durability by applying reinforcing materials.

[0012] However, most of these prior technologies focused solely on specific functions, such as anti-slip or shock absorption, and had clear limitations in simultaneously meeting complex performance requirements. These limitations led to the following specific problems.

[0013] First, it frequently occurred that enhancing a single function resulted in the degradation of other critical performance elements. For example, applying soft materials to maximize shock absorption reduced rebound force, which could negatively impact a player's performance during a match. Additionally, excessive implementation of anti-slip features could place undue strain on joints, particularly the knees, during sudden changes in direction, thereby increasing the risk of injury. This was because the fact that flooring is not merely a collection of individual functions but a complex system requiring all performance elements to work together organically was not sufficiently considered.

[0014] Second, attempts to implement each function separately complicated the overall manufacturing process, which directly led to increased production costs. For example, the method of adding functional materials via post-processing reduced manufacturing efficiency while also making it difficult to ensure product uniformity.

[0015] Third, localized improvements in individual functions often failed to lead to an improvement in overall durability. For example, rubber components attached to the surface of flooring for anti-slip purposes were susceptible to wear or peeling over time, and problems arose where they would permanently deform or degrade in function due to repeated loads. This shortened the lifespan of the flooring and necessitated frequent maintenance or replacement, leading to increased long-term cost burdens. In particular, the method of attaching rubber components had limitations; it provided only a limited anti-slip effect in the area where the rubber was attached, failing to properly implement shock-absorbing effects for the surface.

[0016] Due to these problems, existing technologies have not served as an ultimate solution, and this has become a factor causing continuous inconvenience and cost burdens not only to sports facility operators but also to users.

[0017] Accordingly, the industry requires sophisticated fusion technologies that effectively combine the advantages of various materials and enable their respective functions to work complementarily. In particular, there is a rapidly increasing demand for sports flooring that goes beyond simple functional enhancements to directly contribute to safety and performance improvement—the essential purposes of sports activities—while simultaneously providing users with enhanced performance and high stability, and facility operators with economic benefits such as reduced maintenance costs and extended product lifespan. Prior art literature

[0019] 1. Korean Registered Patent No. 2605091 'Eco-friendly prefabricated sports flooring using ceramic composite material with improved shock absorption and slip resistance and method of manufacturing the same' 2. Korean Registered Patent No. 2692599 'Prefabricated flooring for sports courts' 3. Korean Registered Patent No. 2515569 'Sports mat assembly' 4. Korean Registered Patent No. 2413094 'Floor finishing material for sports and method of manufacturing the same' 5. Japanese Registered Patent No. 7575909 'Floor tile for sports facilities and installation structure of the floor tile' 6. U.S. Published Patent No. 2025-0137206 'Interlocking rubber tiles, mats, blocks and pavers for athletic and recreational surfaces, playgrounds and rooftops' 7. U.S. Published Patent No. 2025-0012094 'Sports flooring in tile or plank form' 8. 9. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2024-0337073 'Printable modular floor tiles' 10. European Patent No. 3983624 'Floor tile for the assembly of coverings on the floor of sports facilities' 11. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018-0080231 'Floor panels' 12. U.S. Patent No. 9512623 'Interlocking rubber tiles, mats, blocks and pavers for athletic and recreational surfaces, playgrounds and rooftops'

[0020] 1. Hyun Jun-won (Dankook University) / Choi Hyung-jun (Dankook University), "Friction Characteristics According to Changes in Material of Sports Shoe Soles and Contact Surfaces and Changes in Humidity Environments for Prevention of Slip Injuries," Journal of the Korean Wellness Society, Vol. 15, No. 2, 517-524 (8 pages) 2. Pi Jae-il (Kongju National University) / Kim Bong-ju (Kongju National University), "A Study on Floor Impact Characteristics by Exercise in Multi-story Sports Facilities," Journal of the Korean Society of Living Environment, Vol. 23, No. 1, 39-47 (9 pages) 3. Yoon Je-won (Unison Technology Co., Ltd.) / Lee Sung-il (Unison Technology Co., Ltd.) / Han Hee-gap (GS E&C R&D Center) / Lee Sang-jun (GS E&C R&D Center), "Noise and Vibration Evaluation of Gymnasium Floors," The Korean Society for Noise and Vibration Engineering: Conference Proceedings, Pages. 314-3154. Heo Jin-kwang et al., “The Effect of Differences in Taekwondo Studio Flooring on Body Balance,” Korean Journal of Sport Science Vol. 9 No. 4, 20115. Kim Jeong-tae, “Analysis of Friction Correlation Between Tennis Shoe Outsoles and Tennis Sports Flooring,” Korean Journal of Exercise Mechanics Vol. 12 No. 2, 20026. Cho Seong-bong, “The Effects of Flooring Material on Walking, Body Composition, and Changes in Blood Lipid Levels,” Korean Journal of Sport Research Vol. 17 No. 4, 20067. Baek Sang-seo et al., “Verification of the Effects on Movement of Female Handball Players After Wearing J-STEP Athletic Shoes on Slippery Indoor Floors,” Sports Science Vol. 30 No. 2, 20138. Choi Jong-in et al., “The Effect of Taekwondo Studio Mat Material on Types of Injuries in Trainees,” Journal of Coaching Competency Development 9(3) pp. 481~490, 2007.099. Seo Hye-rim et al., “Exercise Physiological Effects of Artificial Synthetic Tennis Sports Flooring Analysis “Korea Sports Science Research Institute Journal Vol.15, 199910. Alexander Walker, Modeling and analysis of alternative “tile to tile” attachment mechanism designs, for a modular plastic tile sports surface using FEA", Procedia Engineering 147, Pages 818~82311.Laurent Malisoux / Paul Gette ,Axel Urhausen / Joao Bomfim / Daniel Theisen, "Influence of sports flooring and shoes on impact forces and performance during jump tasks". The problem to be solved

[0021] The present invention has been devised to solve the aforementioned problems. The objective of the present invention is not merely to improve a single problem, but to provide a new concept of multifunctional sports flooring that offers enhanced safety and a comfortable user experience to users, and reduces maintenance costs and extends product lifespan to facility operators. This is achieved by applying heterogeneous materials to the top plate, introducing a multilayer bonding structure between upper and lower plates of different materials, and utilizing pre-tension technology through tensile bonding of the top plate, and further enhancing durability and mechanical properties by additionally applying graphene to the top plate. means of solving the problem

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, a composition for sports flooring comprising a bottom plate and a top plate coupled to the upper portion of the bottom plate is provided, wherein the bottom plate is formed by a bottom plate composition formed by mixing 70 to 90 parts by weight of polypropylene and 10 to 30 parts by weight of a reinforcing agent as a material forming the bottom plate, and the top plate is formed by a top plate composition formed by mixing 80 to 95 parts by weight of polypropylene, 5 to 20 parts by weight of an elastic material, and 0.01 to 0.2 parts by weight of graphene. Furthermore, the elastic material preferably comprises at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), or a polyurethane-based elastomer. Additionally, the reinforcing agent may optionally be any one of glass fiber, carbon fiber, or a mineral additive. Furthermore, the mineral additive preferably uses one of calcium carbonate, talc, or kaolin. Meanwhile, A laminated sports flooring material is provided, comprising a bottom plate formed from a mixed composition for a bottom plate containing a polypropylene component, and a top plate formed from a mixed composition for a top plate containing polypropylene, an elastic material, and graphene, wherein the bottom plate comprises a support plate, a first coupling member formed at two adjacent corners of the support plate, and a second coupling member formed at two other corners of the support plate and coupled to the first coupling member of an adjacent bottom plate, wherein the second coupling member comprises a plurality of fixing bodies formed at the other two corners of the support plate, and a locking wing formed to protrude upward or downward from the fixing bodies, having at least one locking projection formed at an end, and inserted into a coupling hole formed in the first coupling member, after which the locking projection is engaged with one side of the first coupling member, wherein adjacent second coupling members among the plurality of second coupling members are arranged in a direction perpendicular to each other.Furthermore, the elastic material may include at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer, ethylene propylene diene rubber, or a polyurethane-based elastomer. Additionally, it is preferable that an elastic member be interposed between the upper plate and the lower plate. Furthermore, the upper plate and the lower plate may be spaced apart from each other through the elastic member. Furthermore, it is preferable that the elastic member be manufactured by mixing one or at least two of butadiene polymer, a copolymer with styrene, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, or polyvinyl chloride. Additionally, a fitting projection formed on one side of the upper plate may be coupled to a fitting hole formed on one side of the lower plate. Furthermore, it is preferable that a reinforcing member be formed on at least one surface of at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate in at least one of the horizontal, vertical, or diagonal directions. Additionally, a drainage hole may be formed on one side of the reinforcing member of the lower plate, and the drainage hole may be formed at a position corresponding to each other in each reinforcing member. Also, It is preferable that the first coupling member has a support formed to partition the coupling hole, and the second coupling member further includes a guide member that is formed to protrude upward or downward from one side of the fixed body and is supported on one side of the support when the locking wing is inserted into the coupling hole. In addition, the second coupling member includes a first fastening unit in which one locking wing is formed to extend downward from the fixed body, and a second fastening unit in which a pair of locking wings are formed to extend downward from the fixed body in a spaced-apart state, wherein the adjacent first fastening unit and second fastening unit may be arranged in an intersecting direction perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the upper plate and the lower plate are manufactured through an injection molding process, and it is preferable that the upper plate has a greater shrinkage amount than the lower plate during the cooling process, and that the upper plate is coupled to the lower plate while in a laterally stretched state.

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[0045] According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

[0046] First, shock absorption capabilities can be dramatically improved through a multi-layered structure that combines a top plate containing an elastic material with a rigid bottom plate. This reduces the burden on the user's knees or joints and minimizes the risk of injury, while the graphene added to the top plate enhances tensile strength and durability, enabling stable long-term use. This fundamentally resolves the limitations of shock absorption and durability inherent in conventional flooring materials made of a single polypropylene material.

[0047] Second, by mixing an elastic material with a high coefficient of friction with polypropylene and forming a top plate, the frictional force on the product surface can be increased to effectively prevent slip accidents, and the safety of the user can be reliably ensured, especially in wet environments or during rain.

[0048] Third, the bonding force between the mats can be maximized through the interlocking structure of the top and bottom plates, the heterogeneous bonding structure, and the bonding structure using bidirectional locking wings. In addition, the tension bonding structure of the top plate effectively prevents product deformation and ensures long-term durability. In particular, the structure in which the first and second fastening units are arranged in an alternating manner further enhances the robustness of the bond, allowing the floor to maintain a stable condition without separation or damage even during prolonged use.

[0049] Fourth, by applying materials with different physical properties to the top and bottom plates, a functionally complementary structure can be formed. For example, a bottom plate with high tensile strength provides shape stability, while an elastic top plate is responsible for shock absorption and anti-slip functions, thereby organically combining the characteristics of each material. Through this, complex functions such as shock absorption and anti-slip can be effectively implemented in a single product.

[0050] Fifth, the product's lifespan can be extended through excellent durability and bonding strength, and maintenance costs can be reduced as it can be used for a long period without frequent replacement or repair. This can consequently contribute to reducing facility operating costs.

[0051] Through these effects, the present invention overcomes the limitations of conventional sports flooring and provides a safer, more functional, and more economical flooring for sports and landscaping facilities. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laminated sports flooring material according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a laminated sports flooring material according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the bottom surface of a bottom plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4a is an enlarged view of 'A' shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4b is an enlarged view of 'B' shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a laminated sports flooring material according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of 'C' shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a bottom plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of 'D' shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the bottom surface of a top plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the state in which a bottom plate according to the present embodiment is installed on the ground. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a second coupling member is coupled to a first coupling member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a bottom plate and an adjacent bottom plate are combined and installed according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating the state in which the top plate is coupled to the bottom plate according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the state in which the top plate is combined with the bottom plate according to the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a laminated sports flooring material according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of 'A' shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a laminated sports flooring according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of 'B' shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an elastic member according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating the state in which a laminated sports flooring material according to an embodiment of the present invention is compressed. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0054] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it can be implemented in various modified forms within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laminated sports flooring according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a laminated sports flooring according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the bottom surface of a bottom plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4a and 4b are enlarged views of parts 'A' and 'B' of FIG. 2, respectively, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a laminated sports flooring according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of 'C' indicated in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a bottom plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of 'D' indicated in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the bottom surface of a top plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The laminated sports flooring according to the present embodiment includes a bottom plate (10) installed on the ground and a top plate (20) formed to have elasticity and coupled to the upper part of the bottom plate (10).

[0058] This embodiment is characterized by a laminated structure of the top plate (20) and the bottom plate (10) and the material properties of each layer, as well as a rigid bonding mechanism and structural reinforcement between the top plate (20) and the bottom plate (10). This design is configured to significantly improve the performance and durability of the flooring material, allowing the user to enjoy sports activities more safely and comfortably.

[0059] The bottom plate (10) is located at the very bottom of the laminated sports flooring and is installed directly on the ground to provide stable support and fixation for the entire flooring. As the foundation of the flooring, it performs a key structural role in withstanding various loads generated during sports activities and protecting the top plate (20) placed on top of it. Since the robustness and stability of the bottom plate (10) directly affect the durability of the entire flooring system and user safety, its design and material selection are very important.

[0060] Accordingly, the bottom plate (10) can be made of a polymer synthetic resin material, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyoxymethylene (POM), which has excellent shape stability, strength, durability, and weather resistance. Such polymer synthetic resin materials exhibit excellent performance not only in general environments but also in extreme environments.

[0061] For example, its excellent resistance to moisture prevents deformation or corrosion caused by humidity in indoor and outdoor environments, while its strong resistance to temperature changes effectively prevents the flooring from shrinking or expanding and deforming due to hot sunlight in summer or low temperatures in winter.

[0062] In addition, excellent resistance to ultraviolet rays and chemicals prevents material deterioration caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight during outdoor installation and provides resistance to various chemicals used in cleaning and maintenance processes, which can extend the lifespan of the flooring.

[0063] Due to these physical properties, the bottom plate (10) can maintain stable performance for a long period in various indoor and outdoor environments.

[0064] Furthermore, the bottom plate (10) may be mixed with additives such as tensile strength reinforcing agents, UV blockers, flame retardants, and impact reinforcing agents as needed to further enhance adaptability to specific environments.

[0065] For example, the bottom plate (10) is a component for ensuring joint stability with the top plate (20) and supporting the structural rigidity of the entire floor, and must be able to structurally compensate for the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the top plate (20) containing an elastic material.

[0066] In particular, in this embodiment, the top plate (20) contains elastic materials such as rubber powder, so the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength tend to be lower than those of a single polypropylene, which may impair the strength balance of the entire flooring material. To compensate for this relative weakness of the top plate (20), it is necessary to ensure excellent tensile strength and structural stability in the bottom plate (10).

[0067] Accordingly, in this embodiment, the bottom plate (10) is formed from a mixture of a first synthetic resin and a reinforcing agent, wherein the mixture may consist of 70 to 90 parts by weight of the first synthetic resin and 10 to 30 parts by weight of the reinforcing agent per 100 parts by weight of the mixture. Here, the first synthetic resin is polypropylene (PP), and the reinforcing agent may be selected from at least one of glass fiber, carbon fiber, or mineral additive.

[0068] In particular, mineral additives can be broadly classified into fiber-based additives such as glass fibers and carbon fibers, and inorganic mineral additives such as calcium carbonate, talc, and kaolin, and each of these improves mechanical performance in different ways when combined with polypropylene.

[0069] First, glass fiber is an inorganic reinforcing fiber based on silica (SiO2) that has very high tensile strength and elastic modulus and is resistant to deformation. When glass fiber is dispersed within polypropylene resin, the fibers form a load-bearing skeletal structure, which serves to suppress cracking or breakage by more widely distributing stress caused by external forces. As a result, the tensile strength, flexural strength, and heat resistance of the base plate are significantly improved, and in particular, load distribution and resistance to repeated impact are enhanced.

[0070] Carbon fiber is a high-performance material capable of providing higher tensile strength and stiffness than glass fiber, and it is lightweight with excellent structural stability. When composited with polypropylene, carbon fibers uniformly dispersed within the resin suppress volume shrinkage and effectively prevent dimensional changes or deformation under high-load conditions.

[0071] Meanwhile, mineral additives are widely utilized not only for mechanical reinforcement but also for processability and economic efficiency. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3), a commonly used additive, improves appearance quality due to its fine particles and high whiteness, and is advantageous for enhancing dimensional stability by promoting resin crystallization. These characteristics help suppress shrinkage deformation after molding and maintain a consistent shape for an extended period.

[0072] Talc has a plate-like particle structure and is advantageous for improving flexural strength and stiffness. Additionally, it improves frictional properties and thermal stability, making it suitable for structures subjected to repeated loads.

[0073] Kaolin improves heat resistance and wear resistance, and is effective in ensuring long-term durability.

[0074] These reinforcing agents complement the physical properties of polypropylene according to their respective characteristics and simultaneously improve the mechanical performance of the bottom plate (10). To explain in more detail, as described below, the top plate (20) contains an elastic material including rubber powder, so while it has excellent shock absorption, it tends to have relatively lower mechanical strength, such as tensile strength and flexural strength. On the other hand, the bottom plate (10) with added reinforcing agents can secure high tensile strength and structural rigidity, so when the top plate (20) and the bottom plate (10) are combined, the characteristics of both materials act in a mutually complementary manner. That is, the top plate (20) is responsible for shock absorption and securing grip, while the bottom plate provides shape retention and structural support, thereby simultaneously improving shock absorption, safety, and durability.

[0075] The applicant conducted a tensile strength test to demonstrate the effect of improving mechanical properties according to the material composition of the bottom plate (10) proposed in this embodiment.

[0076] Specifically, the experimental specimen was prepared using a mixed composition consisting of 75 parts by weight of polypropylene and 25 parts by weight of calcium carbonate, based on a total of 100 parts by weight, while the comparative specimen was prepared using 100% polypropylene, that is, a single material of polypropylene. Tensile tests were performed on the experimental and comparative specimens prepared in this manner according to ASTM D638 standards, and a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) was used as the measuring equipment. The experiment was conducted under standard environmental conditions, and the measurement item was set to tensile strength to objectively evaluate the structural reinforcement effect of the polypropylene composite mixed with calcium carbonate compared to single polypropylene.

[0077] The tensile strength of the test specimen manufactured under the above conditions was measured according to ASTM D638 standards, and a value of approximately 280 kgf / ㎠ was obtained.

[0078] This is a value of approximately 2.2 times that of a top plate (20) made with 20 parts by weight of rubber powder and 0.1 parts by weight of graphene per 100 parts by weight of the total composition, showing a structurally significant difference.

[0079] In addition, the tensile strength of the comparative specimen made of a single polypropylene material was found to be 238 kgf / cm², which is significantly lower than the tensile strength of the experimental specimen.

[0080] In other words, these experimental results demonstrate that the mechanical strength is substantially improved compared to polypropylene alone by adding reinforcing agents such as calcium carbonate to the bottom plate material; at the same time, they show that when combined with a top plate, which has relatively reduced strength due to rubber powder, the bottom plate can effectively complement the mechanical stability and shape retention capabilities of the entire structure.

[0081] In addition, the bottom plate (10) can be formed with a thickness of about 13 mm and can be manufactured in the form of a square plate of 300 mm x 300 mm. These standardized specifications maximize ease of transport, storage, and construction, and increase compatibility between modules, enabling fast and efficient installation. Furthermore, only the damaged parts can be easily replaced, which has the effect of reducing maintenance costs and time.

[0082] Also, the bottom plate (10) prevents slipping when placed on the ground, and may have protrusions, grid-shaped ribs, or patterns formed on its bottom surface. This structure increases friction with the ground to prevent the flooring module from coming off and serves to firmly fix the flooring so that it does not move during sports activities.

[0083] Additionally, the bottom plate (10) is formed with at least one of a first reinforcing member (11a) connecting two opposing vertices on one side of the bottom surface of the support plate (11) described later, or a second reinforcing member (11b) connecting opposing corners, thereby reinforcing structural rigidity.

[0084] These reinforcing bars are generally formed in the shape of reinforcing ribs with a thickness of about 4 mm at the edges of the product, the central cross section, and the diagonal end of the product to prevent deformation of the bottom plate (10) and maintain flatness.

[0085] The first reinforcing member (11a) increases torsional rigidity in the diagonal direction to suppress warping of the flooring material even under uneven loads, and the second reinforcing member (11b) reinforces the rigidity of the central part to induce uniform load distribution and prevent local sagging.

[0086] This multi-reinforcement structure can extend the lifespan of the flooring by preventing structural problems that may occur when the flooring is exposed to heavy loads or repetitive impacts, and can always provide users with a stable surface.

[0087] Additionally, a drainage hole (L) may be formed at the bottom of the first reinforcing member (11a) and the second reinforcing member (11b) to enable effective drainage. This drainage hole (L) allows rainwater or contaminants to drain smoothly without accumulating, thereby reducing corrosion and contamination of the product and providing the effect of inhibiting the growth of mold and microorganisms. This helps maintain the hygienic condition of the flooring material at a certain level and creates an environment suitable for long-term use. In particular, when installed outdoors, the drainage function can have a certain impact on the lifespan and performance maintenance of the flooring material.

[0088] In addition, it is more desirable that each drainage hole (L) formed in the second reinforcing member (11b) be formed at a position corresponding to one another so that rainwater or contaminants can be easily discharged to the outside.

[0089] Looking more closely at the configuration of the bottom plate (10) as described above, the bottom plate (10) is configured to include a support plate (11), a first connecting member (12) and a second connecting member (13) formed on the support plate (11), and is firmly connected to adjacent bottom plates (10) in the left-right and up-down directions to ensure the integrity of the entire flooring material and prevent the occurrence of gaps. Through this, the ease of construction of the modular flooring material can be maintained, while providing connection stability comparable to that of an integrated flooring material.

[0090] The support plate (11) is a part that forms the basic plate shape of the bottom plate (10), stably supports the top plate (20), and constitutes the basic surface area of ​​the flooring material. This is a key component that determines the physical characteristics of the bottom plate (10).

[0091] The first connecting member (12) protrudes from the outer edge of the bottom plate (10) to ensure connectivity with the adjacent bottom plate (10), and a plurality of them are formed extending outward from each of the two adjacent corners of the support plate (13), for example, the right and upper corners, and a connecting hole (12a) is formed on one side.

[0092] This first connecting member (12) serves as an interface for connecting to an adjacent lower plate (10), and is formed with a corresponding size and shape so that the second connecting member (13), described later, can be inserted and firmly fixed.

[0093] A second connecting member (13) is formed with multiple downward protrusions from each of the other two corners of the support plate (11), namely the left and lower corners, and is fitted into the first connecting member (12) of the adjacent lower plate (10).

[0094] To explain the configuration of the second coupling member (13) in more detail, the second coupling member (13) may include a plurality of fixing bodies (13a) formed at each of two different corners of the support plate (11), and a locking wing (13b) formed protruding upward from the fixing body (13a).

[0095] Here, the fixed body (13a) is formed in a roughly rectangular block shape and serves to stably support the locking wing (13b), thereby improving durability against pressure applied to the joint area and loads occurring during use, so that the joint between adjacent bottom plates (10) can be maintained more firmly and stably.

[0096] As previously described, the locking wing (13b) is formed to protrude upward from the fixed body (13a), and at least one locking projection (13ba) is provided at its end. This locking wing (13b) is inserted into the coupling hole (12a) of the adjacent lower plate (10), and the locking projection (13ba) is engaged with one side of the first coupling member (12) of the corresponding lower plate (10).

[0097] This locking projection (13ba) structure provides relatively high fixing force compared to a simple unidirectional snap-fit ​​connection, and prevents the connection from being easily released even when external tensile force, vibration, or impact is applied. By utilizing the characteristics of a snap-fit ​​method, this structure can simultaneously ensure ease of construction and stability of the connection.

[0098] Meanwhile, the first coupling member (12) according to the present embodiment may include a support member (12b) that partitions the coupling hole (12a) on one side of the inner surface where the coupling hole (12a) is formed. Additionally, the second coupling member (13) is formed such that a guide member (13c) protrudes downward from one side corresponding to the support member (12b) of the fixed body (13a), and when the locking wing (13b) is inserted into the coupling hole (12a), the guide member (13c) is supported on one side of the support member (12b) to induce a stable coupling.

[0099] The support member (12b) and the guide member (13c) guide the second coupling member (13) to the correct position during the process of inserting it into the coupling hole (12a), and support one side of the second coupling member (13) after the coupling is completed to reduce shaking. This improves the accuracy of the coupling and alleviates the accumulation of fatigue caused by repetitive loads on the coupling part during long-term use, thereby improving the durability of the product. Additionally, by ensuring that the insertion position and direction of the second coupling member (13) are maintained uniformly, the variation in coupling strength between the bottom plates (10) being coupled can be minimized.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, when a plurality of second connecting members (13) are formed at each corner of the bottom plate (10), it is preferable that the plurality of second connecting members (13) be formed to intersect in the horizontal and vertical directions with respect to the plane of the bottom plate (10).

[0101] This cross arrangement increases resistance to forces applied from various directions, thereby enhancing the overall stability of the flooring and enabling it to effectively respond to the complex forces that may occur during sports activities.

[0102] Furthermore, the second connecting member (13) may be configured to include a first fastening unit (13') in which a single locking wing (13b) is formed extending upward from the fixed body (13a); and a second fastening unit (13'') in which a pair of locking wings (13b) are formed extending upward from the fixed body (13a) in a spaced-apart state.

[0103] At this time, it is preferable that the plurality of second connecting members (13) are formed such that the first connecting unit (13') and the second connecting unit (13'') intersect with respect to the plane of the bottom plate (10).

[0104] This multi-directional and multi-unit bonding method offers superior fixing strength compared to unidirectional bonding and can improve resistance characteristics against various directional loads, such as tension, compression, and shear, acting on the flooring. Consequently, the flooring can maintain a structurally stable state even under complex dynamic load situations, such as sudden directional changes or jump landings that may occur during sports activities, thereby providing a safer environment for users.

[0105] The top plate (20) is attached to the upper part of the bottom plate (10) to form the surface of the flooring material that comes into direct contact with the user. The top plate (20) forms the exterior of the flooring material while simultaneously absorbing shocks generated during sports activities and preventing slipping. In particular, as the surface of the top plate (20) is a factor related to user safety, it is required to secure appropriate friction and shock absorption performance.

[0106] Accordingly, the top plate (20) according to the present embodiment is formed to have elasticity, and excellent elastic recovery and shock absorption performance can be provided by mixing an elastic material with a basic material such as polypropylene (PP). In particular, the elastic material used in manufacturing the top plate (20) can provide elasticity to the top plate (20) to improve shock absorption performance and increase friction on the product surface to provide anti-slip function, and is designed to maintain a constant coefficient of friction even in particularly dry or wet environments, thereby maximizing user safety.

[0107] To explain this in detail, the top plate (20) is injection molded using a mixed composition consisting of the polypropylene (PP) and an elastic material described above. At this time, it is preferable that the elastic material include at least one of an elastomer or a polyurethane-based elastomer to secure the physical properties required for the top plate composition of the sports flooring material (1).

[0108] Elastomers are polymeric materials possessing elasticity and resilience similar to rubber. They have the characteristic of deforming under external load and returning to their original shape once the load is removed. When applied to laminated sports flooring, these properties are advantageous for effectively absorbing and dispersing impacts generated during exercise, thereby alleviating the strain on joints and reducing the risk of injury.

[0109] Furthermore, elastomers ensure the surface stability of flooring by maintaining high resilience even under repetitive loads, and provide a safe usage environment by preventing slips through an appropriate coefficient of friction. They can reduce noise caused by exercise equipment or user movements through vibration absorption properties, and feature excellent wear resistance and durability, resulting in relatively minimal degradation of physical properties even after long-term use.

[0110] Polyolefin Elastomer (POE), which can be used as an example of an elastomer, is a polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer that offers low hardness, excellent elastic recovery, and superior shock absorption performance, while also demonstrating excellent compatibility with various polymers. Furthermore, POE has good processability and maintains stable physical properties even at low temperatures, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor laminated sports flooring. In particular, it maintains structural stability under repetitive loads and is ideal for ensuring the long-term durability of flooring materials.

[0111] Meanwhile, ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) is a type of synthetic rubber that possesses excellent properties in terms of weather resistance, heat resistance, ozone resistance, and chemical stability required for outdoor laminated sports flooring. It has excellent resistance to external environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays, rain, and temperature changes, allowing it to maintain its initial performance for a long period without discoloration or deterioration. Additionally, it provides excellent elasticity, shock absorption, and a high coefficient of friction, thereby satisfying the core physical properties of laminated sports flooring. These properties of EPDM effectively enable the top plate (20) to respond flexibly to user movements and provide stable grip without slipping.

[0112] Polyurethane-based elastomers that can be used include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermosetting polyurethane (Thermoset PU or cast polyurethane), microcellular polyurethane (Microcellular PU), and high-hardness polyurethane (High Hardness PU). These materials generally possess characteristics such as high mechanical strength, excellent wear resistance, elasticity, and adhesion.

[0113] In particular, it exhibits excellent durability against repetitive loads even in environments where intense sports activities take place, making it suitable for flooring in indoor arenas such as basketball and volleyball courts. Furthermore, equipped with shock absorption performance and appropriate energy rebound characteristics, it alleviates the load burden on users, reduces the risk of injury during exercise, and contributes to maintaining a certain level of athletic performance. Since it can be applied in a liquid state, it enables the creation of a seamless, continuous surface, which prevents the accumulation of dust and foreign matter and offers advantages in terms of hygiene management.

[0114] This mixture of polypropylene and elastic material provides two main functions to the top plate (20).

[0115] First, the top plate (20) is made of polypropylene to have a certain rigidity, while also providing excellent elasticity to the top plate (20) through the properties of the elastic material, thereby effectively absorbing the impact energy generated when the user jumps or lands.

[0116] This acts as a shock absorber to cushion impacts and minimize the burden on joints, thereby reducing the risk of injury. Furthermore, due to its excellent ability to absorb and release energy, it provides the necessary rebound force when the user transitions to the next movement.

[0117] Second, the elastic material increases the friction coefficient of the surface of the top plate (20), thereby dramatically improving the anti-slip performance. In particular, it effectively prevents accidents where the user slips and falls in sports such as basketball and badminton, where rapid changes in direction are required.

[0118] In particular, in the case of elastomer-based materials, the tackiness characteristic of rubber increases friction between the foot and the flooring, providing stable support.

[0119] In addition, the top plate (20) according to the present embodiment includes a small amount of graphene in addition to polypropylene and an elastic material. Graphene is a carbon-based nanomaterial having a single-layer or few-layer plate-like structure and possesses excellent mechanical strength and thermal conductivity. Due to these characteristics, graphene can act as a reinforcing material within the top plate to improve mechanical stability and durability. Furthermore, through its high specific surface area, graphene can suppress the occurrence or propagation of cracks by strengthening interfacial bonding with the second synthetic resin and the elastic material, and minimize deformation or damage even during long-term use. Moreover, the plate-like structure of graphene suppresses surface wear to increase wear resistance and maintains the friction characteristics of the product surface stably, thereby effectively preventing slip accidents even in wet environments.

[0120] Meanwhile, the top plate (20) is preferably made of a mixture composition comprising a second synthetic resin, an elastic material, and graphene, wherein the mixture composition comprises 80 to 95 parts by weight of the second synthetic resin, 5 to 20 parts by weight of the elastic material, and 0.01 to 0.2 parts by weight of graphene, with respect to 100 parts by weight of the mixture composition, and is manufactured by injection molding.

[0121] The top plate (20) manufactured with this mixed composition exhibits optimal elasticity and shock absorption performance, while also significantly improving tensile strength and durability. In addition, the surface of the top plate maintains stable friction characteristics, thereby improving anti-slip performance and minimizing degradation of physical properties even during long-term use. Furthermore, the addition of graphene suppresses crack formation and increases wear resistance, allowing excellent performance to be stably maintained under various environmental conditions.

[0123] The following is an experimental example in which examples and comparative examples were constructed and physical property evaluations were performed to analyze changes in physical properties according to changes in rubber content and graphene content when graphene is added to the composition.

[0124] The specimens were formed by extrusion, comprising polypropylene (PP), an elastic material, polyolefin elastomer (POE, hereinafter referred to as “rubber”), and graphene. Examples 1 to 8 were prepared by varying the rubber content to 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, and 5 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the total composition, while fixing the graphene content at 0.10 parts by weight for each example, and a comparative example was additionally prepared by adding only graphene at 0.10 parts by weight to a single polypropylene material.

[0125] In addition, specimens were prepared by varying the amount of graphene added to 0.00, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 parts by weight while keeping the rubber content fixed at 5 parts by weight, and these were designated as Examples 1-G to 6-G and Comparative Example-G.

[0126] Mixing was performed using an internal mixer and a two-stage extruder, and all compositions were extruded under identical temperature and velocity conditions. After molding, standard dumbbell-shaped specimens were cut and physical properties were measured according to ASTM standards, and the measurement items and methods are as follows.

[0128] ■ Tensile Strength (Yield Point): ASTM D-638

[0129] ■ Elongation (Break Point): ASTM D-638

[0130] ■ Flexural Modulus: ASTM D-790

[0131] ■ Flexural Strength: ASTM D-790

[0132] ■ Izod Impact Strength (23℃): ASTM D-256

[0133] ■ Rockwell Hardness (R-Scale): ASTM D-785

[0134] ■ Specific Gravity: ASTM D-792

[0136] Each specimen was molded under identical manufacturing conditions (extrusion temperature, cooling conditions, etc.), and physical property tests were performed in batches using the same testing equipment. The experimental results are shown in the following Tables 2 and 3.

[0137]

[0138] < Results of physical properties according to graphene (0.10 parts by weight) immobilization and changes in rubber content >

[0139]

[0140] < PP / Rubber = 95 / 5 Fixed, Property Results According to Variation in Graphene Content >

[0142] In the first experimental group (Table 1), the rubber content was varied while the graphene content was fixed at 0.10 parts by weight. As a result, as the rubber content increased, the flexural modulus decreased, showing a tendency for the material to become increasingly flexible. This is attributed to the inherent ductility properties of rubber. However, in Examples 1 to 4, where the rubber content was excessively high, the flexural modulus was excessively low at 1,430 to 3,650 kgf / ㎠, raising concerns that the top plate would be excessively soft and shape stability would be compromised. On the other hand, in Examples 5 to 7, where the rubber content was 20 to 10 parts by weight, the flexural modulus ranged from 4,000 to 6,350 kgf / ㎠, ensuring a balance between flexibility and shape stability. In addition, in this range, the tensile strength was 129 to 175 kgf / ㎠, the flexural strength was 142 to 236 kgf / ㎠, and the impact strength was 40 to 43 kgcm / cm, showing results that simultaneously satisfied the mechanical properties and shock absorption performance required for laminated sports flooring plates.

[0143] In addition, in Examples 9 and 10, as the rubber content was reduced to 5 parts by weight or less, the tensile strength (192 to 260 kgf / cm²) and flexural strength (293 to 430 kgf / cm²) increased, but the flexural modulus became excessively high at 8,250 to 12,200 kgf / cm², showing a tendency for the material to become excessively hard. Consequently, the impact strength was at the level of 44 to 45 kgcm / cm, and the disadvantage of relatively poor shock absorption performance was observed due to reduced elastic recovery. In other words, the results of this experiment confirmed that the compositional ratios of Examples 5 to 8 are the most suitable for securing the physical properties of the top plate, and in particular, the compositional ratios of Examples 5 to 7 are considered to be very desirable compositions as they exhibit the best balance of tensile strength, stiffness, and elasticity.

[0144] In the second experimental group (Table 2), the rubber content was fixed at 5 parts by weight and the graphene content was varied. Comparative Example-G, which did not contain graphene, and Example 1-G, which contained 0.005 parts by weight, showed slight improvements in tensile strength and flexural strength with the addition of graphene, but the impact strength remained at 34 kgcm / cm due to the insufficient absolute amount of graphene, indicating a weak effect on improving physical properties.

[0145] On the other hand, in Examples 2-G to 5-G, in which graphene was added in an amount of 0.01 to 0.20 parts by weight, significant improvements were made in tensile strength to 179 to 192 kgf / cm² and flexural strength to 242 to 244 kgf / cm², while impact strength was stably maintained at 34 to 35 kgcm / cm. This is attributed to the fact that graphene is uniformly dispersed within the composition and, due to its high specific surface area, strengthens interfacial bonding with polypropylene and rubber, thereby suppressing crack propagation and alleviating stress concentration. In particular, Examples 3-G and 4-G showed the best balance between tensile strength and impact strength, confirming them as the optimal compositions.

[0146] However, in Example 6-G, where the amount of graphene was increased to 0.30 parts by weight, the tensile strength actually decreased to 186 kgf / cm², and the impact strength also decreased to 32 kgcm / cm. This is analyzed to be because the excess graphene aggregated and was unevenly dispersed within the composition, inhibiting interfacial bonding and causing brittleness. In addition, it was observed that the excessive graphene reduced melt fluidity during injection molding, worsening processability and increasing the possibility of surface defects.

[0147] Overall, it was confirmed that when the graphene content is less than 0.01 parts by weight, the reinforcing effect is not sufficiently expressed, and when it exceeds 0.20 parts by weight, the physical properties deteriorate due to aggregation and reduced processability. Therefore, it was confirmed that limiting the amount of graphene added to the range of 0.01 to 0.20 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the mixed composition is most effective for securing key physical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and flexural modulus in a balanced manner.

[0148] In addition, when designing the composition of the top plate (20) of the laminated sports flooring (1), sufficient understanding and consideration of the load and impact occurring in the usage environment are required to ensure the safety of the athlete, the improvement of athletic performance, and the durability of the flooring itself. This is because the flooring is repeatedly exposed to various physical forces due to the athlete's movements, the use of exercise equipment, unexpected falls, etc.

[0149] To quantitatively determine the effects of such forces, the concept and calculation of loads must be understood first. Generally, a load refers to the magnitude of the force applied to an object and is classified into static and dynamic loads.

[0150] Static load is a continuous force applied to an object while it is at rest, primarily caused by the object's weight. It is calculated as the product of the acceleration due to gravity (g) and the object's mass (m).

[0151]

[0152] ■ Here, F is force (N), m is mass (kg), and g is gravitational acceleration (approx. 9.8 m / s²) 2 )am.

[0153] Since laminated sports flooring must basically be able to stably support static loads such as the body weight of personnel including players, coaches, and referees, as well as sports equipment (e.g., basketball hoops, volleyball net supports), the compressive strength and thickness of the flooring must be designed sufficiently so that permanent deformation does not occur due to these static loads.

[0154] Dynamic load is a force generated when an object moves or accelerates, and its magnitude changes over time. It is calculated as the product of the object's mass (m) and acceleration (a).

[0155]

[0156] ■ Here, F is force (N), m is mass (kg), and a is acceleration (m / s²). 2 )am.

[0157] The instantaneous dynamic loads generated when an athlete begins to run, changes direction, or lands after a jump can be significantly greater than static loads because additional acceleration (a) occurs in addition to the athlete's body weight (m). For example, at the moment a basketball player lands after a powerful jump, a dynamic load several times greater than the athlete's body weight can be transmitted to the floor. Flooring materials must possess appropriate elasticity and resilience to withstand these dynamic loads while preventing excessive strain on the athlete's ankles or knees.

[0158] Next, let's first look at the impact calculation formula. Impact refers to the phenomenon where a large force is applied over a very short period of time and is closely related to the absorption and dispersion of kinetic energy. The impact force is difficult to measure directly due to the very short variable of the collision time, so it is mainly evaluated by energy change or impact absorption rate.

[0159] And, impact force can be expressed as the rate of change of an object's momentum.

[0160]

[0161] ■ Here F impactε is the impact force (N), Δp is the change in momentum, m is the mass (kg), Δv is the change in velocity (unit: m / s), and Δt is the collision time (s).

[0162] The key to this formula is Δt. Even for objects with the same mass and velocity change, the impact force increases rapidly as the collision time becomes shorter. Therefore, the laminated sports flooring according to one embodiment of the present invention operates on the principle of reducing the impact force transmitted to the athlete by increasing this collision time.

[0163] Impact energy refers to the amount of energy absorbed or transferred by flooring due to a collision. In the case of a falling object, initial potential energy is converted into impact energy.

[0164]

[0165] ■ Here, PE is potential energy (J), m is mass (kg), and g is gravitational acceleration (approx. 9.8 m / s²) 2 ), h is the drop height (m).

[0166] When an athlete lands after jumping from a specific height (h) or falls and touches the ground, their initial potential energy (PE) is converted into impact energy and transferred to the flooring material. The flooring material must effectively absorb and disperse this energy to prevent injury to the athlete.

[0167] The top plate composition of laminated sports flooring must be designed by comprehensively considering these load and impact characteristics.

[0168] In particular, elastic materials such as elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and polyurethane-based elastomers, as well as graphene, provide properties optimized for laminated sports flooring (1). These materials maintain a certain level of tensile strength while effectively increasing Δt through their inherent elasticity and resilience, causing the flooring to deform instantaneously upon impact. This corresponds to the above impact force formula ( By increasing the denominator Δt in ,Equation 3), the impact force (F impactIt results in a significant reduction of ). In other words, the impact transmitted to the athlete is smoothly dispersed, reducing the stress applied to the joints and muscles.

[0169] In addition, these elastic materials absorb impact energy ( It is possible to adjust the energy return rate by absorbing energy, dissipating some of it as heat energy, or appropriately returning some to the athlete. Absorbing too much energy can reduce the athlete's jumping power or propulsion, while absorbing too little increases the risk of injury; therefore, it is important to provide an optimal energy return rate tailored to the characteristics of each sport and the athlete's requirements.

[0170] Ultimately, beyond the function of a simple support surface, the load-bearing capacity and shock-absorbing characteristics of the laminated sports flooring must be scientifically designed to ensure user safety and adequately respond to loads and impacts occurring during a game. To meet these requirements, the composition and structural design of the top plate (20) according to the present embodiment can substantially contribute to realizing the key performance required of the laminated sports flooring, such as load distribution, impact reduction, and surface stability.

[0171] The top plate (20) can generally be formed with a thickness of about 8 mm and can be manufactured in a square shape of 300 mm x 300 mm, just like the bottom plate (10).

[0172] In addition, although not shown in the drawing, the surface of the top plate (20) may be formed with a special pattern, embossing, or fine protrusions to maximize anti-slip performance. This increases the friction coefficient of the surface of the top plate (20), providing stable grip even when the floor is wet due to sweat or water, thereby further enhancing safety, that is, effectively preventing the user from slipping on the wet floor.

[0173] In addition, the top plate (20) may also have at least one of a first reinforcing member (21) connecting two opposing vertices on one side of the bottom surface or a second reinforcing member (22) connecting opposing corners formed therein to strengthen structural rigidity.

[0174] This reinforcing member is formed along the edges of the product, the central cross section, and the diagonal direction of the product in the form of reinforcing ribs approximately 4 mm thick, similar to the reinforcing member of the bottom plate (10), to prevent deformation of the top plate (20) and maintain flatness. Through this, the top plate (20) can stably maintain its shape despite repeated impacts and friction, and can continuously provide a flat surface condition. This structure has advantageous features for improving the durability of the top plate (20) and preventing performance degradation even during long-term use.

[0175] Additionally, the top plate (20) is firmly bonded to the upper part of the bottom plate (10) to form a single integrated module. This laminated structure combines the support characteristics of the bottom plate (10) with the elastic and shock-absorbing characteristics of the top plate (20), thereby improving the mechanical stability and shock resistance of the entire product.

[0176] Looking closely at the joint structure of the upper plate (20) and the lower plate (10), a fitting hole (11c) is formed on one side of the upper surface of the lower plate (10), and a fitting projection (23) is formed on one side of the lower surface of the upper plate (20) that protrudes downward from a position corresponding to the fitting hole (11c) and is inserted into the fitting hole (11c) to be joined.

[0177] The insertion projection (23) is positioned on the lower part of the top plate (20) and is formed in a shape that allows for bidirectional coupling at a position corresponding to the insertion hole (11c), thereby enhancing the fixing force by engaging the left-right or up-down direction of the insertion hole (11c) when coupled. This bidirectional coupling structure prevents the top plate (20) from detaching or lifting and allows the coupled state to be maintained stably even in a repetitive usage environment.

[0179] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which a bottom plate according to the present embodiment is installed on the ground, FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a second coupling member according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a first coupling member, FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which a bottom plate and an adjacent bottom plate are coupled and installed according to the present embodiment, FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which a top plate is coupled to a bottom plate according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a state in which a top plate is coupled to a bottom plate according to the present embodiment.

[0180] The construction method and operation of a laminated sports flooring material according to an embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration will be explained with reference to the attached FIGS. 10 to 14 as follows.

[0182] Ground installation and fixing of the bottom plate

[0183] In the initial stage of construction, the bottom plate (10) is installed directly on a flat ground as shown in FIG. 10. A grid-shaped rib pattern is formed on the lower part of the bottom plate (10), which increases friction with the ground and ensures that the bottom plate (10) is stably fixed without shifting during construction or use.

[0184] This ensures the basic structural stability of the entire flooring and provides a certain level of support without the need for separate adhesives or anchors. Furthermore, it enhances construction convenience, enables environmentally friendly installation, and facilitates future relocation or reinstallation of the flooring.

[0185] In addition, the reinforcing structure formed by the first and second reinforcing members (11a, 11b)) formed together with a rib pattern on the bottom surface of the bottom plate (10) serves to increase the planar rigidity of the flooring material, and by dispersing the compressive force, torsional force, etc. generated when a user jumps or lands, thereby suppressing deformation of the entire structure from the bottom, the laminated sports flooring material (1) according to this embodiment can maintain stable performance without deformation even during high-intensity sports activities.

[0187] Connection between bottom plates

[0188] In order to install multiple bottom plates (10) over a large area, adjacent bottom plates (10) are joined together as shown in FIG. 11.

[0189] To this end, when a second coupling member (13) formed on one bottom plate (10) is positioned to correspond to the first coupling member (12) of an adjacent bottom plate (10) and then pressed and inserted, the locking wing (13b) of the second coupling member (13) is temporarily elastically deformed while passing through the coupling hole (12a), and then restored to its original shape after passing through and is locked and coupled inside the coupling hole (12a).

[0190] This snap-fit ​​connection method enables quick and accurate assembly without the need for separate tools or complex procedures, and once fastened, it does not easily detach even under external impact. This contributes to shortening construction time and reducing labor costs, while ensuring long-term stability through the robustness of the connection. Furthermore, by maximizing the advantages of modular installation, it offers the benefit of easy work even during future partial replacements or dismantling.

[0191] In particular, the first and second fastening units (13′, 13″) are arranged in an intersecting manner, so they exhibit stable resistance characteristics not only to simple tensile force but also to horizontal shear force and torsional load. This structure prevents the bottom plate (10) from warping and allows the entire bottom to function as an integrated structure, thereby enabling it to stably respond to loads in various directions that occur during sports activities.

[0193] Arrangement and joining of top plates

[0194] When the construction of the bottom plate (10) is completed, the top plate (20) is positioned on the top of the bottom plate (10) and joined, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. A fitting projection (23) is formed protruding from the bottom surface of the top plate (20), and this is inserted vertically into a fitting hole (11c) provided on the top of the bottom plate (10).

[0195] At this time, the bidirectional coupling projection of the insertion projection (23) is simultaneously engaged in the left-right or up-down direction within the lower plate (10) in which the insertion hole (11c) is formed, and is fixed in a double direction rather than a single direction. This coupling method prevents the upper plate (20) from lifting, detaching, or twisting, and ensures that the upper plate (20) and the lower plate (10) are structurally integrated.

[0196] At this time, in this embodiment, since the injection-molded upper plate (20) has a slightly larger shrinkage rate than the lower plate (10) according to its physical properties during the cooling process, the corner portion of the upper plate (20) may be slightly stretched outward as shown in FIG. 14 while combined with the lower plate (10), resulting in pre-tension.

[0197] This pretension can be advantageous in suppressing gaps between flooring modules or surface lifting that may occur due to the shrinkage and expansion of materials caused by temperature changes. Furthermore, because it has the property of maintaining constant tension even in the face of external environmental changes, it can maintain surface flatness at a consistent level and effectively prevent separation between modules.

[0198] In addition, as described above, the top plate (20) and the bottom plate (10) are firmly joined to each other, so that the external force applied to the top plate (20) is transmitted to the bottom plate (10) in a dispersed state, causing the entire structure to react as a single layer. This structure increases shock absorption efficiency and improves the durability of the flooring material, while simultaneously maintaining the flatness of the floor surface for a long period through the integrated joining of the top and bottom plates, thereby providing a stable usage environment.

[0200] Operation mechanism during use after installation

[0201] The fully installed flooring, based on an integrated structure, effectively absorbs and disperses various types of loads generated when users run or land.

[0202] In particular, the top plate (20) that comes into direct contact with the user's foot is made of an elastic material containing graphene, which primarily absorbs external shocks to alleviate the load transmitted to the foot. This reduces the burden on the joints and suppresses the accumulation of fatigue even during long-term sports activities, while at the same time, the improvement in tensile strength due to graphene can significantly improve the durability of the top plate.

[0203] In addition, a material and pattern with high friction are formed on the surface of the top plate (20), so that it can prevent slipping during sports activities and maintain stable grip even in wet environments. This structure has the characteristic of suppressing slipping accidents in usage environments involving sudden changes in direction or fast movements, and improving user safety.

[0204] The remaining impact energy is then transferred to the bottom plate (10), and at this time, the two layers act as a single unit without separation or shaking due to the rigid interlocking structure of the top plate (20) and the bottom plate (10), thereby dispersing and cushioning the impact. This structural integration goes beyond a simple impact mitigation function and can lead to the prevention of damage to the joint, maintenance of shape stability, and an improvement in the lifespan of the product. In other words, the top plate and the bottom plate do not react individually but are linked as a single module structure to effectively absorb and disperse the impact, thereby improving the durability of the entire flooring material.

[0205] As such, the laminated sports flooring according to one embodiment of the present invention naturally implements each function at each construction stage and enables fast and robust construction without separate adhesives. Furthermore, by maintaining a stable structure against external forces such as high loads, repetitive impacts, and torsion during use, it provides an optimal sports activity environment and is characterized by satisfying all three key elements: ease of installation, efficiency of maintenance, and user safety and performance.

[0207] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a laminated sports flooring according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of 'A' shown in FIG. 15, FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a laminated sports flooring according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of 'B' shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an elastic member according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating the state in which a laminated sports flooring according to one embodiment of the present invention is compressed.

[0208] The basic configuration of the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 20 is the same as that of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10, but it is differentiated in that it is formed in a structure that maximizes the elasticity of the flooring material through the elastic member (30) interposed between the top plate (20') and the bottom plate (10') along with the material composition of the top plate (20') and minimizes damage to the top plate (20') and the bottom plate (10') caused by external impact.

[0209] To be more specific, the top plate (20') of this embodiment is manufactured by mixing polypropylene (PP), an elastic material, and graphene. This composition is intended to provide sufficient elasticity to the top plate (20') as described in Example 2, thereby imparting excellent elastic recovery, shock absorption, and anti-slip performance. This enhances the inherent function of the top plate (20') to mitigate direct impact applied to the user's foot and provide stable support.

[0210] Above all, the most significant feature of this embodiment is that it includes an elastic member (30) interposed between the upper plate (20') and the lower plate (10'), as described above.

[0211] The elastic member (30) performs an independent cushioning role that primarily absorbs and disperses the impact when the flooring material receives an external impact. This provides not only the elasticity of the top plate (20') itself, but also an additional shock absorption mechanism, that is, efficiently dissipating impact energy to significantly reduce the burden on the joints, thereby further enhancing user safety. This elastic member (30) can be formed in various shapes, such as wedges, plugs, or ball shapes.

[0212] And, the elastic member (30) according to the present embodiment is configured to include a body part (31) formed in a roughly cylindrical shape and a disc-shaped gap plate (32) formed on the upper part of the body part (31) having a diameter wider than the diameter of the body part (31), and the body part (31) is inserted into an installation hole (11d) provided on one side of the lower plate (10'), and the upper plate (20') is placed on the upper part of the gap plate (32) while the area corresponding to the outer periphery of the lower surface of the gap plate (32) is supported on the upper surface of the lower plate (10').

[0213] Accordingly, the elastic member (30) is positioned so as to protrude upward at a certain height from the upper surface of the lower plate (10″), thereby forming a vertical gap between the upper plate (20″) and the lower plate (10″). This protruding structure contributes to enhancing shock absorption performance by providing a free space for the elastic member to be freely compressed when subjected to an external impact. That is, when an impact is applied to the upper plate (20″), the impact is absorbed through the compressive deformation of the elastic member (30), and as a result, the gap between the upper plate and the lower plate is temporarily reduced. Subsequently, the impact energy is dissipated as it returns to its original position by the restoring force of the elastic member.

[0214] Such structural characteristics allow the elastic member to deform freely within a certain range upon impact, thereby controlling the repulsive force and elastic responsiveness of the entire flooring material and providing users with a stable yet appropriate rebound sensation, which can have a positive effect on improving exercise efficiency.

[0215] Furthermore, the spaced-apart space between the top plate (20') and the bottom plate (10') can provide an efficient soundproofing effect by forming an air layer. This air layer absorbs noise and reduces vibration, which can significantly contribute to reducing inter-floor noise, especially in indoor gymnasiums or multi-purpose halls.

[0216] The above-described elastic members (30) may be arranged in multiple numbers at regular intervals on the upper surface of the bottom plate (10'), and their shapes may be designed as circular, square, hexagonal, or various other shapes, and the size, height, number, and arrangement pattern of the elastic members (30) may be optimized by considering the required shock absorption performance, support strength of the flooring material, and material cost.

[0217] Such an elastic member (30) can be manufactured by mixing one or at least two of butadiene polymer (BR), copolymer with styrene (SBR), butyl rubber (IIR), silicone rubber (VMQ), fluororubber (FKM), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Each material has its own unique advantages and can be selectively used depending on the characteristics and purpose of the flooring material.

[0218] Here, the butadiene polymer (BR) provides excellent elasticity and wear resistance, which is advantageous for maintaining shape stability even under repeated impacts.

[0219] In addition, styrene polymer (SBR) is a general-purpose rubber material widely used in tires and other applications, characterized by excellent performance relative to its cost. In particular, while possessing properties similar to natural rubber, it exhibits excellent heat resistance, aging resistance, and wear resistance, thereby providing stable performance in various environments.

[0220] Furthermore, butyl rubber (IIR) exhibits very high gas impermeability and excellent weather and heat resistance, resulting in minimal performance degradation even when exposed to outdoor environments for extended periods. Additionally, its superior shock absorption and vibration damping characteristics make it advantageous in high-load environments or applications requiring precise shock absorption.

[0221] Silicone rubber (VMQ) maintains elasticity over a very wide temperature range (-60°C to 200°C) and has excellent heat resistance, cold resistance, and weather resistance. In addition, it is harmless to the human body, making it advantageous for creating eco-friendly flooring, and it has high safety features, to the extent that it can be used for medical or food applications.

[0222] Fluororubber (FKM) has excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance, and oil resistance, so it exhibits stable performance even in extreme environments. In particular, it can increase reliability as an elastic member (30) in special environments where there is a risk of exposure to chemicals.

[0223] Finally, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is strong and durable, can be made in various colors, can be made flexible by adding a plasticizer, has excellent chemical resistance, flame retardancy, and durability, and can be produced at a relatively low cost, making it most suitable as an elastic material (30).

[0225] The operation of a laminated sports flooring material according to another embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration is described as follows with reference to the attached FIG. 20.

[0226] When a user jumps or lands on the top plate (20'), the impact force generated is primarily absorbed by the elasticity of the top plate (20').

[0227] Next, the elastic member (30) interposed between the upper plate (20') and the lower plate (10') performs a secondary shock absorption function.

[0228] As the top plate (20') is pressed downward, it compresses the elastic member (30), and at this time, the elastic member (30) effectively absorbs and disperses impact energy through its own elastic deformation.

[0229] In addition, in this embodiment, the elastic member (30) is formed to protrude upward from the lower plate (10') to form a gap between the upper plate (20') and the lower plate (10'), thereby ensuring sufficient space for the elastic member (30) to be freely compressed upon impact, thus maximizing the cushioning effect.

[0230] The space formed between the upper plate (20') and the lower plate (10') by the elastic member (30) provides sufficient operating space so that the elastic member (30) can perform optimally and can reduce the risk of damage due to excessive compression.

[0231] Afterward, when the impact disappears, the elastic member (30) is immediately restored to its original shape, maintaining stable performance even under continuous impact.

[0232] This dual cushioning structure offers improved shock absorption performance compared to single-layer flooring, which is advantageous for reducing the strain on users' joints and lowering the risk of injury during sports activities. Additionally, it can help alleviate fatigue caused by prolonged exercise.

[0233] The rest of the structure is identical to the basic embodiment described above, so the remaining description will be omitted.

[0235] Although the present invention has been described in relation to the preferred embodiments mentioned above, various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the essence and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the appended claims will include such modifications and variations that fall within the essence of the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0237] 10, 10': Bottom plate 11: Support plate 11a: 1st reinforcement bar 11b: 2nd reinforcement bar 11c : Insert hole 11d : Installation hole 12: First connecting member 12a: Connecting hole 12b : Support 13 : Second connecting member 13' : 1st fastening unit 13'' : 2nd fastening unit 13a : Fixed body 13b : Locking wing 13ba: Stopper 13c: Guide member 20, 20': Top plate 21: First reinforcement 22: Second reinforcing bar 23: Insertion projection 30: Elastic member 31: Body part 32: Gap Plate L: Drainage Hole

Claims

Claim 1 A composition for sports flooring comprising a bottom plate and a top plate coupled to the upper portion of the bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate composition is formed by mixing 70 to 90 parts by weight of polypropylene and 10 to 30 parts by weight of a reinforcing agent as a material forming the bottom plate, and the top plate composition is formed by mixing 80 to 95 parts by weight of polypropylene, 5 to 20 parts by weight of an elastic material, and 0.01 to 0.2 parts by weight of graphene. Claim 2 A composition for sports flooring comprising graphene, wherein the elastic material comprises at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), or a polyurethane-based elastomer. Claim 3 In claim 1, the reinforcing agent is a composition for sports flooring comprising graphene, wherein any one of glass fiber, carbon fiber, or mineral additive is optionally used. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the above mineral additive is a graphene-containing sports flooring composition in which one of calcium carbonate, talc, and kaolin is used. Claim 5 A laminated sports flooring material comprising a bottom plate formed from a mixed composition for a bottom plate containing a polypropylene component, and a top plate formed from a mixed composition for a top plate containing polypropylene, an elastic material, and graphene, wherein the bottom plate comprises a support plate, a first coupling member formed at two adjacent corners of the support plate, and a second coupling member formed at two other corners of the support plate and coupled to the first coupling member of an adjacent bottom plate, wherein the second coupling member comprises a plurality of fixing bodies formed at the other two corners of the support plate, and a locking wing formed protruding upward or downward from the fixing body, having at least one locking projection formed at an end, and inserted into a coupling hole formed in the first coupling member, after which the locking projection is locked and coupled to one side of the first coupling member, wherein adjacent second coupling members among the plurality of second coupling members are arranged in a direction perpendicular to each other. Claim 6 In claim 5, the above elastic material comprises at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer, ethylene propylene diene rubber, or a polyurethane-based elastomer, forming a laminated sports flooring. Claim 7 In paragraph 5, a laminated sports flooring having an elastic member interposed between the upper plate and the lower plate. Claim 8 In claim 7, a laminated sports flooring in which the upper plate and the lower plate are spaced apart from each other through the elastic member. Claim 9 In claim 7, the elastic member is a laminated sports flooring material manufactured by mixing any one of butadiene polymer, copolymer with styrene, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, or at least two of these. Claim 10 In claim 5, a laminated sports flooring in which a fitting projection formed on one side of the upper plate is coupled to a fitting hole formed on one side of the lower plate. Claim 11 In claim 5, a laminated sports flooring having a reinforcing member formed on at least one surface of at least one of the top plate and the bottom plate in at least one of the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions. Claim 12 In claim 11, the lower plate has a drainage hole formed on one side of the reinforcing member, and each reinforcing member has the drainage hole formed at a position corresponding to one another, forming a laminated sports flooring. Claim 13 In claim 5, the laminated sports flooring further comprises a first coupling member having a support member formed to partition the coupling hole, and a second coupling member formed to protrude upward or downward from one side of the fixed body and a guide member supported on one side of the support member when the locking wing is inserted into the coupling hole. Claim 14 In claim 5, the second connecting member comprises a first fastening unit in which one of the locking wings is formed extending downward from the fixed body; and a second fastening unit in which a pair of the locking wings are formed extending downward from the fixed body in a spaced-apart state, wherein the first fastening unit and the second fastening unit are formed intersectingly along the corners in directions perpendicular to each other, forming a laminated sports flooring. Claim 15 In claim 5, the upper plate and the lower plate are manufactured through an injection molding process, the upper plate has a greater shrinkage amount than the lower plate during the cooling process, and the upper plate is joined to the lower plate in a laterally stretched state, forming a laminated sports flooring. Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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