TODAY’S PATENT – FLOORING APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVED REDUCTION OF IMPACT FORCES DURING A FALL

The Flooring apparatus and systems for improved reduction of impact forces during a fall was invented by Samuel J. Simonson, Robert J. Michael on 24^th September 2013, bearing patent number US8539728B2.

This present invention is an invention which provides a flooring apparatus comprising: (a) a flooring plate; (b) a plurality of columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate, wherein at least some of the columns deform when the flooring plate is subjected to a pressure equal to or greater than a critical buckling pressure; and (c) a matrix material in at least partial contact with the columns. The present disclosure includes many variations of such apparatus, such as various column designs, material selection criteria, and end-use considerations. This invention also provides a flooring system for mitigating injuries associated with falls, the system comprising a plurality of flooring apparatus each provided in accordance the present disclosure. The flooring system can include one or more types of modular tiles, or any other configuration (such as mats).

The flooring apparatus contains flame retardant which is selected from the group consisting of alkyl phosphates, amino phosphates, phosphazenes, phosphorous, and halogenated derivatives of any of the foregoing and further comprises one or more anti-microbial materials contained within or on a surface of said flooring plate.