U.S. patent application number 12/260380 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-29 for shock absorbing, wheelchair accessible, recreational surface area and method of constructing same.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE SHANE GROUP. Invention is credited to Evan J. PARRY, Dwight C. SHANEOUR.
Application Number | 20100105492 12/260380 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42118051 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100105492 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHANEOUR; Dwight C. ; et
al. |
April 29, 2010 |
SHOCK ABSORBING, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE, RECREATIONAL SURFACE AREA
AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING SAME
Abstract
A recreational play area meeting a fall height requirement and
being constructed essentially of one or more layers of shock
absorbing synthetic material such as dimpled polystyrene, running
to a perimeter structure consisting of nailer boards and collector
drain. The shock absorbing layer is overlaid with polyethylene
synthetic turf filled with a sand/rubber mixture for added shock
attenuation.
Inventors: |
SHANEOUR; Dwight C.;
(Hillsdale, MI) ; PARRY; Evan J.; (Venice,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG BASILE
3001 WEST BIG BEAVER ROAD, SUITE 624
TROY
MI
48084
US
|
Assignee: |
THE SHANE GROUP
Hillsdale
MI
|
Family ID: |
42118051 |
Appl. No.: |
12/260380 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
472/92 ;
427/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 13/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
472/92 ;
427/136 |
International
Class: |
E01C 13/00 20060101
E01C013/00 |
Claims
1. A method of constructing a recreational surface area over a
stable base comprising the steps of: defining a perimeter of the
area; overlaying the area with one or more layers of shock
absorbing synthetic sheet material to a thickness providing a fall
height safety factor for the area; and overlaying the shock
absorbing material with synthetic turf.
2. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the step of defining the
perimeter includes the installation over the base of a nailer strip
and overlaying the area with a thin impervious membrane.
3. The method defined in claim 2 including the further step of
securing the impervious membrane to the nailer board strip.
4. The method of claim 1 further including the step of building a
collector drain in the base along at least part of the
perimeter.
5. The method defined in claim 4 wherein the step of building a
collector drain includes forming a trench, placing a perforated
drain pipe in the trench and substantially filling the trench with
stone.
6. The method of claim 2 including the further step of securing an
edge restraint to the nailer strip immediately adjacent the outer
edges of the shock absorbing material.
7. The method of claim 4 wherein the shock absorbing material
comprises multiple layers and the bottommost of said multiple shock
absorbing layers partially overlies the collector drain.
8. The method bf claim 1 wherein the base is graded toward the
perimeter.
9. The method of claim 1 including the further step of filling the
artificial turn With a granular mixture made up of sand and
rubber.
10. The method of claim 1 further including the step of grading the
area around and outside of the perimeter with top soil and natural
turf to be essentially flush with the synthetic turf overlying the
area.
11. A shock absorbing recreational surface constructed over a
stable, substantially flat base layer comprising: a base; at least
one layer of shock absorbing synthetic prefabricated sheet material
overlying the base; and a layer of synthetic turf overlying the
layer of shock absorbing synthetic sheet material.
12. A recreational surface area as defined in claim 11 wherein at
least part of the area perimeter is defined by a collector
drain.
13. A recreational surface as defined in claim 11 further including
a nailer strip installed on the base restrainingly adjacent said
layer of shock absorbing material, and an impervious sheet
underlying the shock absorbing layer and secured to said nailer
strip.
14. A recreational area as defined in claim 11 wherein the
synthetic turf is filled.
15. A resilient recreational area having a perimeter and
comprising: a surface; a layer of structurally bound resilient
material placed over the foundation surface and having a thickness
adequate to provide a predetermined degree of injury protection; a
layer of synthetic turf placed over the resilient material layer;
and a drain structure located adjacent at least a portion of the
perimeter.
16. A resilient recreational area as defined in claim 15 further
including an impervious drain blanket placed over the foundation
but under the resilient material layer and partially overlying the
drain structure.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to recreational play areas and more
particularly to a recreational play area with shock-absorbing
qualities for fall-caused injury protection constructed by laying
one or more layers of shock-absorbing material over a base such as
asphalt, concrete or dirt. The shock absorbing layer or layers are
then overlaid with synthetic turf to provide a natural appearance,
as well as high durability and low maintenance requirement. The
surface is also wheelchair accessible in that it provides a surface
which is uniform and low-friction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Recreational areas, such as playgrounds and/or playscapes,
have traditionally been characterized by dirt or turf surfaces
which provide only minimal protection against injury due to falls.
More recently, it has become popular to spread shredded rubber on
the recreational surface area, around and under swings, slides,
climbing bars and other recreational equipment. The principal
purpose of such shredded lubber is to provide shock absorption to
reduce the risk of injury associated with unintended falls.
[0003] These are significant disadvantages associated with the use
of loosely spread particulate or shredded rubber. For one, the
material is almost totally lacking in aesthetic value. It is also
difficult to travel in wheelchairs, scooters and similar devices
for the handicapped due, in large part to its irregularity and high
resistance to wheel travel. In addition, it provides relatively
poor traction. Further, the shredded rubber tends to get moved
around; i.e., the area at the base of a slide or an area
immediately under a swing is repeatedly contacted by children's
feet and the shredded rubber is pushed away until there is little
or no shock absorbing material in a critical area. In other areas,
it gets piled up. The shredded rubber can be redistributed by
raking but this requires regular maintenance, particularly after
days or even hours of heavy use.
[0004] In my co-pending application Ser. No. 11/732,298 filed Apr.
3, 2007 and assigned to The Shane Group, I describe a fall-safe
play surface using poured-in-place technology, the depth of the
poured material being selected to meet a fall-safe requirement or
standard. The poured layer is covered with synthetic turf.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of my invention, a shock
absorbing, fall safe, uniform recreational play surface area is
provided by laying one or more pre-fabricated layers of sheet-like
shock-absorbing material over a base; i.e., the desired fall height
safety function is met by selecting the number of layers of
material rather than by pouring. This greatly simplifies the
installation procedure and eliminates the need for mixing and
pouring materials. The shock attenuating material layers are
usually sold in rolls which are relatively easily transported and
which may be joined to one another by taping seams. The area is
defined by a base which may be natural or constructed of concrete
or asphalt. Because of the uniformity of the surface, it is easily
wheelchair accessible and low in maintenance.
[0006] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
a collector drain is created around at least part of the periphery
of the play area. At least one ply or layer of thin impervious
polymeric material is then placed over the base so as to extend to
the collector drain, the area preferably being sloped or grated
toward the collector drain. The impervious layer is then overlaid
with at least one layer of shock attenuating material which is then
topped with a synthetic turf of wear-resistant polyethylene or the
like. The turf may be filled with a mixture of sand and rubber to
provide additional shock protection.
[0007] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method of
constructing a recreation surface area over a base is provided. In
accordance with the method, the base area is leveled or graded
slightly toward a perimeter for drainage purposes. At least part of
the perimeter may be defined by the construction of a collector
drain filled, for example, with stone and containing a run of
perforated drain pipe. The defined area is then optionally overlaid
with a thin sheet of impervious; i.e., waterproof, polymeric
material to promote drainage to the collector drain. Thereafter one
or more layers of shock attenuating material are laid over the area
and the seams, if any, are taped. Additional layers may be used
where higher equipment is to be installed. The total thickness of
material may be selected to meet a standard such as ASTM 1292-04.
Thereafter, a layer of synthetic turf is placed over the impervious
layer or layers. The turf may be partially filled with a granular
mixture of sand and rubber.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The description herein makes reference to the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts
throughout the several views and wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recreational play area
which is constructed in accordance of the invention and on which
typical playground equipment is installed; and
[0010] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an illustrative construction
illustrating a collector drain.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a recreational or
playground surface area 10 having a perimeter 12 which is
essentially rectangular with right angle intersections; only a
portion of the perimeter 12 is shown. Outside of the perimeter 12,
the recreational area 10 is surrounded by natural turf 14; within
the recreational area 10, the topmost surface is a partially filled
synthetic turf 16 as hereinafter described in detail. The
rectangular shape of area 10 is merely illustrative as virtually
any shape may be created.
[0012] As is typical, playground equipment including a slide 18 and
a spring-mounted children's riding creature 20 are installed. The
slide 18 may have a height from about 3 to about 7 feet, the higher
height slides recommending requiring a higher fall height safety
factor than would be associated with the lower mounted children's
riding creature 20.
[0013] Referring to FIG. 2, a vertical sectional view along
perimeter 12 illustrates in detail the vertical structure of the
recreational area 10 and the manner in which it meets the adjacent
area of natural turf 14.
[0014] The first step in the construction method is to define the
area and to prepare a substantially level surface on a suitable
base which may be dirt, asphalt, concrete or other stable material.
The base surface is preferably prepared in such as way as to be
nearly flat but graded with a slope of between 0.5 and 1.0% toward
the perimeter 12 for drainage purposes from the interior area 10
toward the perimeter. A very large area with only natural perimeter
boundaries may be graded from the center outward. Other areas may
be graded in only one or two directions, particularly is they are
located on a sloped section of ground and/or abut a natural
boundary such as a wall or sidewalk.
[0015] The next step is to define at least a partial perimeter. The
first step, which is sometimes optional, is to build a collector
drain 26 which involves trenching below grade. More detail is
provided below. An accompanying step is to lay into the base 22 a
nailer strip 24 which, in this case, comprises a line of pressure
treated 2 inch by 6 inch nailer boards laid end-to-end along and
immediately within the interior side of the perimeter 12. A flat,
continuous surface must be prepared for the boards. The use of
these nailer boards naturally suggests a play area shape defined by
straight lines but which may have jogs or corners as is necessary
to accommodate other natural or manmade features in the play area.
In addition, the perimeter constructed in accordance with this
specification may be only partial and may be integrated with other
natural perimeter features such as walls, buildings, waterways or
sidewalks. Plastic nailer strips may also be used. In any event,
the perimeter is flush with adjacent turf and presents no obstacle
to wheelchairs and the like.
[0016] The collector drain 26 is approximately 20 inches deep and
is lined with a filter fabric of woven polypropylene filaments
forming a stable and durable network. This material is readily
permeable to water, non-biodegradable and resistant to soil
chemicals, acids and alkalis. It is commercially available in
rolls.
[0017] The drain trench 26 is filled with natural or crushed stone
32 and contains perforated pipe 30 to convey water to a storm sewer
or an adjacent waterway or a so-called French drain or simply a
reservoir or ditch. The collector drain is then filled with washed
natural and/or crushed stone with an average size of approximately
3/4 inch.
[0018] The perimeter-defining nailer boards 24 are then placed
along the side of the collector drain around as much of the
perimeter 12 of the recreational surface as is required. While wood
boards are satisfactory, other materials such as plastic may be
used.
[0019] The next step is to place over the base a continuous layer
34 of impervious, thin polymeric material, typically referred to as
a "geomembrane" which is approximately 20 mils in thickness. This
layer 34 comes in rolls and is laid over the entirety of the
surface area and spliced by tape as necessary. It runs over the
nailer board 24 and is secured thereto by nails 46 which also runs
through a restraint strip 48 for purposes hereinafter described.
The strip 48 may be plastic and has an L-shaped cross-section. The
geomembrane 34 is optional.
[0020] The next step is to overlay the impervious layer 34 with one
or more layers of shock absorbing, synthetic material layers 36,
38, 40, 42, the bottommost layer 36 extending partially over the
collector drain 26 as shown and fully over the nailer board 24. A
spike 44 or similar fastener is used to secure the lowermost layer
36 to the nailer board 24. In this case, four layers of shock
absorbing/attenuating material are shown giving a fall height
safety factor of over 8 feet. Each layer is approximately 3/4 inch
thick and, although it may be of varying construction, is
preferably itself a multilayer structure of which the center core
is 42 mil polystyrene with conical dimples numbering approximately
325 per square foot. The dimples are 3/8 inch in diameter at the
based and 5/16 inch in diameter at the top and the tops of the
dimples are flat. The outer layers which sandwich the polystyrene
sheet are nonwoven, polypropylene fabric glued to the tops of the
dimples as well as to the bottom surface of the center core. These
materials, along with the impervious layer 34 also help to convey
water horizontally from the play area up the field to and beyond
the collector drain 24. The layers 38, 40, 42 edge immediately up
to and are held in place by the edge restraint strip 48 as
shown.
[0021] Next, the entirety of the topmost layer 42 is overlaid with
synthetic turf 16 which is preferably partially filled with a
sand/rubber particulate material 49 to act as a ballast layer and
also contribute to the shock absorbing character of the overall
structure. A preferred synthetic turf is Radicci 69 oz.
polyethylene and SF1 polypropylene with a pile height of about 13/4
inch and a weight of about 10 lbs. per linear foot in a 15 foot
width. Seams are taped during installation.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, a surrounding area of natural turf 14 is
graded to be essentially flush with the fill of the synthetic turf
16 at the perimeter 12 so as to create a natural integration or
flow from the synthetic turf 16 to the natural turf 14.
[0023] In accordance with the invention, the number of layers of
shock absorbing material may vary from one to four or more as
required by the fall height requirements or standards or
recommendations associated with the equipment on the recreational
surface 10. The base surface may, as described above, be of any of
a number of suitable materials or combinations thereof. The grading
may be accomplished by scraping a natural surface area down to a
base layer or by simply flattening or preparing a base layer and
grading the surrounding area of natural turf 14 up to it. The
entire base may slope in one direction toward a collector drain or
may be highest in the center and slope in all directions toward a
surrounding perimeter 12. All synthetic materials used in the
surface are completely recyclable. These and other variations will
be apparent to those skilled in the art.
* * * * *