U.S. patent application number 14/698197 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-13 for non-slip surfaces and methods for creating same.
The applicant listed for this patent is George L. Fischer. Invention is credited to George L. Fischer.
Application Number | 20150225963 14/698197 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52018017 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150225963 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischer; George L. |
August 13, 2015 |
Non-Slip Surfaces and Methods for Creating Same
Abstract
Disclosed are surface sections for creating a non-slip or
minimal slippage surface. The surface section includes a plate, a
plurality of plate apertures, at least one elevator, a plurality of
pegs, and a plurality of couplers to couple the pegs to the plate.
Each of the plurality of pegs is at least partially located within,
and aligned with, one of the plate apertures. Each coupler couples
one of the plurality of pegs to the plate in a normal, extended
state in which at least a portion of the peg is extended above the
upwardly facing surface of the plate. Each coupler allows each of
the plurality of pegs to move within its respective plate aperture
to a non-extended state upon application of pressure to the peg.
When the pressure is removed, the coupler moves the peg back to its
normal, extended state.
Inventors: |
Fischer; George L.; (Long
Valley, NJ) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fischer; George L. |
Long Valley |
NJ |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
52018017 |
Appl. No.: |
14/698197 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14303683 |
Jun 13, 2014 |
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14698197 |
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61835296 |
Jun 14, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/177 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 15/02038 20130101;
A47G 27/0225 20130101; E04F 15/22 20130101; E04F 15/02183 20130101;
E04F 15/02188 20130101; E04F 15/02172 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04F 15/02 20060101
E04F015/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for creating a non-slip or minimal slippage surface
comprising: a plate, said plate having an upwardly facing surface
and a downwardly facing surface, said plate including a plurality
of plate apertures; at least one elevator coupled to the underside
of said plate; a plurality of pegs, each of said plurality of pegs
at least partially located within, and aligned with, one of said
plurality of plate apertures; and a plurality of couplers, each of
said plurality of couplers coupling one of said plurality of pegs
to said plate in a normal state in which at least a portion of each
of said plurality of pegs is extended above said upwardly facing
surface, each of said plurality of couplers allowing each of said
plurality of pegs to move within said plurality of plate apertures
to a non-extended state upon application of pressure to said
plurality of pegs.
2-11. (canceled)
12. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of said
plurality of couplers includes a spring or a liquid.
13. (canceled)
14. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each of said
plurality of couplers includes a spring located between a spring
recess and a spring housing, said spring recess recessed in a
respective one of said plurality of pegs, and said spring housing
coupled to said surface section floor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to
non-slip surfaces and methods for creating same. More specifically,
the present invention relates to non-slip surfaces and methods for
creating same utilizing a plurality of pegs and a surface including
a plurality of apertures.
[0002] Non-slip surfaces and/or products are known that utilize
anti-slip techniques to prevent slips and falls. One such technique
for creating a non-slip surface is to increase its normal force or
the coefficient of friction such that the surface creates an
indirect horizontal force. Frictional force equals the product of
the coefficient of friction and the normal force:
F.sub.fr=.mu..sub.sF.sub.N. The coefficient of static friction may
be increased, for example, by including sharp or rough features in
the surface, however, such features can cut or damage objects
placed upon such surface, or can accelerate the wear of such
objects (e.g., shoes). Even if the primary object to be placed upon
such a surface (e.g., a shoe) is ruggedized, secondary objects
(e.g., hands) can be injured or damaged by the sharp or rough
features if, for example, a fall should occur. Surfaces with a high
coefficient of friction can also become coated by a film of a
material having a low coefficient of friction such as water, frost,
mud, grease, or oil, which may act to undermine the non-slip
properties of the surface.
[0003] One solution known in the art to create a non-slip surface
by increasing the surface's coefficient of friction is to place
non-slip devices such as spikes or bumps on the surface itself in
locations that are likely to come into contact with a person's shoe
or foot. These non-slip devices are typically seen, for example, on
open metal or plastic steps and metal grate bridges. As such
devices are designed to dig into a person's shoe or foot, they can
have the undesirable effect of damaging the soles of the shoe or
foot. The pressure exerted on a bare foot by the small contact area
of the non-slip device can also be very painful.
[0004] Similarly, surfaces having integral non-slip devices are
also known including, for example, diamond plates and plastic mats
with raised circular bumps. Again, such surfaces are designed such
that the raised diamonds or bumps deform the sole of a shoe or
foot. These non-slip devices are always present, therefore, the
walking surface is always uneven and may act as a tripping hazard.
Also, some circular bumps of the plastic mats are sloped inward
such that only a component of the force applied to an object in
contact therewith is horizontal. This therefore requires that a
large pressure be exerted by the object in contact with the surface
in order to deform such object.
[0005] Other known anti-slip solutions include very rough,
sandpaper-type surfaces such as those found on diving boards, boat
footplates, bath tubs and similar locations. Such surfaces can cut
bare feet, especially if the skin is softened due to, for example,
exposure to water. Other objects or body parts can also be damaged
if they come into contact with such surfaces, as, for example, at
the end of a fall onto the surface.
[0006] In lieu of sharp or rough features, sticky surface coatings
such as chemical coatings may be used to increase the coefficient
of static friction of a surface. However, such coatings may wear
off or adhere to objects that come into contact with the surface.
Also, sticky coatings can make it difficult for the object to be
removed from the surface. For example, it may be difficult and/or
tiring for someone to walk on such a surface because greater force
is required to pull each shoe from the surface's sticky coating.
Such surfaces can also become coated with dust, dirt, or a slippery
material, which may act to reduce the coefficient of friction of
such surface, thereby defeating or minimizing the effect of the
non-slip surface.
[0007] Also, it is known to use non-slip devices such as shoes
having integral cleats or spikes, or studded snow tires for cars,
on traditional surfaces. Such devices are designed to deform, or
dig into, the surface with which they are in contact to create a
higher coefficient of friction for the surface. The sides of the
cleat, for example, can provide a horizontal force on a surface;
however, cleats must penetrate such surface in order to function
properly. These repeated penetrations can damage or destroy the
surfaces upon which they are used. Hence, the use of such devices
is limited to the greatest extent possible. For example, athletes
are not typically allowed to enter buildings while wearing cleats,
and studded snow tire use is typically limited to winter months. In
addition, if the surface in contact with such devices is too hard,
the gripping function is compromised as such devices are unable to
achieve sufficient penetration. Also, the protrusions on such
devices are subjected to exertion and large pressures, thus they
tend to wear away or become damaged in addition to damaging the
surfaces with which they are in contact.
[0008] Alternate non-slip equipment is also known such as
electro-magnetic shoes utilized with steel surfaces or suction cups
utilized with glass surfaces. The attraction between the shoes
and/or cups and the surface is sufficiently strong to minimize the
potential for disengagement from the floor, and thereby a fall.
Such equipment is typically expensive, limited in locations of use,
and requires the users to be specifically trained.
[0009] Similarly, it is known to use mechanical locks coupled to a
surface wherein a shoe or the like is clicked into the lock to
prevent it from dislodging therefrom until the user chooses to
physically unlock it. Racing bicycles, skis, and certain NASA
weightless space applications utilize such mechanical locks to lock
shoes or boots into place. Freedom of movement and selection of
foot placement is extremely limited in these applications as the
locks do not conform to, or otherwise protect, the shoe or boot.
Also, they require the object to be correctly positioned and
oriented in order to lock and unlock the object in place. Sometimes
it may be difficult for the object (e.g., a shoe) to disengage from
the surface quickly, for example, in an emergency situation which
may cause injury to a user. Further, lock-in surfaces only work if
the shoe/boot and the lock match.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Briefly stated, in one aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus for creating a non-slip or minimal slippage surface is
provided. The apparatus includes a plate, the plate having an
upwardly facing surface, a downwardly facing surface, and a
plurality of plate apertures; at least one elevator coupled to the
underside of the plate; a plurality of pegs, each of the plurality
of pegs at least partially located within, and aligned with, one of
the plurality of plate apertures; and a plurality of couplers, each
of the plurality of couplers coupling one of the plurality of pegs
to the plate in a normal state in which at least a portion of each
of the plurality of pegs is extended above the upwardly facing
surface, each of the plurality of couplers allowing each of the
plurality of pegs to move within the plurality of plate apertures
to a non-extended state upon application of pressure to the
plurality of pegs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the
drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a portion of an exemplary
non-slip surface section in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a peg of the non-slip surface
section shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the exemplary non-slip surface
section of FIGS. 1 through 4 in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of a portion of the exemplary
non-slip surface section of FIGS. 1 through 4 in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5A depicts an alternate coupler in accordance with an
alternate embodiment of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 5B depicts a side view of a portion of an exemplary
non-slip surface section in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention utilizing the coupler of FIG. 5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Certain terminology may be used in the following description
for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "lower" and
"upper" and "top" and "bottom" designate directions in the drawings
to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words
above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of
similar import.
[0019] Where a term is provided in the singular, the inventors also
contemplate aspects of the invention described by the plural of
that term. As used in this specification and in the appended
claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural
references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, e.g., "a
peg" may include a plurality of pegs. Thus, for example, a
reference to "a method" includes one or more methods, and/or steps
of the type described herein and/or which will become apparent to
those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.
[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, the preferred methods, constructs and materials are now
described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety. Where there are
discrepancies in terms and definitions used in references that are
incorporated by reference, the terms used in this application shall
have the definitions given herein.
[0021] Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for creating a
non-slip or minimal slippage surface. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the apparatus includes a plate including an
array of apertures, an array of pegs that correspond to the array
of apertures, and a coupler that couples each peg to a respective
aperture. The plate has an upwardly facing surface and a downwardly
facing surface. In one embodiment, the coupler is an elastic member
that maintains its respective peg in an extended position (i.e.,
the top of the peg is located above the upwardly facing surface of
the plate) when no substantially downward pressure is applied to
the peg. When substantially downward pressure is applied to the
peg, the coupler allows the peg to move substantially downward
under the force of the pressure until the upwardly facing surface
of the peg is substantially flush with the upwardly facing surface
of the plate and/or the object that is applying the pressure to the
peg. In such embodiments, the coupler acts in a spring-loaded
manner, whether under the control of a spring or non-spring
coupling device.
[0022] The surface of the present invention has a wide variety of
applications including, without limitation, locker rooms, showers,
bathroom floors, saunas, swimming pool decks, construction or
emergency vehicle ladders or steps, public steps, hilly walkways,
ship decks, supermarkets, and high-traffic areas. The present
invention also has many non-foot traffic applications as discussed
in greater detail below.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, FIG. 3 depicts a top
view of an exemplary non-abrasive, non-slip surface section 100 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Surface
section 100 includes a plate 102, a plurality of pegs 104, a
plurality of couplers 114, and one or more elevators 103.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1, depicted is a side view of a
portion of one exemplary non-slip or minimal slippage surface
section 100 (or a portion thereof) in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment,
the surface is created via one or more such surface sections 100.
In the depicted embodiment and as best seen in the top view of FIG.
3, surface sections 100 are substantially rectangular to allow
multiple plates to be easily arranged to create a large surface,
however, alternate shapes may be substituted including, without
limitation, square, hexagonal, circular, triangular, oval, and
custom. Also, use of a modular system in which a plurality of
surface sections 100 creates a surface allows any such section to
be easily swapped with another section for cleaning or maintenance
purposes. Surface sections 100 may be installed, for example, atop
the surface for which the slip protection is desired (e.g., pool
deck, walkway, etc.).
[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, plate 102 is a
hollow plate that includes a light weight support matrix that
reinforces upwardly facing surface 108 of plate 102 and inwardly
facing surfaces 128 of plate apertures 112. Sturdy inwardly facing
surfaces 128 provide rigidity to pegs 104 as they move between
their extended and non-extended positions as discussed in greater
detail below.
[0026] Plate 102 has a substantially continuous upward facing
surface 108 with the exception of plate apertures 112 and pegs 104
in order to provide, inter alia, a comfortable surface upon which
to walk in bare feet. Plate 102 is made of plastic such as
water-resistant plastics such as high density polyethylene
("HDPE"). However, alternate materials may be substituted
including, without limitation, carbon fiber and aluminum.
[0027] Also, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in
which upwardly facing surface of 108 is made of a different
material than the other portions of plate 102.
[0028] Plate 102 includes a plurality of plate apertures 112
arranged in an array. In the depicted embodiment, the center of
each peg 104 is offset from the center of adjacent pegs in the same
column by a distance of one (1) inch. However, alternate distances
may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof. In the
depicted embodiment, the first column 115 of apertures 112 and
every other column of apertures 112 therefrom (e.g., the third
column, fifth column, seventh column, ninth column, etc.)(the "odd
columns") are substantially longitudinally aligned. Similarly, the
second column 116 of apertures 112 and every alternating column of
apertures 112 therefrom (e.g., the fourth column, sixth column,
eighth column, tenth column, etc.)(the "even columns") are also
substantially longitudinally aligned. However, these even columns
are offset latitudinally from the odd columns such that each even
aperture (i.e., the apertures located in an even column) is
approximately latitudinally centered between its adjacent odd
apertures (i.e., the apertures located in an odd column) with the
exception of the apertures located at one of the latitudinal ends
of the even columns. Similarly, the odd columns are offset
latitudinally from the even columns such that each odd aperture is
approximately latitudinally centered between its adjacent even
apertures with the exception of the apertures located at one of the
latitudinal ends of the odd columns. This array allows the pegs to
be located in close proximity to each other, however, alternate
arrays may be substituted without departing from the scope
hereof.
[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, plate 102
includes a covering 118 that includes a plurality of fingers 117,
is approximately equivalent in size to plate 102, and covers
upwardly facing surface 108 and all of the components of plate 102
(e.g., plate apertures 112 and pegs 104). Covering 108 acts to
prevent dirt, moisture and other contaminants from entering plate
apertures 112 as such contaminants may interfere with, or reduce
the effectiveness of, the operation of pegs 104 as described in
greater detail below. For example, such contaminants may cause one
or more pegs to become stuck in place such that the peg no longer
moves between its extended and non-extended states.
[0030] In the depicted embodiment, covering 108 is made of an
elastic material such as latex, however, other materials may be
substituted without departing from the scope hereof. In the
depicted embodiment, covering 108 includes a plurality of preformed
fingers 117 that allow pegs 104 to move freely between their
extended and non-extended states. This allows covering 108 to
accommodate the movement of the pegs 104 when substantially upward
pressure is applied thereto by one or more couplers 114. However,
coverings that do not include preformed fingers may be substituted
without departing from the scope hereof. Also, covering 108 is not
required to implement the present invention. Alternate embodiments
are also envisioned in which covering 108 covers only one or more
portions of plate 102 without departing from the scope hereof.
[0031] Referring back to FIG. 1, surface section 100 includes a
plurality of pegs 104, such pegs 104 becoming spring-loaded when
utilized in conjunction with coupler 114 and plate 102 as described
herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, pegs 104 are
made of plastic (e.g., water-resistant plastics such as high
density polyethylene ("HDPE")), but alternate materials may be
substituted including, without limitation, carbon fiber and
aluminum. In the depicted embodiment, the use of such materials
minimizes the potential for swelling of plates 102 and/or pegs 104
due to humidity and/or moisture.
[0032] In the depicted embodiment, pegs 104 are substantially
cylindrical, have a substantially circular cross-section, and taper
radially inward at topmost end 106 such that topmost end 106 is
beveled. However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which the
bodies 107 of pegs 104 have varying cross-sections including, but
not limited to, square, rectangular, and hexagonal. Also, alternate
embodiments are envisioned in which topmost ends 106 have varying
shapes, with or without tapering, including, but not limited to,
semi-spherical. Also, in the depicted embodiment, the body of pegs
104 have a diameter of approximately three-eighths (3/8) inches,
however, alternate dimensions may be substituted without departing
from the scope hereof. Such dimensions may be varied, for example,
based upon the type of object (e.g., bare feet, work boots, vehicle
tires, cargo, etc.) to be placed upon the surface section.
[0033] In the depicted embodiment, the quantity of pegs 104 is
equal to the quantity of plate apertures 112; however, alternate
embodiments are envisioned in which the quantity of pegs 104 is
less than the quantity of plate apertures 112.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, depicted is a side view of an
exemplary peg 104 and an end view of coupling aperture 106, which
passes through the bottommost end of peg 104. In the depicted
embodiment of the present invention, coupler 114 passes through
coupling aperture 110 to minimize the possibility that coupler 114
becomes disengaged from peg 104. Pegs 104 include substantially
cylindrical coupling apertures 110, however, such apertures may
have varying shapes without departing from the scope hereof. Also,
alternate methods of coupling coupler 114 to peg 104 may be
substituted including, without limitation, attachment of coupler
114 directly to an exterior surface of peg 104 via adhesive or the
like.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 4, in the depicted embodiment, each peg
is coupled to surface section 100 and its respective plate aperture
112 via one or more couplers 114. FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of
the surface section 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 through 4. In the
depicted embodiment, coupler 114 is one or more elastic cords 116
attached to downwardly facing surface 109 of plate 102 via one or
more anchors 120 located on opposing sides of plate aperture 112.
In the depicted embodiment, anchors 120 are a pair of staples that
keep cords 116 under tension such that they are taut. However,
alternate anchors may be substituted without departing from the
scope hereof.
[0036] The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1
through 4 is created by inverting surface section 100 on an
assembly surface. Pegs 104 are then also inverted and placed in
their corresponding peg apertures 112. The assembly surface
prevents the pegs from falling through peg aperture 112. Coupler
114 is then created by passing a length of elastic cord 116 though
a plurality of substantially horizontally aligned coupling
apertures 110. Elastic cord 116 is then anchored to downwardly
facing surface 109 of surface section 100 via a plurality of
anchors such as, but not limited to, staples. In FIG. 4, for
illustrative purposes, the pegs 104 associated with cord 116a are
shown in their non-extended states and the pegs associated with
cords 116b are shown in their extended states.
[0037] In the depicted embodiment, two staples are utilized on
substantially opposed sides of peg aperture 112 to couple cord 116
to surface section 100, and such staples are substantially aligned
with cord 116. However, alternate methods of coupling cord 116 may
be substituted without departing from the scope hereof. Also,
embodiments are envisioned in which a plurality of cords is
utilized in place of a single cord.
[0038] In the depicted embodiment of the present invention, and as
also best seen in FIG. 4, surface section 100 includes a plurality
of elevators 103 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 4) coupled to
the underside thereof. Elevators 103 raise plate 102 to a height
above the ground or other surface upon which surface section 100 is
utilized to create a hollow cavity in which pegs 104 have
sufficient space for proper operation. In the depicted embodiment,
elevators 103 are substantially rectangular sections made of the
same material as plate 102 that extend throughout the length of
both of the longitudinal edges of plate 102. However, alternate
embodiments are envisioned in which elevators surround varying
edges or all edges of plate 102 without departing from the scope
hereof. The height of elevators 103, and therefore hollow cavity
410, is of sufficient height to allow each peg to move to a
non-extended state below downwardly facing surface 109 of plate 102
whenever pressure is applied to the top of the respective peg 104.
For example, for pegs having a height of one-half inch (1/2'')
above upwardly facing surface 109 of plate 102, an elevator having
a height of three-quarters of an inch (3/4'') may be utilized.
However, elevators having alternate shapes, lengths, and locations
may be substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
[0039] As seen in the side view of surface section 100 shown in
FIG. 1, each peg 104 is at least partially located in a plate
aperture 112 of surface section 100. The peg is held to surface 100
via one or more couplers 114 as discussed in greater detail above.
In its normal state, peg 104 is extended such that its top end 106
is located above upwardly facing surface 108 of surface section 100
as is shown for peg 104b of FIG. 1. When a force 122 is applied to
the top of peg 104 (e.g., the force of a foot stepping on surface
section 100), it is moved from its extended state to its
non-extended state, the latter of which is the position shown for
peg 104a. The elasticity of coupler 114 allows peg 104 to move to a
non-extended state under the application of force 122 while also
returning peg 104 to its normal, extended state as soon as the
substantially downward force 122 is removed. That is, when there is
no force applied to peg 104, elastic cord(s) 116 contract to their
original state as shown for elastic cord(s) 116b which forces peg
104 upward through its respective substantially cylindrical plate
aperture 112. When a force is applied to peg 104, peg 104 is pushed
downward through plate aperture 112 until the point at which
upwardly facing surface 124 of peg 104 (or the covering 118
thereupon) is substantially flush with upwardly facing surface 108
of plate 102 and/or the portion of upwardly facing surface 126 of
covering 108 adjacent to the respective peg aperture 112. This
applies force to cord(s) 116, and the elasticity of cord(s) 116
allows the cord(s) to expand to their expanded state as shown for
elastic cord(s) 116a. Again, when the force is removed from peg
104, cord(s) 116 contract back to a contracted state, thereby
pushing the peg 104 upward through its respective plate aperture
112 to its extended position.
[0040] In the depicted embodiment, upwardly facing surfaces 124 of
pegs 104 are located at a height of approximately one-half (1/2)
inch above upwardly facing surface 126 of the portion of covering
108 located adjacent the respective peg aperture 112 when peg 104
is in its normal extended state. In the depicted embodiment of the
present invention, this height is relatively low to the surface as
to not impede activities performed thereon such as walking,
running, etc. However, alternate extensions and/or heights may be
substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
[0041] Also, peg 104 has a diameter and shape that is approximately
equivalent, yet slightly smaller than, inwardly facing surface 128
of plate aperture 112. This maintains peg 104 in a substantially
upright position, with zero or minimal side-to-side movement
thereof, as elastic cord(s) 116 are contracted and expanded and
pegs are moved between extended and non-extended states to provide
a stable surface for which pegs 104 are not jiggling side to side.
However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which the diameter
and shape of peg 104 varies more substantially from its respective
plate aperture 112.
[0042] When one or more surface sections 100 are combined, a
non-slip or minimal slippage surface is created. In one exemplary
embodiment, surface sections 100 may be utilized to create a
walkway. In such a scenario, when a shoe or foot lands on the
surface, it depresses the plurality of pegs located underneath the
shoe or foot to their non-extended positions, however, the pegs
surrounding the shoe or foot will remain in their extended
positions. In this manner, a wall or barrier of pegs surrounds the
shoe or foot. The pegs forming the wall or barrier of pegs will not
compress since there is no downward force being applied to them
even in situations in which a horizontal force may be applied to
them by the object placed on the surface.
[0043] If the shoe, foot, or other object should start to slip, it
will contact the wall or barrier of fully extended pegs, which will
act to stop or otherwise impede the slipping motion. That is, since
the horizontal force associated with slipping is exerted at an
angle of approximately ninety (90) degrees relative to the vertical
force required to depress the pegs (e.g., pegs 104) to a
non-extended state, the two forces are substantially orthogonal,
and therefore, substantially de-coupled. Therefore, a peg such as
peg 104, which only requires a small force to be depressed, can
exert a large horizontal force on an object that is sliding
substantially horizontally into the peg. The horizontal force
exerted by the peg on the sliding object is a substantially equal
and opposite reaction force, therefore, it only exists if the
object is sliding into the peg, such as would occur during the
first moments of a fall.
[0044] In this manner, the surface created via one or more surface
sections 100 is a non-slip or minimal slippage surface.
Importantly, although a wall or barrier of pegs surrounds the shoe
or foot (or other object placed upon such a surface), the shoe,
foot, or other object remains free to move (i.e., it is not locked
into a fixed position) with a full range of mobility (i.e., it is
not impeded in any manner other than a horizontal slide).
Activities such as walking, running, etc. are not impeded via use
of many embodiments of the surface of the present invention since
the height of the peg is relatively low and requires minimal
vertical movement of the object to avoid interference with the peg.
However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which the height
of the extended peg above the surface may require irregular motion
such as high steps and the like.
[0045] Also, the surface is substantially non-abrasive. If a person
were to fall on the surface of the present invention, the pegs
would not cause any harm to the falling person and would likely act
to cushion the fall (i.e., the level of cushioning provided, if
any, would vary depending upon various features of the surface
section including, without limitation, material and
dimensions).
[0046] The depicted embodiment and the preceding shapes and
dimensions are compatible for use in areas in which people will
traverse the surface in bare feet, for example, swimming pool
decks. The beveled edges of the topmost ends of the pegs and
relatively large diameter of the pegs minimize the potential for
injury to a bare foot if one or more of the pegs 104 malfunctions
(i.e., it does not move to its full non-extended position when a
downward force is applied by the foot to the peg 104). Also, the
height of the pegs above plate 102 is relatively low to increase
the likelihood that the object being placed upon the surface is in
its near final position before it begins to apply a downward
pressure to pegs 104. Similarly, this relatively low position
minimizes or eliminates the possibility that the object applies a
horizontal force to the pegs before it is nearly in its final,
landed position. That is, at the point at which the object is
almost in its final position, it should be moving substantially in
a vertical motion.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 5A, depicted is an alternate
embodiment for a coupler that may be utilized with a surface
section such as surface section 100 as described above. Alternate
coupler 514 incorporates a spring 502 and spring housing 521, and
it is utilized with a peg such as peg 504. Peg 504 is substantially
identical to peg 104 as discussed above with the exception that it
includes a spring cavity 507 in lieu of a coupling aperture 110.
That is, in lieu of a coupling aperture 110, peg 504 includes a
substantially cylindrical spring cavity that is recessed into
downwardly facing surface 509 of peg 504 in a manner in which it is
substantially centered therein. Spring cavity 507 has a diameter
slightly larger than the diameter of spring 502. Spring cavity 507
accepts top end 511 of spring 502, which is coupled to spring
cavity 502 via an adhesive or the like to prevent or minimize the
potential for dislodgement of spring 502 therefrom. However,
alternate embodiments of coupling spring 502 to peg 504 may be
substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
[0048] Bottom end 519 of spring 502 is located internal to spring
housing 521, which is also substantially cylindrical and has a
diameter slightly larger than the diameter of spring 502. Spring
housing 521 sits atop and is coupled to floor 516 of surface
section 500 and has a relatively thin wall 523 that retains spring
502 in an upright position when spring 502 is placed therein.
Spring 502 is also coupled to the portion of floor 516 located
internal to spring housing 521 to prevent or minimize the potential
for dislodgement of spring 502 therefrom. However, alternate
embodiments of the present invention may omit spring housing 521.
In such embodiments, spring 502 may be held to floor 516, for
example, via a fastener, adhesive, or the like.
[0049] As best seen in the side view of surface section 100 shown
in FIG. 5B, surface section 500 and all of the components thereof
are substantially identical to surface section 100 as described in
detail above with the exception of coupler 114 and floor 516. Floor
516 may be substantially rectangular and of the same material as
plate 102, and, in the depicted embodiment, it is attached to the
downwardly facing surface(s) 518 of elevator(s) 505 such that floor
516 and elevators 505 surround cavity 510. Embodiments of the
invention are envisioned in which cavity 510 is fully enclosed
(e.g., for protection from its environment) or partially enclosed
(e.g., for ventilation).
[0050] Each peg 504 is at least partially located in a plate
aperture 512 of surface section 500. Each peg is held to surface
section 500 via one or more couplers 514 as discussed in greater
detail above. In its normal state, peg 504 is extended such that
its top end 506 is located above upwardly facing surface 508 of
surface section 500 as is shown for peg 504b of FIG. 5B. When a
force 522 is applied to the top of a peg 504 (e.g., the force of a
foot stepping on surface section 500), peg 504 is moved from its
extended state to its non-extended state as shown for peg 504a.
Spring 502 of coupler 514 allows peg 504 to move to a non-extended
state under the application of force while also returning peg 504
to its normal, extended state as soon as the substantially downward
force 522 is removed. That is, when there is no force applied to
peg 504, spring 502 expands fully, or to the greatest extent
allowed based upon the configuration of surface section 500, as
shown for spring 502b. This forces peg 504 upward through its
respective substantially cylindrical plate aperture 512 to its
extended position. When a force is applied to peg 504, peg 504 is
pushed downward through plate aperture 512 until the point at which
upwardly facing surface 524 of peg 504 (or the covering 530
thereupon) is substantially flush with upwardly facing surface 540
of plate 501 or the upwardly facing surface 526 of covering 530
adjacent the respective peg aperture 512. This applies force to
spring 502, and spring 502 contracts to its contracted state as
shown for spring 502a. Again, when the force is removed from peg
504, spring 504 expands back to an expanded state, thereby pushing
peg 504 upward through its respective plate aperture 512 to its
extended position.
[0051] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention depicted
in FIGS. 5A and 5B, coupler 514 may be omitted in favor of a
liquid. More specifically, floor 516, plate 501, covering 517, and
elevators 505 may be formed such that cavity 510 is watertight and
contains a liquid such as water or oil. In such an embodiment, pegs
504 are designed to be less dense than the liquid (e.g., pegs 504
may be hollow). The liquid in cavity 510 provides an upward buoyant
force on each peg to maintain them, or return them to, their
extended positions. Alternate liquids and watertight cavities may
be substituted without departing from the scope hereof.
[0052] Cargo
[0053] In another use of the present invention, surface sections
such as surface section 100 could be utilized on the interior
surfaces of reusable shipping containers in order to prevent or
minimize movement of fragile objects during transportation. That
is, when the object to be shipped is placed in the shipping
container, the pegs will conform to the outside perimeter of the
object in order to retain the object in place. Further, palletized
cargo could be lowered onto truck beds fitted with the surfaces of
the present invention to prevent or minimize load shifting during
transportation of the cargo. In such a use, pallet drivers are able
to roll over the pegs during loading and unloading of the cargo
without incident.
[0054] In its present form or with minor variations, the present
invention has many uses for preventing objects from falling,
slipping or rolling from a surface. For example, the present
invention may be used as a serving tray or the like to minimize the
potential for sliding of cups, glasses, or other dishes therefrom.
Or, the present invention may be utilized to create an auto-sizing
cup holder. These are just a few examples of the many applications
of the present invention. The variations required to accommodate
such varying uses may include, but are not limited to, varying
heights of the pegs (in their extended positions) above the
upwardly facing surface of the surface section, varying coupler
spring forces, varying peg quantities, and varying peg spacing
(relative to other pins).
[0055] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
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