US3736847A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Synthetic terrain covering
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-09-07
•
Granted: 1973-06-05
•
Expires: 1991-09-07
Abstract
Abstract A synthetic terrain covering comprising a multiplicity of small, curved, irregularly shaped flakes or platelets of thermoplastic resin. The peripheral edges of the platelets are provided with slits or serrations which, along with the curved configuration, enables the platelets to mechanically interlock and resist shifting, particularly on steep terrain. The platelets can be used alone as a substitute for snow, or it can be used with natural or artificial snow as a covering for ski hills and trails, tobogganing areas, snowmobile trails, and other recreational areas.
Inventors
- 👤 J Hickey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 00:50
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01C; E01C13/00; E01C13/10; E01C13/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A surface covering for a recreational area, comprising a plurality of non-bonded, thin, irregularly shaped platelets formed of a thermoplastic resin, said platelets being generally curved and having a size in the range of one-fourth to 2 inches and having a plurality of irregularities in the peripheral edge, said platelets being mechanically interlocked to provide a synthetic covering for said surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
61 words
A surface covering for a recreational area, comprising a plurality of non-bonded, thin, irregularly shaped platelets formed of a thermoplastic resin, said platelets being generally curved and having a size in the range of one-fourth to 2 inches and having a plurality of irregularities in the peripheral edge, said platelets being mechanically interlocked to provide a synthetic covering for said surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The surface covering of claim 1, wherein said irregularities comprise a series of slits in the peripheral edge which aids in interlocking of the platelets.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The surface covering of claim 1, wherein the platelets are fabricated from discarded bottles.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The surface covering of claim 1, wherein the platelets have a thickness in the range of one-sixteenth to one-half inch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The surface covering of claim 1, wherein the platelets have a generally light color to reflect sunlight.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
A recreational area comprising a surface, and a covering disposed on said surface, said covering comprising a plurality of mechanically interlocked, thin, irregularly shaped platelets formed of a thermoplastic resin, said platelets being generally curved and having a size in the range of one-fourth to 2 inches, and interlocking means associated with the peripheral edges of the platelets for mechanically interlocking the platelets to prevent shifting of the covering on said surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
A recreational area comprising a surface, and a covering disposed on said surface, said covering comprising a plurality of mechanically interlocked, thin, irregularly shaped platelets formed of a thermoplastic resin, said platelets being generally curved and having a size in the range of one-fourth to 2 inches, and interlocking means associated with the peripheral edges of the platelets for mechanically interlocking the platelets to prevent shifting of the covering on said surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The area of claim 6, wherein said interlocking means comprises a series of irregularly shaped slits formed in the peripheral edges of the platelets.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The area of claim 6, wherein said covering includes snow mixed with said platelets.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
64 words
A method of forming a surface covering for a surface, comprising the steps of comminuting thermoplastic resin bottles to provide a plurality of thin, curved, non-uniformly shaped platelets having a size generally in the range of one-fourth to 2 inches and having a plurality of irregularities in the peripheral edge, and disposing the platelets as a layer on the surface to provide a covering.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
64 words
A method of forming a surface covering for a surface, comprising the steps of comminuting thermoplastic resin bottles to provide a plurality of thin, curved, non-uniformly shaped platelets having a size generally in the range of one-fourth to 2 inches and having a plurality of irregularities in the peripheral edge, and disposing the platelets as a layer on the surface to provide a covering.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 9, wherein said bottles are light colored, and said layer has a depth of about 3 to 5 inches.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US2147362A
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US2558759A
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US3020811A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-04 | 1976-12-04 | 1977-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-04 | 1980-12-04 | 1981-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-04 | 1984-12-04 | 1985-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |