US5403637A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Resilient surfacing system
Assignee: NATIONAL RUBBER Co Inc
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Filing: 1993-09-28
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Granted: 1995-04-04
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Expires: 2013-09-28
Abstract
Abstract A theft and vandalism resistant resilient surfacing system having resilient mats molded with recesses in their upper sides extending part way through the mats adjacent the edges and corners. Connector plates extend beneath the juxtaposed edges of adjacent mats and have posts extending upwardly through narrow openings in the bottom portions of the recesses. Means are provided for abutting on the upper sides of the bottom portions and retaining the upper ends of the posts. Preferably, the posts have stiffly resiliently deformable arrowhead formations on their upper ends which snap couple with the openings in the bottom portions.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas B. Pickard
- 👤 Janusz W. Mirowski
- 👤 Anna Pietrasz
- 👤 Michael D. Burgoyne
- 👤 James R. Jury
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 05:50
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01C; E01C13/00; E01C13/04; E01C13/045; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/16; Y10T428/161; Y10T428/19; Y10T428/192; Y10T428/195; Y10T428/197; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24008; Y10T428/24017
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
In combination, a plurality of resilient mats each having an upper and a lower side and having adjacent the edges thereof recesses each formed in the upper side and extending part way through the thickness of the mat and terminating in a transversely extending web portion an upper side of which defines an upwardly-facing bottom surface of the recess spaced upwardly from said lower side, an opening passing through said web portion to the lower side of the mat, and at least one connector member comprising a plate applied at the underside of juxtaposed mat edges and having at least two spaced posts upstanding therefrom, and inserted through the respective openings of two juxtaposed mats having their recesses positioned in lateral registry, and abutment means abutting on said upwardly facing bottom surface and for retaining each said post when inserted through said opening non-retractably therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
In combination, a plurality of resilient mats each having an upper and a lower side and having adjacent the edges thereof recesses each formed in the upper side and extending part way through the thickness of the mat and terminating in a transversely extending web portion an upper side of which defines an upwardly-facing bottom surface of the recess spaced upwardly from said lower side, an opening passing through said web portion to the lower side of the mat, and at least one connector member comprising a plate applied at the underside of juxtaposed mat edges and having at least two spaced posts upstanding therefrom, and inserted through the respective openings of two juxtaposed mats having their recesses positioned in lateral registry, and abutment means abutting on said upwardly facing bottom surface and for retaining each said post when inserted through said opening non-retractably therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said plate and posts are formed from stiffly resilient plastics material and said abutment and retaining means comprise an enlarged upper end of each post adapted to snap through said opening in said web portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said upper end is of arrowhead cross section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said upper end is substantially conical.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein the upper end of the post is divided by a transverse slot.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The combination of claim 2 including a substantially rigid washer having a central opening through which said enlarged upper end snaps-through and retained between said upper end and said upwardly facing bottom surface, said washer having an outside width substantially equal to the width of said recess.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 1 including mechanical fastener means passed through an aperture in the plate for securement in the ground under the mats.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said mats are substantially rectangular and including elongated rectangular edging strips tapering in thickness from one longitudinal edge to an opposite edge.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein the lower side of the mats is formed with an array of uniform cells recessed therein, and including a resilient anchoring plug fitting snugly within said uniform cells and having an opening through it for receiving a post of a connector member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 1 including resilient closure plugs adapted to close said recesses formed in the upper sides of the mats.
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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) | 1998-04-03 | 1998-10-03 | 1999-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-04-03 | 2002-10-03 | 2003-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-04-03 | 2006-10-03 | 2007-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |