Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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THERAPY PLATFORM ANTI-FATIGUE MATTING
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority from U.S. Application Serial No. 15/646,273
filed on
July 11, 2017 which claims priority and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.
Patent 9,700,165 which
issued on July 11,2017 from U.S. Patent Application S.N. 14/545,083 filed on
January 14,
2016, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the field of ergonomic and safety anti-
fatigue matting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) result when there is a mismatch
between
the physical capacity of workers and the demands of the job. Musculoskeletal
disorders are the
leading cause of disability of people in their working years, afflicting over
19 million workers.
One-half of the nation's work force is affected at some time during their
working lives. Statistics
show a steady increase in musculoskeletal disorders. Each year thousands of
workers in the
United States report work related MSDs such as tendonitis, epicondylitis,
carpal tunnel
syndrome, and back injuries. Many of these are caused or aggravated by work
related stressors
such as lifting, reaching, pulling, pushing, and bending.
About one-third of all occupational injuries and illnesses stem from over
exertion and/or
repetitive motion. Cost to the nation in direct work's comp costs exceed $20
billion. Several high
profile studies have been conducted over the last few years by respected
scientists from the
National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health
(NIOSH), and others.
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Ergonomics is the applied science of equipment design for the workplace,
intended to
maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.
According to occupational therapy doctors a person standing, walking and
working on
hard surfaces such as concrete for prolonged periods of time may develop
significant cumulative
trauma or other injury, such as musculo-skeletal illness, pain, fatigue and
inhibited circulation.
Both load bearing stress and the gait cycle i.e. walking on concrete requires
compressive force
and stress loads on a body's muscles, joints and tendons which overtime wear
out causing pain,
discomfort and often times requiring painful surgery. In these conditions the
musculo-skeletal
structure is basically the body's internal shock absorption system.
Unfortunately, heel spurs and
plantar fasciitis are common problems as they are a direct interface to the
concrete and the first
point of shock absorption. Other systemic injuries include the knees, pelvic,
lower back and
vascular related problems. The pain, fatigue and general discomfort can result
in tendinitis,
arthritis as well as reduced worker productivity, higher turnover and
diminished quality and
moral.
In an attempt to alleviate such occupational hazards, employers often place
cushioned
matting on floors proximate employee workstations. Unfortunately, as employees
walk, twist and
turn on these mats they sprain, strain and tear soft tissue and other related
musculo-skeletal
matter in their body's due to their foot sticking while being compressed into
the mat. These types
of injuries are analogous to downhill skiing injuries in that they more
frequently occur when
more fatigue is present in the workers typically later in their shift. Due to
the frequency and costs
of these types of injuries, major companies are restricting the use of matting
to limited static jobs
only where no walking, twisting and turning is required. Also, bunching and
curling of matting
create tripping hazards in many settings, including occupational environments.
Such hazards are
a top recordable complaint in occupational settings. In some cases, the
matting is taped, glued
and screwed to the floor making that matting a permanent one time use product.
Other mats are
fastened to the floor via bolts or screws. However the bolts and screws can be
the cause of
tripping hazards for personnel.
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Wood floors are commonly used on basketball and volleyball courts as well as
for other
sports as a preferred alternative to concrete because of wood's softer, more
therapeutic and
forgiving composition. Therefore wood floors help reduce injuries in these
high impact activities
and are now the standard best practice for collegiate and professional sports.
Some wood floors
are also constructed to maximize a spring type effect utilizing some methods
of suspension to
further compression absorption and reduce stress. Many factories were made
with wood floor
during the industrial revolution for these same reasons when they were built
on multiple levels.
The modern industrial complex of today is generally one level with a floor
consisting of concrete.
While efficient and cost effective from a construction standpoint, concrete is
not very ergonomic
in nature as a work floor surface. Due to the non-compressible nature of
concrete, a workers
joints, tendons and muscles absorb all of the impact due to walking, jumping
or any other
movements on the floor. Cumulative job activities performed on concrete can
and potentially
will lead to a multitude of back and lower extremity injuries.
Applicants U. S. Patent No. 7,993,726 for a "MATTING PRODUCT" teaches a work
mat including a top semi-rigid non-slip surface attached to a lower
elastomeric layer of a selected
compressibility. The outer marginal area of the combined layers tapers to the
floor to reduce the
trip hazard. A rigid metal rim is fastened between the two layers near the top
of the taper to
prevent rolling of the edges of the mat. U.S. Patent No. 7993726 is hereby
incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a work mat which incorporates a modular
ergonomic
work platform raised slightly above a support surface such as a floor
providing cushioning and
resilience for users thereof. The work mat provides workers a therapeutic,
flexing and
cushioning work surface to protect them from the aforementioned health risks
of working,
walking and standing on a concrete floor. The flexing anti-fatigue platform or
mat is usable in a
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modular form whereby sections can be joined together to build platforms. This
ergonomic work
platform is raised off the floor to provide suspension thus promoting a spring
effect for absorbing
and returning compression forces resulting in reduced stress loads. The
compression force
provides an anti-fatigue mat usable in modular form to build platforms for
people as an
alternative to walking or standing on concrete floors. This product is
constructed with a modular
design having tapered peripheral borders connecting together and to the raised
ergonomic work
platform providing a seamless transition for a snug gap-free fit. The vertical
plane or edge of the
platform has a thickness providing connection points that provide a leveling
effect and further
enhance the fit of said modules.
None of the prior art references teach or suggest a mat comprising a chamfered
edge
having a longitudinal member with a flat base connecting to an end wall and a
top load support
surface integrally joining the base and the end wall at an acute angle forming
an inclined plane
extending upward from a tip formed by a junction with the base and the top or
the end wall and
providing a generally seamless transition from the edge border to a top
surface of a platform
section and the base of the border extending pass the end wall forming a
border base flange
whereby the end wall of the edge border abuts a side edge of the platform and
the border base
flange supports a bottom edge of the platform.
One preferred work mat ergonomic work platform surface comprises wood;
however,
wood composites, rubber or polymer compounds, wood flooring covered by a
coating such as a
polyurethane or a nonslip substance such as a rubber or a poly vinyl chloride
"PVC" or an ESD
material, a recycled plastics containing rubber or a soft plastic material, a
fiber glass, an
aluminum, a synthetic material or a plastic material can comprise the
ergonomic work platform
surface. For purposes of describing the ergonomic work platform surface, the
term "wood" shall
be used to define the work platform surface, it being understood that other
materials can be
substituted therefor.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a modular
ergonomic safety
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work mat comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of at least one
and preferably two
mating work mat sections. A female work mat section, a male work mat section
and any desired
number of expander work mat sections can be assembled together providing a
work platform.
The present invention is described as a rectangular shape; however, alternate
shapes for
the floor or platform may include square, triangular, angled, circular,
elliptical, triangular, and is
not limited to any particular geometric shape.
For example, the female work mat section contains a first rectangular or
square wooden
platform bounded by a first border on three sides. The first rectangular
wooden platform has a
top surface, a bottom surface, two long sides and two short sides. The first
border surrounds the
first rectangular wooden section on a first one of the long sides and on the
two short sides. The
first border has a generally right triangular cross-section wherein a long
side of the right triangle
rests on the floor. The hypotenuse of the right triangle extends from about
the top edge of the
first rectangular wooden platform down to the floor, and a short side of the
right triangle extends
from a top edge of the first rectangular wooden platform down to the floor
with an outer surface
of the short side of the right triangle adjacent to an outer surface of a
first one of the long sides
and the two short sides of the first rectangular wooden platform. The first
border includes two
spaced apart web elements which are parallel to the short side of the right
triangle. The first of
the web elements is spaced apart from the short side of the right triangle and
thereby forms a first
aperture sized to accept a connecting means such as a first square wooden
dowel of a first size.
The second of the web elements is spaced apart from the first web element and
thereby forms a
second aperture to accept a second wooden dowel of a second size. The first
border has a first
horizontal web member extending from the intersection of the short side and
the long side inward
under an outer edge of the first one of the long sides and on the two short
sides of the wooden
platform thereby elevating the first rectangular wooden platform above a top
surface of the floor.
The second of the two long sides of the first rectangular wooden platform has
a plurality of
spaced apart horizontal biscuit slots formed therein.
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The male work mat section contains a second rectangular wooden platform
bounded by a
second border on three sides. The second wooden platform has a top surface, a
bottom surface,
two long sides and two short sides. The second border surrounds the second
rectangular wooden
section on a first one of the long sides and on the two short sides. The
second border has a
generally right triangular cross-section wherein a long side of the right
triangle rests on the floor.
The hypotenuse of the right triangle extends from about a top edge of the
second rectangular
wooden platform down to the floor, and the short side of the right triangle
extends from a top
edge of the second rectangular wooden platform down to the floor with an outer
surface of the
short side of the right triangle adjacent to an outer surface of a first one
of the long sides and the
two short sides of the second rectangular wooden platform. The second border
includes two
spaced apart web elements. The web elements are parallel to the short side of
the right triangle.
The first of the web elements is spaced apart from the short side of the right
triangle and thereby
forms a first aperture sized to accept a first square wooden dowel of a first
size. A first square
wooden dowel extends outward from the first aperture. The second of the web
elements is
spaced apart from the first web element and thereby forms a second aperture to
accept a second
wooden dowel of a second size. A second square wooden dowel extends outward
from the
second aperture. The second border has a second horizontal web member
extending from an
intersection of the short side and the long side inward under an outer edge of
the first one of the
long sides and on the two short sides of the wooden platform thereby elevating
the second
rectangular wooden platform above a top surface of the floor. The second of
the two long sides
of the second rectangular wooden platform has a plurality of spaced apart
horizontal biscuits
extending therefrom. The biscuits are spaced apart to match the spacing of the
biscuit slots of the
first rectangular wooden platform.
An expander work mat section contains a third rectangular wooden platform
bounded by
a third border on a first short side and a fourth border on a second short
side. The third wooden
platform has a top surface, a bottom surface, two long sides and two short
sides. The third and
the fourth borders have a generally right triangular cross-section wherein a
long side of the right
triangle rests on a floor, a hypotenuse of the right triangle extends from
about a top edge of the
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third rectangular wooden platform down to the floor, and a short side of the
right triangle extends
from a top edge of the third rectangular wooden platform down to the floor
with an outer surface
of the short side of the right triangle adjacent to an outer surface of the
two short sides of the
third rectangular wooden platform. The third and the fourth borders include
two spaced apart
web elements. The web elements are parallel to the short side of the right
triangle. The first of
the web elements is spaced apart from the short side of the right triangle and
thereby forms a first
aperture sized to accept a first square wooden dowel of a first size. The
second of the web
elements is spaced apart from the first web element and thereby forms a second
aperture to
accept a second wooden dowel of a second size. The third and fourth borders
have third and
fourth respective horizontal web members extending from an intersection of the
short side and
the long side inward under an outer edge of the two short sides of the third
wooden platform
thereby elevating the first rectangular wooden platform above a top surface of
the floor. The first
of the two long sides of the third wooden platform has a plurality of spaced
apart biscuit slots
formed therein and spaced apart to match the spacing of the biscuits in the
male work mat
section. The second of the two long sides of the third rectangular wooden
platform has spaced
apart biscuits extending outward therefrom. The biscuits are spaced apart to
match the spacing
of the biscuit slots in the female work mat section. The third and fourth
borders have square
dowels extending therefrom on border ends adjacent to the second of the two
long sides of the
third rectangular wooden platform. The long sides of the first, second and
third wooden
platforms are equal in length and thickness.
The ergonomic safety work mat includes a modular ergonomic platform with a
synthetic
tapered marginal border. The modular ergonomic work mat is designed to support
a worker
standing thereon while operating a machine for comfort and for the purpose of
easing of physical
stress caused by standing on a non-compressible concrete floor during a work
day. The work mat
includes a wooden platform with a peripheral webbed synthetic border extending
from the work
mat surface to the floor that is chamfered so that the border tapers to the
floor. In addition, the
synthetic border includes a base which extends inward a selected distance
under the peripheral
edge of the wooden platform, thereby elevating the wooden platform above the
floor. The
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wooden platform is suspended over the floor and can flex up and down slightly
as a user walks
on or stands on the mat, thereby absorbing some of the shock of walking and
moving on the
floor. The compressibility of the wooden platform adds to the comfort of the
work mat as well.
A plurality of platform sections with mats can be joined together with
connection means such as
a tongue and groove arrangement joining the sections.
The work mat is modular and generally includes a female work mat section, a
male work
mat section and any number of expander sections which, when assembled form, a
rectangular
work mat of any given length. The expander sections may have a skewed shape
which will then
provide a long work mat which is not necessarily straight but contains angles
or contours so that
the overall work mat follows the contours of any given workstation.
One modular mat platform comprises or consists of at least one female work mat
section
comprising a first rectangular platform having a top surface, a bottom
surface, and at least one
female inner edge. At least one male work mat section comprises a first
rectangular platform
having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one male inner edge. The
at least one female
work mat includes a first female side edge border parallel and spaced apart
from a second female
side edge border connected by a female end edge border, each one having a
chaffered edge
including at least one conduit extending along a longitudinal side edge
comprising spaced apart
web elements. The at least one male work mat includes a first male side edge
border parallel and
spaced apart from a second male side edge border connected by a male end edge
border, each one
having a chaffered edge including at least one conduit extending along a
longitudinal side edge
comprising spaced apart web elements. The at least one female work mat aligns
opposite the at
least one male work mat with the at least one female inner edge opposing the
at least one male
inner edge. At least one connecting dowel of corresponding size and shape is
disposed in the
first female side edge conduit and the corresponding first male side edge
conduit, and at least
one connecting dowel of corresponding size and shape is disposed in the second
female side
edge conduit and the corresponding male second side edge conduit for
cooperative engagement
of the at least one female inner edge and the at least one male inner edge.
The chaffered edge of
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the edge border comprises a longitudinal member having a flat base connecting
to an end wall,
and a top load supporting surface integrally joining the base and the an end
wall at an acute angle
forming an inclined plane extending upward from a tip formed by a junction
with the base and
the top or the end wall providing a generally seamless transition from the
edge border to a top
surface of the platform section. The web comprises at least two spaced apart
vertical walls
spaced apart from the end wall for providing compression and lateral support.
The edge border
includes longitudinal border support members inserting into a longitudinal
passage between the
spaced apart vertical walls of the edge border to provide structural strength
thereto and minimize
compression under load. The base extends pass the end wall forming a border
base flange,
whereby the end wall of the edge border abuts a side edge of the platform and
the border base
flange supports a bottom edge of the platform above a top surface of the
floor.
More particularly, the present invention comprises or consists of a modular
mat platform
comprising at least one female work mat section comprising a first rectangular
wooden platform
having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one female inner edge; at
least one male
work mat section comprising a first rectangular wooden platform having a top
surface, a bottom
surface, and at least one male inner edge; the at least one female work mat
including a first
female side edge border parallel and spaced apart from a second female side
edge border
connected by a female end edge border, each one having a chamfered edge
including at least one
conduit extending along a longitudinal side edge comprising spaced apart web
elements; the at
least one male work mat including a first male side edge border parallel and
spaced apart from a
second male side edge border connected by a male end edge border, each one
having a
chamfered edge including at least one conduit extending along a longitudinal
side edge
comprising spaced apart web elements; the at least one female work mat
aligning opposite the at
least one male work mat with the at least one female inner edge opposing the
at least one male
inner edge; and at least one connecting dowel of corresponding size and shape
disposed in the
first female side edge conduit and the corresponding first male side edge
conduit, and at least
one connecting dowel of corresponding size and shape disposed in the second
female side edge
conduit and the corresponding male second side edge conduit for cooperative
engagement of the
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at least one female inner edge and the at least one male inner edge.
The work mat platform may including a selected number of expander work mat
sections
each one comprising or consisting of at least one expander work mat section
comprising a first
rectangular wooden platform having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an
expander female
inner edge and an expander male inner edge; the at least one expander work mat
including a first
expander side edge border parallel spaced apart from a second expander side
edge border, each
one having a chamfered edge including at least one conduit extending along a
longitudinal side
edge comprising spaced apart web elements; the at least one expander work mat
including a first
expander side edge border parallel and spaced apart from a second expander
side edge border
connected by an expander end edge border, each one having a chamfered edge
including at least
one conduit extending along a longitudinal side edge comprising spaced apart
web elements; the
expander female inner edge aligning opposite of the inner edge of the at least
one male work mat
and the expander male inner edge aligning opposite of the inner edge of at
least one female inner
edge; and at least one connecting dowel of corresponding size and shape
disposed in the first
female side edge conduit and the corresponding first expander side edge
conduit, and at least one
connecting dowel of corresponding size and shape disposed in the male side
edge conduit and the
corresponding expander second side edge conduit for cooperative engagement of
the at least one
female work mat with the expander work mat and the at least one male work mat.
The modular platform mat comprises at least one female work platform mat
section
comprising a first rectangular wooden platform having a top surface, a bottom
surface, and at
least one female inner edge. At least one male work platform mat section
comprises a first
rectangular wooden platform having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at
least one male inner
edge. The at least one female work platform mat includes a first female side
edge border parallel
and spaced apart from a second female side edge border connected by a female
end edge border,
each one having a chamfered edge including at least one conduit extending
along a longitudinal
side edge comprising spaced apart web elements. The at least one male work
platform mat
includes a first male side edge border parallel and spaced apart from a second
male side edge
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border connected by a male end edge border, each one having a chamfered edge
including at least
one conduit extending along a longitudinal side edge comprising spaced apart
web elements.
The at least one female work platform mat aligns opposite the at least one
male work platform
mat with the at least one female inner edge opposing the at least one male
inner edge. At least
one connecting dowel of corresponding size and shape is disposed in the first
female side edge
conduit and the corresponding first male side edge conduit, and at least one
connecting dowel of
corresponding size and shape disposed in the second female side edge conduit
and the
corresponding male second side edge conduit for cooperative engagement of the
at least one
female inner edge and the at least one male inner edge. A base of the border
extends pass an end
wall forming a border base flange, whereby the end wall of the edge border
abuts a side edge of
the platform and the border base flange supports a bottom edge of the
platform. The chamfered
edge of the edge border comprises a longitudinal member having a flat base
connecting to an end
wall, and a top load supporting surface integrally joining the base and the an
end wall at an acute
angle forming an inclined plane extending upward from a tip formed by a
junction with the base
and the top or the end wall providing a generally seamless transition from the
edge border to a
top surface of the platform section.
More particularly, the modular platform mat includes a selected number of
expander
work platform mat sections. Each platform mat sections comprises at least one
expander work
platform mat section comprising a first rectangular wooden platform having a
top surface, a
bottom surface, and an expander female inner edge and an expander male inner
edge. At least
one expander work platform mat includes a first expander side edge border
parallel spaced apart
from a second expander side edge border, each one having a chamfered edge
including at least
one conduit extending along a longitudinal side edge comprising spaced apart
web elements.
The at least one expander work platform mat includes a first expander side
edge border parallel
and spaced apart from a second expander side edge border connected by an
expander end edge
border, each one having a chamfered edge including at least one conduit
extending along a
longitudinal side edge comprising spaced apart web elements. The expander
female inner edge
aligns opposite of the inner edge of the at least one male work platform mat
and the expander
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male inner edge aligns opposite of the inner edge of at least one female inner
edge. At least one
connecting dowel of corresponding size and shape is disposed in the first
female side edge
conduit and the corresponding first expander side edge conduit, and at least
one connecting
dowel of corresponding size and shape is disposed in the male side edge
conduit and the
corresponding expander second side edge conduit for cooperative engagement of
the at least one
female work platform mat with the expander work platform mat and the at least
one male work
platform mat. The chamfered edge of the edge border comprises a longitudinal
member having a
flat base connecting to an end wall, and a top load supporting surface
integrally joining the base
and the an end wall at an acute angle forming an inclined plane extending
upward from a tip
formed by a junction with the base and the top or the end wall providing a
generally seamless
transition from the edge border to a top surface of the platform section. The
web comprises at
least two spaced apart vertical walls spaced apart from the end wall for
providing compression
and lateral support. The base of the border extends pass the end wall forming
a border base
flange, whereby the end wall of the edge border abuts a side edge of the
platform and the border
base flange supports a bottom edge of the platform. A longitudinal border
support member is
inserted into a longitudinal passage between the spaced apart vertical walls
of the edge border to
provide structural strength thereto and minimize compression under load.
An object of this invention is to provide a therapeutic flooring alternative
to concrete or
anti-fatigue matting that will aid in absorbing stress loads of employees
body's helping to
mitigate the cumulative trauma effects and associated lower extremity injuries
related to
working, walking and standing on concrete.
Another object of this invention is to provide a modular work platform as
seamless and
transitional as possible by having a modular tapered connecting border system
that raises and
supports the work platform from the floor without any edges representing trip
hazards.
Another object of this invention to provide a work mat which is modular in
that end
sections and extender sections of the work mat are assembled together to
provide a long work
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mat of any desired length, wherein the border includes horizontal longitudinal
sockets into
which dowels may be inserted to align and hold end sections and extender
sections together in a
tongue and groove arrangement, and wherein wooden platform edges of the end
sections and
extender sections include 'biscuits' or dowels to help hold the sections
together. The sections
held together by friction fit or may be glued together.
Another object of this invention is to provide a suspended, yet low profile
work platform
which incorporates a multi-functional tapered border system that connects the
modular sections,
offers a vertical rise, provides a horizontal and vertical mounting surface,
and provides a non skid
bottom surface.
Another object of this invention is to provide a combination of functional
connection
points in the tapered border and attached wood for adjoining multiple
configurations and sizes of
work platform.
Another object of this invention is to combine a wood surface with a tapered
safety edge
and a non skid bottom surface that does not interfere with a consistent outer
slope from the
highest vertical point to the bottom of the floor.
Another object of this invention is to provide an internal means of connection
with a
hollowed border enabling a male-female connection point therefore eliminating
an external
connection point and potential trip point.
Another object of this invention is to provide a means of multiple internal
connection
points utilizing the tapered border system in combination with a wood
connection method such
as biscuit joining of adjacent wooden modular sections.
Another object of this invention is to provide multiple types of top surfaces
for the
ergonomic work platform which include various traction configurations,
patterns, grit and ESD
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(electro static dissipative) for use in clean rooms.
It is another object of the present invention to include interlocking grit
deck wet area
matting, diamond plat top matting, anti-fatigue matting, and/or electro static
discharge matting.
Another object of this invention is to provide a stress reducing safety work
mat which
includes a wooden platform surrounded and supported by a synthetic border
which tapers down
to the floor to reduce the trip hazard caused by the thickness of the mat.
Another object of this invention is to provide a work mat wherein the
synthetic border
extends under the outer marginal edge of the wooden platform and thereby
suspends the platform
above the floor by a selected distance, thus providing room for the wooden
platform to flex under
the load of a user standing or walking on the platform.
Another object of this invention is to provide a work mat wherein the
compressibility of
the wood in the wooden platform further enhances the comfort of the user.
Another object of this invention is to provide a work mat wherein the wooden
platform
consists of plywood flooring which is covered with a non-slip coating to
protect the user and the
wood.
An object of this invention is to offer a therapeutic flooring alternative to
concrete and
anti-fatigue matting that will aid in absorbing stress loads of employees
body's helping to
mitigate the cumulative trauma effects and associated lower extremity injuries
related to
working, walking and standing on concrete.
Another object of this invention is to make this module work platform as
seamless and
transitional as possible by having a modular tapered connecting border system
that raises and
supports the work platform from the floor with out any gap of outside the
slope.
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Another object of this invention is to provide a suspended, yet low profile
work platform
which incorporates a multi functional tapered border system that connects the
modules and offers
a vertical rise and provides a horizontal and vertical mounting surface and
provides a non skid
bottom surface.
Another object of this invention is to provide a combination of functional
connection
points in the tapered border and attached wood for adjoining multiple
configuration and sizes of
the work platform.
Another object of this invention is to combine a wood surface with a tapered
safety edge
and a non skid bottom surface that does not interfere with a consistent outer
slope from the
highest vertical point to the bottom of the floor.
Another object of this invention is to provide and internal means of
connection with a
hollowed border enabling a male female connection point therefore eliminating
an external
connection point and potential trip point.
Another object of this invention is to provide a means of multiple internal
connection
points utilizing the tapered border system in combination with wood connection
method.
Another object of this invention is to offer multiple top surfaces to the
ergonomic work
platform which include various traction configurations, patterns, Grit and ESD
(electro static
dissipative, clean rooms.
It is an object of the present invention to provide ergonomic work mats used
to increase
the comfort and endurance of a worker working in a small area such as in front
of a machine for
an extended period of time.
Another object of this invention is to provide a means of multiple internal
connection
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points utilizing the tapered border system in combination with wood connection
method such as
a biscuit system or common wood working practices.
Another object of the invention is to offer a work platform that can have a
compression
able material fastened underneath or above the wood offering further ergonomic
properties
combined with the function of the platform.
Another object of this invention is to offer an even or flush horizontal work
surface where
the highest point of the vertical wall edge of the tapered border adjoins the
top work surface of a
compressible material.
Another object of the present invention is to offer seamless and flush joint
with the top of
a floor panel or floor section supported by a compressible bottom layer.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a layer of compressible
material
applied to the top of the platform having a compression force deflection
according to ASTM D
3574-11 up to 100 psi and preferably from 5 to 75 pounds per square inch..
Another object of the present invention is to provide a compressible material
used on the
bottom side of the floor platform or section supporting same which provides
the floor panel, floor
platform or section with a compression force deflection according to ASTM D
3574-11 up to 100
psi and preferably from 5 to 75 psi.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a compressible material
on a top
surface of the platform, section, or floor panel which would range in
compression set under
constant deflection according to ASTM D 1056-07 up to 70 psi. and preferably
from 3 -70 psi.
The compressible material on the bottom side ranges in compression set under
constant
deflection according to ASTM 1056-07 up to 70 psi and preferably from 3-70
psi.
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The attached compressible material comprises of an open or closed cell foam
material, or
vinyl like composite.
It is also contemplated that springs may be utilized to provide some control
tension and
psi of the work module.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular wood
platform ranging
from "to 1 "in thickness with the bottom surface raised off the floor with a
range of up to two
inches and preferably from 1/8 to 2 inches creating a suspension effect
exhibiting a spring
bounce and absorption effect for weight bearing stress in static and rhythmic
posture.
It is an object of the present invention provides that an optional layer of
compressible
material covers at least a top surface of the modular mat platform mat.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular mat platform
whereby a top
surface could optionally be covered with a layer or layers of a compressible
material ranging
from about %" to about 3/4" of an inch in thickness and more preferably from
about 1/8 inch to
about 5/8 inch in thickness..
It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular mat platform
whereby a top
surface could optionally be covered with a layer or layers of a compressible
material having a
compression force deflection range of about 15%-75% per ASTM D 3574-11.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular mat platform
whereby a top
surface could optionally be covered with a layer or layers of a compressible
material having a
compression set range of about 3%-50%. Per ASTM D1056-07.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular mat platform
whereby a top
surface could optionally be covered with a layer or layers of a compressible
material having a
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compression force deflection range of about 10 to 100% and more preferably
from about 15%-
75% per ASTM D 3574-11 and a compression set range of from about 3%-75% per
ASTM
D1056-07.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular mat platform
comprising a
wood substrate and a combination of sloped nosing or t-molding or L- molding
with a top
compressible material configuration has a compression force deflection range
of about 15%-
100% per ASTM D 3574-11.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular mat platform
comprising a
wood substrate and a combination of sloped nosing or t- molding or L- molding
with wood and
top compression able material configuration with a compression set range of
about 3%-50% per
ASTM D 1056-07
It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular mat platform
comprising a
wood substrate and a combination of sloped nosing or T- molding or L-molding
with wood and
top compressionable material configuration with a compression force deflection
range of about
15%-100% per ASTM D 3574-11 and a compression able set range of abut 3%-75%
per ASTM
D1056-07.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent with
the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings showing a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to
the
following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which
like numerals
refer to like parts throughout the views wherein:
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Figure 1 is a perspective to view of one assembled modular mat including a
first end
section having inner edges including sockets or grooves, an opposing second
end section having
inner edges including projections or tongues, and a middle or center section
having inner end
edges with sockets on one end and projections on an opposing inner end edge
for cooperative
engagement with the corresponding sockets and projections of the inner end
edge of the first
section and inner end edge of the second section;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a modular mat center section including both
projections
and sockets in alternate or staggered arrangements on the inner end edges for
joining
cooperatively engaging a center or end section having corresponding opposing
socket and
projections;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of an inner end edge including sockets of the
first end
section of the work mat;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of an inner end edge including projections of a
second end
section of the work mat;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a middle or center section of a work mate
having
opposing inner end edges wherein one inner end edge includes projections and
the opposing
inner end edge includes sockets for cooperative engagement to sections having
corresponding
projections and/or sockets;
Figure 6 is an end view of a border extruded from a polymeric material showing
the
hollow longitudinal cavities between the tip and end wall separated by
vertical wall sections of
webbing disposed between the top surface and base, and showing a portion of
the base
extending pass the end wall a selected distance for supporting the edge of a
panel above the
support surface or floor whereby the working mat is supported a selected
distance above the
support surface;
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Figure 7 is an end view of border showing the base flange suspending the
wooden
platform above the floor and showing dowel members disposed a selected
distance into the
hollow longitudinal cavities formed of the webbing defining square wooden
dowels for inserting
into corresponding longitudinal cavities of a second border cooperatively
engaging and joining
same together extending same;
Figure 8 is a perspective end view of a right side border piece suspending the
wooden
platform on the base flange of the border and showing the gap formed between
the bottom
surface of the platform and the supporting surface or floor and showing the
longitudinal cavities
formed in the border by the webbing;
Figure 9 is a perspective end view of a right side border piece suspending the
wooden
platform on the base flange of the border and showing the gap formed between
the bottom
surface of the platform and the supporting surface or floor and showing dowel
members disposed
within the longitudinal cavities formed in the border by the webbing;
Figure 10 is an end view of a left side border showing the platform section
supported on
the base flange above the support surface and showing the webbing for
containing dowels rod
members insertable into corresponding longitudinal cavities in an opposing
right side border to
hold modular sections together;
Figure 11 is an end view of a left side border showing the platform section
supported on a
spacer disposed between the base flange and platform and showing the webbing
for containing
dowels rod members insertable into corresponding longitudinal cavities in an
opposing right side
border to hold modular sections together;
Figure 12 is a perspective end view of the wooden platform showing an inner
edge
joining projection or 'biscuit' inserted therein for cooperative engagement
with a 'biscuit' slot;
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Figure 13 is a perspective end view of the wooden platform showing an inner
edge
joining socket, pocket or slot, such as a "biscuit slot" for receiving and
cooperatively engaging a
portion of the biscuit for holding two sections together;
Figure 14 is an end view of a left side border showing the platform section
supported on a
spacer disposed between the base flange and platform and showing the webbing
for containing
dowels rod members insertable into corresponding longitudinal cavities in an
opposing right side
border to hold modular sections together, wherein the top surface of the
border is sloped upward
to a point which is even with the surface of the platform and includes an
obtuse angle and short
segment which is even with the platform; and
Figure 15 is an end view of a border extruded from a polymeric material
showing the
hollow longitudinal cavities between the tip and end wall separated by
vertical wall sections of
webbing disposed between the top surface and base, and showing a portion of
the base
extending pass the end wall a selected distance for supporting the edge of a
panel above the
support surface or floor whereby the working mat is supported a selected
distance above the
support surface and a compression pad abuts the base flange and is disposed
between the
platform and the supporting surface.
Figure 16 is a perspective edge view of an expandable section of mat with a
chamfered
webbed polymer border extending from the outside edge of the work platform
surface bordering
three sides of the work platform;
Figure 17 is a perspective side view of an expandable section of the work
platform and
mat of Figure 16 showing a L-connector or L-molding spaced apart and aligned
with a horizontal
medial groove or slot in the work platform wherein the connector cooperatively
engages the inner
side edge of the expandable platform, providing a smooth outer side edge
suitable for placement
against the side of a piece of equipment;
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Figure 18 is a perspective view of the expandable mat of figure 17 showing the
L-
connector engaging the slot of the inner side edge of the mat showing the
distal ends flush with
the platform section;
Figure 19 is a perspective view of the inner side of the expandable mat
section with the
L-connector installed covering a portion of the chamfered edge border showing
the distal ends
extending past the platform section a selected distance covering a portion of
the border;
Figure 20 is a perspective side view of the expandable section of the work
platform of
Figure 16 including a longitudinal member having a T-shaped cross sectional
area defining a T-
connector which includes an inner horizontal base edge portion which
cooperatively engages the
inner edge of a first expandable work platform mat section and an opposing
outer horizontal
base edge portion which engages the inner edge of an adjacent expandable work
platform mat
section cooperatively engaging same;
Figure 21 shows two expandable mat sections nearly joined with one T-connector
showing the base having a length extending the length of the work platform
disposed between the
border base flanges of the border and the upward extending central flange
extending past the base
flange to cover the inner edge of the work platform between the borders;
Figure 22 is a perspective view showing two adjacent platform sections joined
with one
T-connector supporting in the inner edges of adjacent platform sections with
the work platform
sections abutting one another;
Figure 23 is a top view showing adjacent expandable work platform mat sections
spaced
apart from one another having a T-connecter disposed therebetween and the
length of the T-
connector flange extending pass the base flange to the edge of the chamfered
border;
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Figure 24 shows three expandable work platform sections spaced apart and
aligned with
T-connectors disposed therebetween;
Figure 25 is a top view showing the two expandable work platform sections of
Figure 23
joined together with the T-connector in between wherein the top edge of the T-
connector flange
emends upward a selected distance to provide a flush surface with the surface
of the work
platform sections joined thereby; and
Figure 26 is a top view showing the three expandable work platform sections of
Figure 24
joined together with the T-connector in between wherein the top edge of the T-
connector flange
emends upward a selected distance to provide a flush surface with the surface
of the work
platform sections joined thereby.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
example
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the
singular forms "a,"
"an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless
the context clearly
indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and
"having," are
inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations,
elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of
one or more other
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof. The method
steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as
necessarily requiring
their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless
specifically identified as
an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or
alternative steps may be
employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to,"
"connected to," or
"coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged,
connected or coupled to
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the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.
In contrast, when an
element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to,"
"directly connected to," or
"directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening
elements or layers
present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should
be interpreted in
a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus
"directly adjacent,"
etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of
one or more of the
associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe
various
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions,
layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may
be only used to
distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another
region, layer or
section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used
herein do not
imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a
first element,
component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second
element,
component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the example
embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below,"
"lower," "above,"
"upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe
one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in
the figures. Spatially
relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the
device in use or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example,
if the device in the
figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other
elements or features
would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the
example term "below"
can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be
otherwise oriented
(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative
descriptors used herein
interpreted accordingly.
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As used herein, the term "about" can be reasonably appreciated by a person
skilled in the
art to denote somewhat above or somewhat below the stated numerical value, to
within a range of
+ 10%.
_
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are
shown. This
invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of
the invention to
those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
In accordance with the present invention and figures 1-25, a modular ergonomic
work
platform mat or mat platform 1 is shown in Figure 1 including a first end
section 10 and a
second end section 11, and a third center section 12 for extending the length
of the working
platform mat.
The first end panel or section 10 has a first inner end edge 2 including
sockets or pockets
for inserts 17 formed therein. The opposing second end section 11 has a second
inner end edge
3 including projections, tongues, or biscuit members 16 formed thereon or both
sections may
include sockets 17 wherein biscuits or other joining members may be inserted
into the pockets
between adjoining panels locking or joining the panels together. An optional
third center
section 12 has a third inner end edge 4 including sockets or grooves 17 formed
therein, and a
fourth inner end edge 5 including projections or tongues 16 formed thereon. It
is contemplated
that any desired number of middle to center sections 12 can be disposed
between a first end
section 10 and a second end section 11 to expand the size of the working 1.
The modular wood platform ranges from about 1/8 to 2 inches in thickness with
the
bottom surface raised off the floor with a more preferable range of about 1/4
to 1 inch for
suspension effect comprising a spring bounce and absorption effect for weight
bearing stress in
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static and rhythmic posture. The polymer edging raises the wood platform
product off of the
floor and is incorporated in and around the tapered border and supports
joining sections of the
platform.
The modular wood platform ranges from about 1/8 to 2 inches in thickness with
the
bottom surface raised off the floor with a more preferable range of about 1/4
to 1 inch for
suspension effect comprising a spring bounce and absorption effect for weight
bearing stress in
static and rhythmic posture. The polymer edging raises the wood platform
product off of the
floor and is incorporated in and around the tapered border and supports
joining sections of the
platform.
The projections 16 of the first inner edge 2 of the first section 10 are
cooperatively
engageable with the opposing sockets 17 of the second inner end edge 3 of the
second end
section 12 to form a working platform mat.
As illustrated best in Figure 1, 3, 4, and 5, the sockets 17 of the first
inner edge 2 of the
first section 10 cooperatively engage the opposing projections 16 of the third
inner end edge 5 of
the third center section 12. The sockets 17 of the third inner end edge 4 of
the third center
section 12 cooperatively engage the projections 16 of the second inner end
edge 3 of the second
section 11 to form the work platform mat 1.
Figure 2 shows an extendable middle or center section 11 including alternating
sockets 17
and projections 16 on each one of the opposing end edges 7 and 8.
If only a short length of work platform mat is required for a particular
installation, then
only a female section 10 and a male section 12 will be assembled to one
another. When a longer
work platform mat is needed, any number of expander sections 11 are added
between the female
section 10 and the male section 12 to provide the desired length of work
platform mat 5. Figure
1 shows a work platform mat 5 including a female section 10 and a male section
12 with one
expander section 11.
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Figure 3 shows a female section 10 including a rectangular wooden platform 14
including
a top surface, a bottom surface, two long sides and two short sides. A border
13 extends around
two short sides and one long side of the rectangle. The exposed side of the
wooden platform 10
contains biscuit slots 17 to provide a proper joint with a mating section. The
wooden platform 14
is one fourth to one inch or more thick. Preferably, the wooden platform 14 is
in the range of
one-half to three quarters of an inch.
As shown in the figures, the border 13 covers the edges of wooden platform 14
and tapers
down to the floor to prevent a user from tripping on one of the edges. As seen
in figures 4-9, the
border is a longitudinal extruded member having a generally triangular cross-
sectional shape.
With reference to figure 8, the triangle is a right triangle wherein the
sloped surface or
hypotenuse 26 is the only exposed side and provides an inclined plane reaching
from the floor to
the top surface of the wooden platform 14. The border 13 is formed form an
extruded
longitudinal tube or strip of polymeric material having a triangular cross
sectional. A flat bottom
or base 21 rests upon a support surface such as a floor. An end section or end
wall 24 of the
border 13 integrally joins the base 21 at a right angle of 90 degrees forming
the short leg of the
triangular member extending upward for abutting and cooperative engagement
with a selected
edge of the section or panel and is generally up to about two inches high and
in at least one
embodiment ranges from one fourth to two inches high.
The top load supporting surface 22 of the border 13 integrally joins the top
edge of the
end wall 24 to the opposing front end edge of the base 21 at an acute angle of
45 degrees or less,
preferably an angle less than thirty-five degrees and more preferably from
about 5 to 35 degrees.
One embodiment of the invention includes a border having a base 21 and top
surface 26 forming
an acute angle A in the range of eight to thirty-five degrees wherein the
length of the top surface
or hypotenuse 26 is in the range of two to eight inches in length and more
preferably in the range
of three to four inches in length. As shown in the drawings, the top surface
26 of the border
forms an inclined plane extending upward from a tip 40 formed by a junction
with the base 21
the floor or support surface, toward the top of the short end wall 24 to
integrally join the front
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edge of the base 21 forming the hypotenuse whereby the border cross-sectional
shape defines an
inclined plane or slope. As shown in Figures 6-10 the plane is a straight line
forming a
substantially flat inclined plane; however, it is anticipated that the top
surface 26 forming the
hypotenuse could extend upward a selected length forming an extended included
plane portion
having a greater slope which then extends horizontally outward or at a
selected obtuse angle 37
or curve forming a leg 39 joining the end wall 24 and abut the edge of the
selected section as
shown in Figure 13. It is contemplated that the top surface 26 can also be
extruded or molded
having a slightly curved shaped forming either surface concave or convex
surface extending
from the tip 40 or pointed portion resting on the support surface to the end
wall or having a
curved portion therein between so long as the tip rests upon the support
surface and the opposing
end joins the end wall 24 providing a generally seamless transition from the
border to the surface
of the platform section 14. Moreover, the top sloped surface 26 may include an
irregular,
stamped, grooved or stamped pattern 42 to improve traction and minimize
slippage by the user.
The web 36 comprising at least two spaced apart vertical walls 22 and 23 are
parallel to
the short end 24 and provide compression and lateral support to the triangular
boarder 13 against
collapse of the hypotenuse 26, when the boarder 13 has a downward load
applied. Figures 6-11
show an end view of a border extruded from a polymeric material showing the
hollow
longitudinal cavities between the tip and end wall separated by vertical wall
sections of webbing
disposed between the top surface and base. Connecting means comprising dowel
members are
inserted into the distal ends of the longitudinal cavities as means of joining
two adjacent sections
of border together. Of course, additional longitudinal members can be inserted
into the
longitudinal passages of the border to provide structural strength thereto and
minimize
compression of same under load.
A border base flange which may be an extension of the base 21 defines a flange
30
extending past the end 24 of the border. The extension 30 has a length in the
range of one
quarter inch to two inches and is preferably in the range of three quarters
inch to one inch long.
The thickness of the extension 30 is in the range of one eight to one quarter
inches thick.
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Figure 8 shows the wooden platform 14 resting on the extension 30 of the
border piece
13. This provides a gap 20 between the bottom surface of the platform 14 and
the top surface of
the floor. This gap 20 is preferably in the range of one eighth of an inch to
two inches. A spacer
25 as shown in Figure 11 may be added to the between the platform 14 and the
top surface of the
flange 30 to increase the thickness of the base flange to provide a seamless
smooth surface
between the surface 26 of the border and the platform surface 14.
With reference to figures 8 and 9, it can be seen that the top surface of the
platform 14 is
at the same height as the top edge of the border 13. The height 24 of the
triangular boarder 24,
the thickness of the wooden platform 14, and the thickness of the extension 30
and spacer 25 (if
used) are selected so that the top surface of the platform 14 is about even
with the top edge of
the border 13.
Figures 4-5, and 6-7 show mating pairs of female-male ends of the border piece
13. The
male end in figure 7 is defined by the two wooden dowels 18 which will be
forcibly inserted into
the respective apertures 19 of the female end in figure 6. Therefore, the
combination of dowels
18 inserted into apertures 19 and the insertion of the biscuits 16 into the
biscuit holes 17 provide
a secure joint between mating sections of work platform mat. The biscuits 16
insure that when a
user stands on one section of the work platform mat, edges of that section
don't dip below the
adjoining and causing a trip hazard. If desired, the mating edges of the
wooden platforms and the
biscuit joints are glued to provide a stronger joining of the sections.
Figures 10 and 11 show partial mating sides of wooden platforms 14 of two
modular
sections of the work platform mat 5. The wooden edges of adjoining section
alternately contain
biscuit slots 17 and biscuits 16 which inserted into biscuit slots 17 to align
and secure the edges
of the adjacent wooden platforms 14. If desired, glue is included in the
joining of two wooden
platforms 14. With this biscuit joint, the top surfaces of the two adjacent
wooden platforms are
guaranteed to be approximately flush with one another, thus preventing trip
hazards at the edges.
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Figure 15 is an end view of a border extruded from a polymeric material
showing the
hollow longitudinal cavities between the tip and end wall separated by
vertical wall sections of
webbing disposed between the top surface and base, and showing a portion of
the base
extending pass the end wall a selected distance for supporting the edge of a
panel above the
support surface or floor whereby the working platform mat is supported a
selected distance above
the support surface and a compression pad 35 abuts the base flange and is
disposed between the
platform and the supporting surface.
As illustrated in figures 16-26, expandable work platform mat sections 51 and
53 are
joined without the use of biscuits and biscuit slots but rather are joined
together at the interior or
inner edges by a longitudinal member having a cross sectional shape of an
inverted "T" wherein
a medial or center vertical flange extends upward from the base defining
horizontal flanges. As
illustrated in Figures 15-25, the inverted T-connector 50 includes vertical
flange 57 extending
upward dividing a flat base into a pair of horizontal base flanges 52 and 54.
The base flanges
extend into cooperatively sized and shaped slots 40 formed in the interior
edges of the center of
the work platform between the chamfered borders between the wooden platform 14
and the floor.
Figure 21 shows that wall 54 is under the platform 14 of the expandable
platform mat section 51
and the other wall 52 will be under the platform 40 of the expandable mat
section 53 when that
section is brought onto the T-connector. Holding means such as an adhesive,
screws, rivets,
nails, hook and loop fasteners, snap together flanges, ball and socket or
friction fit can be used to
fix the platforms together and/or to the T-connector. A plurality of
expandable platform mat
sections may be assembled as shown in figures 24 and 26, to form a work mat of
any desired
length.
Thus, a first expandable work platform mat section including a first inner
edge joined to a
second inner edge of a second expandable work platform section with an
elongated T-connector
comprising an upward extending central flange extending upward from a base
flange forming a
first base flange portion and a second base flange portion, the first base
flange portion
cooperatively engaging a first horizontal slot formed in the first inner edge
of the first expandable
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work platform mat section in a tongue and groove arrangement and the second
base flange
portion cooperatively engaging a second horizontal slot formed in the second
inner edge of the
second expandable work platform mat section in a tongue and groove arrangement
for aligning
and holding the first expandable work platform mat section to the second
expandable work
platform section.
The height of the central flange can be selected so that the top of the flange
terminates at
a point below or even with the top surface of the work platform. A strip of
compressible
material, or a cover strip of metal of other material can be used to cover a
gap or seam between
the adjacent work platform sections if a gap 74 is formed between adjacent
border edges 70
and 72 due to the thickness of the vertical edge wall 57.
One or more of the adjacent work platform sections may also include a slot 55
formed at
the outer edge of the platform 14 for cooperative engagement with the top edge
side portions of
the vertical flange or the T-connector, as shown in figure 23. As the T-
connector is urged against
that edge of the platform 14, the vertical wall slides into the slot 55. The
resulting assembly,
shown in figure 25, contains no gap 74 but results an a solid and smoothly
joined assembly.
A finished mat shown as in Figure 18 is uses an L-connector 42 comprising a
longitudinal
member having an L-shaped cross sectional area whereby a horizontal flange 44
slides into a slot
40 formed in the inner edge of the platform and the vertical flange abuts the
rough edge of the
platform 14. A slot 55 may be formed in the inner edge of the platform 14 to
cooperatively
engage the vertical flange portion of the L-connector.
It is anticipated that at least the top surface of the wooden platform 14 of
the modular
sections are coated with a smooth, textured, granular or electro-static
dissipative finish or
laminate.
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Furthermore, a compressible material can be fastened underneath or above the
wood
offering further ergonomic properties combined with the function of the
platform. An even or
flush horizontal work surface can be provided where the highest point of the
vertical wall edge of
the tapered border adjoins the top work surface of a compressible material. A
seamless and
flush joint is formed with the top of a floor panel or floor section supported
by a compressible
bottom layer. The layer of compressible material applied to the top of the
platform has a
compression force deflection according to ASTM D 3574-08 up to 100 psi and
preferably from 5
to 75 pounds per square inch. A compressible material may be used used on the
bottom side of
the floor platform or section supporting same either alone or in combination
with compressible
material on the top surface which provides the floor panel, floor platform or
section with a
compression force deflection according to ASTM D 3574-08 up to 100 psi and
preferably from 5
to 75 psi. The compressible material on a top surface of the platform,
section, or floor panel
ranges in compression set under constant deflection according to ASTM D 1056-
00 up to 70 psi.
and preferably from 3 -70 psi. The compressible material on the bottom side
ranges in
compression set under constant deflection according to ASTM 1056-00 up to 70
psi and
preferably from 3-70 psi.
The attached compressible material comprises of an open or closed cell foam
material, or
vinyl like composite. Both open-cell and closed-cell products are available in
a large variety of
compression deflection ranges. Padding may still be capable of providing
proper ergonomic
support to both stationary and walking activities
Open cell material looks and acts like a sponge. Closed cell material looks
like a bunch of
bubbles glued together. When force is applied to an open cell product, after
release of the force,
the product bounces back to shape because the open cell structure allows air
to flow back into the
material. On the contrary, when force is applied to a closed cell product,
some of the bubbles
may burst, resulting in a loss of cushion and support. The closed cell
structure impedes the flow
of air so that the structure does not return to its original shape as quickly
after release of the
force.
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Open-cell foam products typically have lower compression set numbers. However,
their
structure permits the absorption of water, which may require them being sealed
to prevent mold
and mildew when utilized in the present invention. For example, Rubberlite
Inc. offers a
polyurethane open-cell product called HYPUR-CEL® H0705 that may be used in
the
present invention. Rubberlite Inc. also offers closed-cell sponge rubber
materials that may be
used in the present invention. Both products exhibit 40% compression set.
Armacell LLC offers
a neoprene blend named IG-2 that supports 25% compression set. These materials
are provided
for exemplary purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention.
EXAMPLE 1
For example, one preferred embodiment of the present invention would include
the
following features and is described as follows:
The modular wood platform ranges from about 1/8 to 2 inches in thickness with
the
bottom surface raised off the floor with a more preferable range of about 1/4
to 1 inch for
suspension effect comprising a spring bounce and absorption effect for weight
bearing stress in
static and rhythmic posture. The polymer edging raises the wood platform
product off of the
floor and is incorporated in and around the tapered border and supports
joining sections of the
platform.
A tapered border provides safe ingress and egress transition on and off from
the wood
platform is affixed or attached to a wood platform providing a seamless
transition therewith. The
attached border comprises a polymer and more particularly a plastic or other
synthetic material
such as polyvinylchloride ("PVC"), an elastomer material, a rubber material, a
polyblend
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(plastic and rubber composite material), or other polymeric compound or like
material providing
good resilience, traction, controlled compressibility, and insulating
properties with a slope
ranging up to 45 percent, more preferably from 1 to 45 percent, more
preferably from 5 to 40
percent and even more preferably from 8 to 35 percent. In one preferred
embodiment, the
attached border ranges in width from 2 to 8 inches depending upon the
thickness of the wood
platform base with a slope ranging from 8%-35%.
In at least one embodiment, the sloped attached border system includes panels
or sections
having two or three side and end surface areas opposite the sloped side area
comprising at least
one vertical plane or side edge and one horizontal plane ranging from 1/2" to
1 inch for adjoining
the panels or sections of the wood platform.
The sloped attached chamfered border system comprises a tapered body having a
selected
slope in a range of from 3 to 45 degrees and more preferably from about 8-35
degrees with two
or three side and/or end surface edge areas opposite the sloped side with a
vertical plane or
thickness ranging from 1/8 to 2 inches. The adjoining sloped border contains a
channeled or
hollow inner configuration that enables modular connection methods of the
ergonomic wood and
border system via a biscuit and insert configuration.
The sloped border having an internal construction contains at least one,
preferably two,
and more preferably a plurality of between 3-5 channels for connection to the
other like modular
constructed platform utilizing connectors made of wood, plastic, nylon, PVC or
metal in either
modular or permanent male and female connection in tongue and groove form and
function.
The wood platform ranges in height up to three inches, and typically has a
thickness of from 1/8
to 2 inches with an attached border system containing a sloping or tapered
edge or chamfered
border of 5-35 percent and having an overall width extending from the wood
platform outer
peripheral edge of from 2 to 8 inches.
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The chamfered border optionally includes a hollowed interior portion
optionally including
a selected number of spaced apart vertical support walls or up to five inside
vertical supports and
at least one and more preferably from 3 to 5 horizontal support members to
provide modular
male/female connection. A second wood platform or section with an adjoining
sloped or
chamfered border with a selected corresponding sized top vertical range of for
example 1/2 to 2
inches and a bottom sloped vertical height of under 3/8" can be connected
thereto.
The surface of the wood platform with adjoining sloped border system can be
coated
with a smooth, textured, granular, or electro static dissipative finish or
laminate and may include
compression properties. A modular raised wood platform with a sloped border on
up to four
sides with the vertical riser consisting of PVC or like material on the bottom
surface is either
integrated into the sloped border material or independently fastened to the
bottom of wood
platform. The raised wood platform comprising or consisting of a sloped border
system
supports the wood above a resting surface or the ground while additionally
providing anti-slip
bottom surface traction to the platform. The horizontal plane of surface area
of the raised wood
platform is even with or as much as 1/8" greater than the top vertical rise of
the tapered border.
The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of
understanding and
no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modification
will become obvious
to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon
departing from the
spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this
invention is not
intended to be limited by the specific exemplification presented herein above.
Rather, what is
intended to be covered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
