Patent ID: 8919066
Filing Date: 2014-12-30
Classification: A62B,E04F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: an impact surface; a plurality of spaced apart incompressible stiffening columns extending between one side of the impact surface and a support surface, and supporting the impact surface a distance above the support surface, wherein when the apparatus is subjected to a compressive pressure between the impact surface and the support surface less than a critical pressure defined as the pressure at which the stiffening columns will buckle, the stiffening columns remain incompressible so as to substantially prevent movement of the impact surface towards the support surface, and when the apparatus is subjected to a compressive pressure between the impact surface and the support surface greater than the critical pressure, at least one of the stiffening columns deform by buckling, thereby allowing deflection of the impact surface towards the support surface, changing the distance between the flooring plate and the support surface; a resilient underlayment at least partially surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of spaced apart stiffening columns and substantially filling a space between the plurality of stiffening columns, the resilient underlayment coupled to the stiffening columns at at least one location to influence the post-buckling deformation of the stiffening column, and to substantially prevent permanent deformation of the stiffening column.