Impact-Attenuating, Firm, Stable, and Slip Resistant Surface System and Method for Providing Same

Abstract

A system and method of providing a wheelchair accessible path through a variety of impact attenuating surfaces including loose fill materials. The combination of a tarmac and loose fill material provides an ASTM compliant impact attenuating surface for playgrounds and other activities. The modular tarmac 15 is also used in wet conditions to improve the traction and impact attenuation over traditional materials used in water parks, and also for reducing wear to park patrons' feet.

1 . An impact attenuation surface system comprising:
 an impact attenuating solid subsurface having a top surface;   an impact attenuating mat having a top surface and a bottom surface, the mat being fixedly placed on the impact attenuating solid subsurface, and   wherein the impact attenuation surface system has a head injury criterion less than 1000 and a gmax less than 200.   
   
   
       2 . The surface system of  claim 1  wherein the mat further being supported by a rib grid disposed on the bottom surface of the mat. 
   
   
       3 . The surface system of  claim 1  wherein the mat having a plurality of impact attenuating arches disposed on the top surface of the mat. 
   
   
       4 . The surface system of  claim 1  wherein the mat further having a plurality of legs of varying heights extending from the bottom surface of the mat, the plurality of legs being placed on the top surface of the solid subsurface. 
   
   
       5 . The surface system of  claim 1  wherein a gap formed between the bottom surface of the mat and the top surface of the solid subsurface. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the mat is substantially made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the solid subsurface is a poured rubber subsurface. 
   
   
       8 . A method of providing a wheel chair accessible, impact attenuating recreational surface, the method comprising:
 providing an impact attenuating subsurface on the surface of a recreational area;   placing an impact attenuating mat on the top of the impact attenuating subsurface; and   wherein the combination of the impact attenuating subsurface and impact attenuating mat provide an impact attenuating recreational surface having a head injury criterion less than 1000 and a gmax less than 200.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the impact attenuating mat including a plurality of legs extending from the mat to the impact attenuating subsurface. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the impact attenuating mat further including a plurality of impact attenuating arches. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8  wherein providing an impact attenuating subsurface includes proving a loose-fill subsurface. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising providing a fabric between the loose-fill subsurface and the impact attenuating subsurface. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 8  wherein providing an impact attenuating subsurface includes proving a solid subsurface.