Synthetic support base for modular flooring

Abstract

A flooring system configured to accommodate sports play and other activities, wherein the flooring system comprises a support base having a synthetic component, such as a synthetic support structure, wherein the support base is configured to provide a support surface for receiving and supporting a flooring configuration. The support base may further comprise a filler material operable with the synthetic support component, wherein the synthetic support component is integrated into the filler material.

1 . A support base for supporting a synthetic sports flooring configuration thereon, the support base comprising:
 a synthetic support structure situated about a portion of earthen ground comprising:
 a plurality of extension members being a primary load bearing component and having an impact absorbing characteristic; and 
 a non-rigid coupling interface for interconnecting with at least one adjacent synthetic support structure; and 
   a rigid intermediate layer formed atop the synthetic support structure and having a generally-planar top surface supporting a flooring configuration thereon.   
   
   
       2 . The support base of  claim 1 , wherein an impact force received on the top surface is distributed primarily to the plurality of extension members and not to the at least one adjacent synthetic support structure. 
   
   
       3 . The support base of  claim 1 , wherein the top surface of the intermediate layer does not extend over a bottom surface of the at least one adjacent synthetic support structure. 
   
   
       4 . The support base of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of earthen ground further comprises a ground surface prepared to a substantially flat subgrade. 
   
   
       5 . The support base of  claim 1 , wherein the top surface of the intermediate layer further comprises a series of drainage apertures continuously-distributed across the top surface of the intermediate layer. 
   
   
       6 . A synthetic sports flooring system for receiving and absorbing an impact force acting thereon, comprising:
 a flooring configuration disposed about a support base, the flooring configuration comprising:
 a contact surface for receiving an impact force; and 
 a force transfer element having a first impact absorbing characteristic, the force transfer element absorbing at least a portion of the impact force and transferring a remainder of the impact force to the support base; and 
   the support base comprising:
 a synthetic support structure situated about a portion of earthen ground comprising:
 a plurality of extension members being a primary load bearing component and having a second impact absorbing characteristic; and 
 a non-rigid coupling interface for interconnecting with at least one adjacent synthetic support structure; and 
 
 a rigid intermediate layer atop the synthetic support structure and having a generally-planar top surface supporting the flooring configuration thereon, 
   wherein the remainder of the impact force is distributed primarily to the plurality of extension members and not to the at least one adjacent synthetic support structure.   
   
   
       7 . The sports flooring system of  claim 6 , wherein a shock absorption distribution ratio between the first impact absorbing characteristic and second impact absorbing characteristic is selectable. 
   
   
       8 . The sports flooring system of  claim 6 , wherein the top surface of the intermediate layer does not extend over a bottom surface of the at least one adjacent synthetic support structure. 
   
   
       9 . The sports flooring system of  claim 6 , wherein the portion of earthen ground further comprises a prepared ground surface. 
   
   
       10 . The sports flooring system of  claim 6 , wherein the rigid intermediate layer is formed with the synthetic support structure. 
   
   
       11 . The sports flooring system of  claim 6 , wherein the top surface of the intermediate layer further comprises a series of drainage apertures continuously-distributed across the top surface of the intermediate layer. 
   
   
       12 . The sports flooring system of  claim 6 , wherein the force transfer element further comprises a mechanical interface existing between the flooring configuration and the support base. 
   
   
       13 . The sports flooring system of  claim 6 , wherein the flooring configuration is a modular, synthetic floor tile. 
   
   
       14 . A method for constructing a flooring system for receiving and absorbing an impact force acting thereon, said method comprising:
 preparing a portion of ground to comprise a substantially flat subgrade;   situating a synthetic support structure about the ground, the support structure comprising:
 a plurality of extension members being a primary load bearing component and having a base impact absorbing characteristic; 
 a non-rigid coupling interface for interconnecting with at least one adjacent synthetic support structure; and 
 a rigid intermediate layer formed atop the synthetic support structure having a generally-planar top surface; and 
   overlaying a flooring configuration on said top surface, the flooring configuration comprising:
 a contact surface for receiving an impact force; and 
 a force transfer element having a flooring impact absorbing characteristic, 
 wherein the force transfer element absorbs at least a portion of the impact force and a remainder of the impact force is distributed to the plurality of extension members for absorption and not to the at least one adjacent synthetic support structure. 
   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising selecting the base impact absorbing characteristic and flooring impact absorbing characteristic to define a predetermined shock absorption distribution ratio for the flooring system. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the top surface of the intermediate layer does not extend over a bottom surface of the at least one adjacent synthetic support structure. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the flooring configuration is a modular, synthetic floor tile.