Surface

Abstract

The present invention relates to apparatus, methods and kits for reducing an impact from a fall and/or increasing the cushioning properties of a surface. Particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to apparatus for reducing impact of a fall onto and/or increasing cushioning of a surface, wherein the apparatus comprises a first upper layer and a second layer, wherein the second layer is resilient and comprises at least one foam element and at least one inset region. Also included in the present invention are methods of installing apparatus of the invention and kits and systems for providing impact-absorbing and/or cushioning surfaces.

1 . Apparatus for reducing impact of a fall onto and/or increasing cushioning of a surface comprising:
 a first upper layer and a second layer, wherein the first upper layer is resilient and comprises at least one hole, and further wherein the second layer is resilient and comprises at least one foam element and at least one inset region, the second layer comprising a plurality of through holes, wherein the plurality of through holes of the second layer is partially or wholly filled with a material which supports plant growth.   
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the second layer comprises a plurality of foam elements. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one foam element is an open cell foam element. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one foam element is selected from a polyethylene foam element, a polypropylene foam element, a biopolymer element, an EVA foam element, a polyurethane foam element, a polystyrene foam element and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one foam element is a recycled foam element. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of foam elements comprises foam elements of different (a) sizes; (b) densities; (c) shapes; and/or (d) compositions. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the second layer has a thickness of approximately 25 mm or greater, e.g. 35 mm, 45 mm, 55 mm, 65 mm, 75 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm or 95 mm. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the second layer further comprises a layer of ground stabilising material, wherein said layer of ground stabilising material is positioned on a downwardly facing surface of said second layer in use. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the second layer further comprises a layer of ground stabilizing material, wherein said layer of ground stabilizing material is positioned on an upwardly facing surface of said second layer in use. 
     
     
         13 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of through holes forms an array of holes. 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of through holes has a diameter of approximately 20 mm. 
     
     
         21 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one inset region comprises one or more grooves or channels on a surface of the second layer. 
     
     
         24 . Apparatus according to  claim 23 , wherein the one or more grooves or channels are inset from an upper surface of the second layer. 
     
     
         25 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the material which supports plant growth supports grass plant growth. 
     
     
         26 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the material is selected from soil, sand, loam and/or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         27 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the material further comprises grass seed. 
     
     
         28 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the first upper layer comprises an open celled rubber matting. 
     
     
         32 - 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , which comprises a third layer which is an intermediate layer located between the first upper, layer and the second layer, wherein the intermediate layer comprises one or more of soil, turf, loam and/or sand. 
     
     
         41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the first upper layer comprises at least one securing element. 
     
     
         43 - 64 . (canceled) 
     
     
         65 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one hole of the first upper layer and at least one hole of the second layer are substantially generally aligned to form at least one continuous through hole. 
     
     
         66 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one foam element is a closed cell foam element. 
     
     
         67 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one foam element is a virgin foam element.