Multi-stage shock absorber flooring system

Abstract

A shock absorber for use in a flooring system including an attachment region extending from a top end towards a bottom end and an action region extending from the bottom end to the top end. The shock absorber further includes a neck region extending between and connecting to the attachment region and the action region to one another. The action region is configured to at least partially collapse when the shock absorber is subjected to a force. The action region includes a plurality of levels which are configured to independently collapse when the force is applied to the shock absorber. The shock absorber is engaged with a subfloor of the flooring system using a connector. The shock absorber is adjustable relative to the connector to allow for the subfloor and flooring system to be leveled.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A shock absorber comprising:
 a top end and a bottom end spaced apart from one another;   an outer surface opposite and interior space;   an attachment region extending from the top end towards the bottom end;   an action region extending from the bottom end towards the top end; and   a neck region connecting the attachment region and the action region.   
     
     
         2 . The shock absorber according to  claim 1 , wherein the attachment region is shaped and sized to couple with a subfloor and wherein the action region is configured to be positioned below the subfloor and is configured to at least partially collapse when the shock absorber is subjected to a force from above is exerted during an activity being performed atop the subfloor. 
     
     
         3 . The shock absorber according to  claim 2 , wherein the action region comprises a plurality of levels which are configured to at least partially collapse when shock absorber is subjected to the force. 
     
     
         4 . The shock absorber according to  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of levels are at least partially received within the interior space when collapsed. 
     
     
         5 . The shock absorber according to  claim 3 , further comprising a first level of the plurality of levels, wherein a first level at least partially collapses when the force is equal to or less than a first force threshold. 
     
     
         6 . The shock absorber according to  claim 5 , further comprising a second level or another level of the plurality of levels, wherein that at least partially collapse when the force exceeds the first force threshold. 
     
     
         7 . The shock absorber according to  claim 3 , wherein at least one level from of the plurality of levels includes a first wall and a second wall. 
     
     
         8 . The shock absorber according to  claim 3 , wherein one of the first wall or the second walls remains stationary or static when the plurality of levels are collapsed. 
     
     
         9 . The shock absorber according to  claim 7 , wherein the second wall of a first level of the plurality of levels is connected to the first wall of a second level of the plurality of levels. 
     
     
         10 . The shock absorber according to  claim 8 , wherein both the first wall and the second level move when the plurality of levels are collapsed. 
     
     
         11 . The shock absorber according to  claim 10 , wherein a level closer to the top of the shock absorber collapses prior to a level closer to the bottom of the shock absorber. 
     
     
         12 . The shock absorber according to  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of levels decrease in diameter, respectively, from the top end to the bottom end of the shock absorber. 
     
     
         13 . The shock absorbers according to  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of levels increase in diameter, respectively, from top end to the bottom end of the shock absorber. 
     
     
         14 . A shock absorbing flooring system comprising:
 a subfloor configured to be engaged with a floor;   wherein the subfloor is formed from a plurality of sheets; and   a plurality of shock absorbers removably engaged with each of the plurality of sheets.   
     
     
         15 . The shock absorbing flooring system according to  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a plurality of connectors operably engaged with each of the plurality of sheets at a lower surface of the plurality of sheets; and   wherein the plurality shock absorbers is removably engaged with the plurality of connectors such that the plurality of shock absorbers extend downward from a lower surface of the plurality of sheets when removable engaged therewith.   
     
     
         16 . The shock absorbing flooring system according to  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of shock absorbers each comprise:
 a top end and a bottom end spaced apart from one another;   an outer surface opposite and interior space;   an attachment region extending from top end towards bottom end; and   an action region extending from bottom end towards top end.   
     
     
         17 . The shock absorbing flooring system according to  claim 16 , wherein the attachment region comprises a rod configured to be received within the plurality of connectors. 
     
     
         18 . The shock absorbing flooring system according to  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a recess defined in the rod, wherein the recesses is adapted to receive a screwdriver; and   wherein a position of the shock absorber can be adjusted relative to the subfloor via the screwdriver from above the subfloor.   
     
     
         19 . The shock absorbing flooring system according to  claim 15 , wherein each of the plurality of connectors comprises:
 an inner surface and an outer surface spaced apart from one another;   a plurality of ridges extending outwardly from the outer surface; and   wherein the plurality of ridges are configured to secureably engage the connector with at least one bore defined by each of the plurality of sheets.   
     
     
         20 . A method of installing a shock absorbing flooring system comprising:
 engaging at least one connector with at least one bore defined in at least one sheet of a plurality of sheet;   engaging at least one shock absorber with the at least one connector;   forming a subfloor by connecting a plurality of sheets to one another;   engaging the subfloor and the at least one shock absorber with a ground;   adjusting a position of the at least one shock absorber; and   installing a floor atop the subfloor.