CH703433A1 - Jumping cushion for collecting overturn from low altitude, in form of multi-layered foam mat, has upper side that serves as collecting surface and lower side that serves for resting on optional substrate - Google Patents

Abstract

The jumping cushion (10) has an upper side that serves as collecting surface and a lower side that serves for resting on an optional substrate. An elastically deformable, air-permeable core layer (3) is made from a primary, open-cell or perforated foam material which corresponds the collecting area in geometrical shape and size.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a jump pad according to the preamble of the independent claim.

STATE OF THE ART

It is known to catch the fall of a body by a jump pad according to DIN 14151-1: 2004-08. Such used for personal rescue jump cushion consists of an inflatable tube framework which is arranged in an interior of the jump pad and surrounded on all sides by airtight tarpaulins. For use of the jump pad, the tube framework is inflated with air and thus erect. The fall of the body on the jump pad, the air in the interior is compressed and deforms the tube framework, which in turn converts kinetic energy of the body in deformation work. The weight of the jump pad is 55 kg, the catch area of the jump pad is 3.5 m x 3.5 m and the fall depth of the jump pad is 1.7 m. The jump pad can catch fall heights up to 16 m. It has been developed exclusively for use by instructed fire fighters and its functionality must be checked after each use by a fire brigade.

Now, when climbing without climbing rope and harness (bouldering) is a need for a jump pad that can be used on natural and artificial climbing walls. It should therefore be safe to use by a non-instructed person and do not require a review of the functionality of a test center. Also, it should be portable by a person in hard-to-walk terrain for a long time. Finally, the jump pad should be able to absorb fall heights of 7 m and more.

For this purpose, document WO2009 / 061 246A1 describes an airtight inflatable jump cushion with an upper and a lower tarpaulin and a drop mesh fabric as a deformable material in the interior surrounded by the tarpaulins. The drop stitches are aligned obliquely to the areal extent of the tarpaulin. For the use of the jump pad, the interior is inflated with air to 1.2atm overpressure. The jump pad is placed with the lower tarpaulin on the ground, while the upper tarpaulin absorbs the fall of the body.

The present invention has as its object to provide a jump pad which is safe to be used by a person who is easy and easy to carry by a person in difficult terrain and also for a long time, the lintel heights of 7 m and more without personal injury, which can be quickly and stably positioned by a person on rough ground, which is inexpensive to purchase and permanently in use.

These objects are achieved by the invention according to the characterizing features of the independent claim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a jump pad with an inner core layer of deformable, air-permeable, open-cell foam, on both sides adjoining cover layers, optionally made of closed-cell foam, and an airtight outer skin. The deformable material of the inner core converts kinetic energy of the impacting body into deformation work in the use of the jump pad.

Open-cell foam has a restoring force, according to which it expands again upon depressurization after prior compression and essentially assumes its original, non-compressed form. For transport, in particular for carrying the jump pad over long distances, the jump pad is compressed and brought into a packaging form, for example by rolling. Due to the resulting, small transport volume, the jump pad is easy and easy to carry by a person. Open cell foam is also cost effective and durable.

Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] <Tb> FIG. 1 <sep> is an exploded view of part of an exemplary embodiment of a jump pad according to the invention; <Tb> FIG. 2 <sep> shows a top view of the jump pad and a view in cross-section A-A through a central region of the jump pad according to FIG. 1; <Tb> FIG. Fig. 3 <sep> shows a schematic plan view of the skip pad with surface structure and attachments; and <Tb> FIG. 4 shows schematic views of the jump pad according to FIGS. 1 to 3 in the packaged and in the unpacked state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1 to 4 show an exemplary embodiment of the inventive jump pad 10. The jump pad 10 is provided for use in bouldering on natural and artificial climbing walls. But it can also be used for personal rescue or generally for the protection of persons in case of danger of falling from lower heights.

In the unpacked, depressurized state, the jump pad 10 forms a mat with typically rectangular, square or trapezoidal collection surface, optionally with rounded or beveled corners, with a minimum side length of typically 1 m and a maximum side length of typically 2 m, at a constant Falling depth of typically around 0.15 to 0.25 m. The fall depth corresponds essentially to the height or thickness of the jump pad. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the jump pad has a trapezoidal plan with beveled corners and has a maximum longitudinal extent of 1.6 m and a maximum width of 1.2 m at a thickness of 0.15 m in the pressure-relieved state. For transport, the jump pad 10 can be rolled up into a roll of about 0.5 m in length and about 0.2 to 0.3 m in diameter. The transport volume of the wrapped jump pad 10 is about one-tenth to one-thirtieth of the volume of the unpacked, pressure-relieved jump pad, making the latter easy to carry for a person in the hand, over the shoulder or on the back or attach to the backpack. For this purpose, the jump pad advantageously has support means 7 such as hook-and-loop fasteners, straps, handles, straps, loops and the like. The dimensions of the jump pad 10 given are exemplary and can be varied within a wide range of implementation by those skilled in the knowledge of the present invention.

In a first embodiment, the invention relates to a jump pad 10 for catching falls from low altitude, in the form of a multi-layered foam mat, with a top that serves as a collecting surface and a bottom that serves to rest on any surface , and contains the following elements: a) an elastically deformable, air-permeable core layer (3) made of a primary, open-cell or perforated foam, which corresponds in geometrical shape and size substantially to the collecting surface; b) a first layer (4) of a foam which is less air-permeable or impermeable to air compared to the foam of the core layer, at least partially, preferably completely covering the upper side of the deformable core layer, a secondary foam or textile fabric, in particular a closed-cell foam; c) a second layer (5) of the underside of the deformable core layer at least regionally, preferably completely covering, of a secondary or tertiary foam or textile fabric, in particular a closed-cell foam, which is less air-permeable or impermeable to air compared to the foam of the core layer; such as d) a foam layer or layers enveloping and hermetically sealing outer skin, preferably made of durable plastic or textile, optionally polymer-coated, tissue; wherein the first layer 4 of the secondary foam is primarily for better pressure distribution of a falling on the jump pad body and the second layer 5 of the secondary or tertiary foam to prevent penetration of the falling body to the ground.

The material of the first layer 4 and the second layer 5 of the less air-permeable or air-impermeable foam may have identical or different properties in terms of air permeability and / or hardness. It is crucial that the two layers prevent penetration of the falling body to the ground. In the embodiment with different properties of the two layers 4 and 5, the layer 5 typically consists of a denser and / or harder foam (= tertiary foam) than the layer 4 of the secondary foam. The term "primary", "secondary", "tertiary" in this context should be understood only as an enumeration and indicate no evaluation or chemical nature. Each of the two layers may be more or less permeable to air or impermeable to air, the latter e.g. when using closed-cell foam.

The outer skin is preferably composed of an upper shell 1 and a lower shell 2, which are typically made of durable polyester fabric, e.g. made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), optionally additionally reinforced with a polymer coating, which makes them resistant to abrasion, tear and dirt repellent, and whereby the jump pad can be used without damage even on rough, rocky or rocky ground. The edges of the airtight sheaths 1, 2 are connected to each other airtight, in particular welded, glued, or sewn and taped (= taped over seams with suitable adhesive tape and thereby sealed and protected).

In a specific embodiment of the invention, this outer skin - in coordination with the nature of the air-permeable foam core layer - also take over the function of punch-through protection and replace the cover layers 4, 5, if they are designed as air-impermeable layers, especially as an air-impermeable textile fabric are. In this case, for example, the air-permeable, deformable core layer 3 of a comparatively dense foamed open-cell or a comparatively dense foamed closed-cell, subsequently perforated foam, which is such that it meets the required standard values in terms of its damping properties as well as a combination of core layer 3 and cover layers 4 and 5.

Optionally, the air-permeable core layer 3 may also be "baked" for this purpose, i. be thermally deformed by heat on their bottom and / or top so that the respective "baked" surface forms a generated by melting and curing, slightly air-permeable or impermeable layer. The thickness of this layer and the degree of air permeability is predeterminable and depends essentially on the applied "back" temperature and the duration of the action of heat. However, air permeability on the lateral surfaces of the open-cell foam of the "baked" core layer remains intact.

For the embodiments with a plurality of material layers or layers in the interior of the jump pad, it is also preferred that at least the layers adjacent to the core layer on both sides, possibly all adjoining layers in the interior of the jump pad, inseparably connected to each other, in particular glued, are. This is especially true when one or more of the above-mentioned layers and / or the outer skin is or are multi-layered. As a result, the structure of the jump pad not only obtains advantageous compactness and stability, but in the case of use slipping of the layers arranged one above the other is prevented relative to one another and the survival-relevant damping dynamics are ensured in the calculated frame. Of particular importance is this measure in the embodiments in which air can be pumped into the jump pad to increase the internal pressure (see below).

The support surface oriented towards the bottom of the lower shell 2 is advantageously provided with an anti-slip coating, for example gummed. As a result, the jump pad 10 does not normally slip on sloping ground and remains in the desired position in which it has been placed by a person. The frictional adhesion also allows stacking of several jump cushions 10 one above the other, without the risk of slippage of the jump pad 10 is.

The deformable material of the inner core layer 3 is typically made of open-cell foam, e.g. Polyurethane (PUR), polyether (PE), latex, etc. at a density of 10 to 60 kg / m 3, preferably 15 to 40 kg / m 3. The open-cell foam consists of one or more layers with size and shape of the collecting surface and a total thickness of about 120-150 mm.

The open-cell foam of the core layer is on both sides at least partially, but typically completely covered by an upper layer 4 and a lower layer 5 of closed-cell foam. The closed cell foam preferably consists of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), PUR, or similar foam material. He stiffened the jump pad 10 and forms a punch-through protection for the jump pad. As a breakthrough in the context of the present invention, such a large deformation of the deformable material is understood that kinetic energy of the falling body can not be completely transformed into deformation work and proposes the falling body with the remaining kinetic energy to the ground. The kinetic energy of the falling body is distributed by the stiffness of the closed-cell foam surface in the collecting area.

The modulus of elasticity of the open-cell foam is typically in a range of 20 to 50 MPa. The Shore Hardness of the closed cell foam may range from 20 to 50 Shore, with the hardness of that layer 5 of closed cell foam covering the underside of the open cell foam being greater in most embodiments than that of the layer 4 of closed cell foam covering the top of the open-cell foam. These two cover layers of closed-cell foam form approximately 5 to 10 mm thick layers, which in the normal case also correspond to the complete size and shape of the collecting surface. The cover layers 4, 5 of closed cell foam not only protect the falling body from a breakdown on the ground, but also prevent piercing of sharp stones of the ground by the deformable material.

In addition, one or more of the layers of the jump pad, in particular the top of the upper shell 1 of the outer skin, be equipped with a relief-like surface structure 8, for example, with grooves or knobs whose shape and length, width and height is arbitrarily variable.

The weight of the jump pad 10 is typically less than 10 kg, advantageously less than 8 kg, due to the low density of the foam layers. It is therefore easy to carry by one person and can be quickly positioned on a surface. The materials of the jump pad are durable and do not have to be replaced and renewed after a stress due to a fall, but can be used for repeated applications, of course, as a resting cushion or mattress for sitting on it or lying.

According to one embodiment, the jump pad on its longitudinal sides, broadsides and / or corners arranged support means 8 such as handles, loops or straps. According to FIG. 3, the trapezoidal jump cushion has positioning handles 7 arranged at its four corner regions. Thus, it can be easily and quickly positioned by one person from each side. In bouldering, a person stands beside the jump pad and secures a climber on the climbing wall with the jump pad by positioning the jump pad on the ground at the most likely impact position of the climber in the event of a fall. As the climber moves away from this most likely impact position, the person positions the jump pad by pulling and pushing on the positioning handles 7 at a new most likely impact position. The four corner areas of the trapezoidal jump pad have recesses to which the positioning handles are attached in the form of loops made of polyester fabric. The positioning handles are sewn to the casings 1, 2, glued or made in one piece with the casings 1, 2. The arrangement of the positioning handles in recesses minimizes entanglement of the jump cushion on unevenness of the ground.

For lintel heights of 7 m and more, it is advantageous to increase the collecting area by the juxtaposition of several jump cushions and to increase the fall depth by stacking several jump cushions. By fastening means such as hook-and-loop fasteners, straps, etc. on the casings 1, 2 and a rubber coating of the underside of the lower shell 2, such a juxtaposition and stacking of jump cushions is quickly and stably feasible.

According to a further embodiment, the jump pad after unpacking and automatic inflation by the restoring forces of the deformable foam material can be inflated with air in addition, if necessary, to increase the hardness of the jump pad.

In one embodiment, the jump pad 10 for this purpose at least one outer valve 6 and optionally also an integrated air pump, for example, arranged in a corner region of the collecting surface pump-valve unit 9, as shown in Fig. 3 and 4. It is preferred that at least one outer valve 6 can be opened by hand in order to be able to easily squeeze air out of the interior of the jump pad, for example, to roll up the jump pad for transport without great difficulty or the rolled up jump pad for use quickly into the required operating state to be able to bring.

By opening at least one outer valve 6, air can flow from the environment into the interior and vice versa air from the interior into the environment. After unrolling the jump pad 10 and opening at least one outer valve 6, the open-cell foam automatically sucks air into the interior. The pump valve unit 9 is arranged in the interior of the jump pad 10 and communicates via at least one valve with the environment. With it, the air pressure in the interior can be increased again if necessary. About the air pressure inside the jump pad, the hardness or strength of the damping effect of the jump pad can be adjusted. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the pump-valve unit 9 in the unpacked state of the jump pad can be actuated procedurally by foot. It is preferred that at least one valve is designed as a pressure relief valve, optionally with a non-return function, which automatically opens at a predefined overpressure in order to allow air to escape from the interior and prevent bursting of the jump pad, and which optionally falls below this value Overpressure closes automatically again.

The inventive jump pad can also be equipped with an integrated pressure gauge, for example in the form of at least one plastic half shell, optionally in the form of two or more differently rigid plastic half shells, which bulge inward or outward according to the pressure prevailing in the interior of the jump pad air pressure, wherein the Pressure indication is supplemented if necessary by a color code or by text information to the internal pressure or the maximum admissible lintel height.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0031] <tb> 1 <sep> upper shell of the outer skin <tb> 2 <sep> lower shell of the outer skin <tb> 3 <sep> deformable core layer of open-cell foam <tb> 4 <sep> Core layer covering, first or upper layer of less air-permeable or air-impermeable material <tb> 5 <sep> Core layer covering, second or lower layer of less air-permeable or air-impermeable material <Tb> 6 <sep> Foreign valve <tb> 7 <sep> Carrying means such as handle, loop, strap, carrying strap <Tb> 8 <sep> surface structure <Tb> 9 <sep> air pump valve unit <Tb> 10 <sep> Jumping cushion <Tb> 11 <sep> Pressure Gauge <Tb> 12 <sep> doormat

Claims (15)

1. Jump pad (10) for catching falls from low altitude, in the form of a multi-layered foam mat, with a top that serves as a collecting surface and a bottom, which serves to rest on any surface, characterized in that the jump pad following elements includes: a) an elastically deformable, air-permeable core layer (3) made of a primary, open-cell or perforated foam, which corresponds in geometrical shape and size substantially to the collecting surface; b) a first layer (4) of a foam which is less air-permeable or impermeable to air compared to the foam of the core layer, at least partially, preferably completely covering the upper side of the deformable core layer, a secondary foam or textile fabric, in particular a closed-cell foam; c) a second layer (5) of the underside of the deformable core layer at least regionally, preferably completely covering, of a secondary or tertiary foam or textile fabric, in particular a closed-cell foam, which is less air-permeable or impermeable to air compared to the foam of the core layer; such as d) a foam layer or layers enveloping and hermetically sealing outer skin, preferably made of durable plastic or textile, optionally polymer-coated, tissue; wherein the function of the outer skin of the cover layers (4, 5) can be assumed, provided that they are designed as air-impermeable layers, in particular as an air-impermeable textile fabric; wherein the material of the first layer (4) and the second layer (5) of the less air-permeable or air-impermeable foam has identical or different air permeability and / or hardness properties; and wherein at least the layers adjacent to the core layer, if appropriate all adjoining layers, are inseparably connected to one another, in particular adhesively bonded. 2. jump pad (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the airtight outer skin of an upper shell (1) and a lower shell (2) and the casings glued together, welded, or sewn and taped. 3. jump pad (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one or more of the layers in the interior of the jump pad and / or the skin and is executed in multiple layers or are. 4. jump pad (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outer skin of a polyester material or a nylon fabric, for example of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), optionally additionally reinforced with a polymer coating exists. 5. jump pad (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the lower shell (2) of the outer skin is provided with an adhesion-promoting anti-slip coating, such as a rubber coating. 6. jump pad (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that one or more of the layers is provided with a surface structure (8) or are, for example with grooves or nubs. 7. Jump pad (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one outer valve (6) through which air can flow from the outside inwards and vice versa. 8. jump pad (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one outer valve (6) is designed as a pressure relief valve, optionally with non-return function. 9. jump pad (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is equipped with an optionally operable with the foot, air pump (9) for blowing air. 10. jump pad (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is equipped with an integrated pressure gauge (11), for example in the form of at least one plastic half shell, optionally in the form of two or more different rigid plastic half shells, which can be found in the Camber inward or outward in the interior of the jump pad, whereby the pressure indicator (11) is optionally supplemented by a color code or text information on the internal pressure or the maximum permissible fall height. 11. Jump pad (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the open-cell foam consists of at least one material from the group polyurethane (PUR), polyether (PE), latex and a density of 10 to 60 kg / m <3>, preferably from 15 to 40 kg / m <3> and has a modulus of elasticity of 20 to 50 Mpa. 12. Jump pad (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the closed-cell foam consists of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane (PUR). 13. Jump pad (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it has the shape of a rectangular, square or trapezoidal mat, optionally with rounded or bevelled corners in the ready state. 14. Jump pad (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises on its longitudinal sides, broad sides and / or corner portions support means (7) such as handles, loops, straps or straps. 15. Jump pad (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it has at least one point of its outer skin as a shoe wiper (12) usable surface structure.