NL2016929A - Gymnastic floor comprising a plurality of floor elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a gymnastic floor, comprising a first floor element and a second floor element. Each of the first floor element and the second floor element has a respective bottom, top, and circumferential side wall extending between said bottom and said top. Both first and second floor element have an interior volume that can be provided with a pressurized medium, such as air. The gymnastic floor comprises connecting means for connecting said first floor element to said second floor element. According to the invention, said connecting means comprise a first connecting element connected to said first floor element and a second connecting element connected to said second floor element. The first and second connecting element comprise a plurality of male and female interconnecting members projecting from said first and second floor elements in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the top of said first floor element.

Description

Title: Gymnastic floor comprising a plurality of floor elements

Description

The present invention relates to a gymnastic floor comprising connecting elements with a plurality of interconnecting members. A gymnastic floor having a plurality of floor elements is known in the state of the art. The known gymnastic floor comprises for example a first floor element and a second floor element that are connected to each other by means of Velcro. Both the first and second floor elements comprise an interior volume suitable for containing a medium under pressure. This allows a relatively large-sized gymnastic floor to be transported in a space-effective manner. At the desired location, the plurality of floor elements are inflated by means of air, and may be connected to each other by means of the Velcro having a strip of Velcro loop material and a tab of Velcro hook material. Due to inflation by means of air, a relatively soft gymnastic floor is obtained, which is beneficial to the gymnast and aids in prevention of injuries.

Although the known gymnastic floor already provides advantages and benefits, it is felt that the overall support provided by the gymnastic floor can be improved. In particular, it is observed that gymnasts experience local differences in support provided by the gymnastic floor.

It is therefore an object of the current invention to provide a gymnastic floor that provides a more homogeneous support.

The object of the current invention is achieved with a gymnastic floor, comprising a first floor element having a bottom, a top, and a circumferential side wall extending between said bottom and said top, as well as an interior volume that can be provided with a pressurized medium, such as air, wherein said interior volume comprises a plurality of interconnecting webs that extend between said bottom and said top. The first floor element is an inflatable floor element, such as an air floor element. The gymnastic floor further comprises a second floor element having a bottom, a top, and a circumferential side wall extending between said bottom and said top, as well as an interior volume that can be provided with a pressurized medium, such as air. Said interior volume of the second floor element comprises a plurality of interconnecting webs extending from said top of said second floor element to said bottom of said second floor element. The second floor element may be similar to the first floor element, for example in that the second floor element is also an air floor element. The gymnastic floor further comprises connecting means for connecting said first floor element to said second floor element, wherein said connecting means comprise a first connecting element connected to said first floor element and a second connecting element connected to said second floor element. The first and second connecting element comprise a plurality of male and female interconnecting members projecting from said first and second floor elements. According to the invention, the plurality of male and female interconnecting members project in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the top of said first floor element. The connection according to the invention minimizes hysteresis in the connection means, as a load exerted on the interconnecting members is orientated in a direction substantially parallel to the plane defined by said top plane. Thus, this load results in direct tension in the connecting means and in minimal elastic strain of the connection means. Due to the minimized strain, relative movement between the first floor element and the second floor element is minimized. It was found that with this, the support provided by the gymnastic floor according to the invention is experienced to be more uniform and homogeneous, in particular when the edges of the floor element near the connection are used. With this, the object of the invention is achieved.

The interconnecting members according to the invention further provide a strong and stable connection. Such a connection allows forces acting on either of the floor elements to be directed to the other floor element, via the connection means, in a direction mainly parallel to the top surface or gymnastic surface of the gymnastic floor. It is believed by the inventors that due to this, the user, i.e. the gymnast, will experience a more uniform support throughout the gymnastic floor, and local differences in support, i.e. differences in support between the edges of the floor element and the centre of the floor element, are decreased.

It is in this sense noted that in the Velcro connection of the prior art, the hooks and loops project in a direction mainly perpendicular to the plane formed by the top surface. It is believed by the inventors that this orientation leaves room for undesirable positioning of the connecting means as the relative engagement of the hooks and loops can vary greatly. There is thus a relatively high probability that the connecting means are incorrectly positioned, which leads to a non-homogeneous support. For example, one could position the connecting elements of the connecting means such that a substantial portion of the hooks and loops engage, whereas it is also possible to connect the connecting elements such that only few of the hooks and loops engage. In the latter example a larger space is left in between the first and second floor elements, thus resulting in a less homogeneous support.

Moreover, it is believed by the inventors that this orientation results in decreased support, as during load of the gymnastic floor the hook and loops will re-orientate, effectively resulting in shear in the Velcro connection. Thus, relative movement between the strip and the tab occurs, and this translates into relative movement between the first and second floor element, which is experienced as a non-uniform and non-homogeneous support.

It is in this regard advantageous when the connecting means, in particular the interconnecting members, are made from a material having a relatively high Young’s modulus, such that hysteresis is minimized, and relative movement is even further decreased.

Within the context of this document, a gymnastics floor is a floor suitable for providing a supporting surface for performing and/or training gymnastics. Typically a gymnastic floor comprises floor elements having a height, between the top and bottom, from 5 to 40 cm. Moreover, floor elements can be stacked to reach greater heights.

Gymnastics within this context involves all kinds of sports that benefit from a supportive sports floor, typically including floor exercises for gymnastics, but including and not limited to other sports as well, such as cheerleading, school sports, free running, martial arts, dancing, fitness, circus acts, shows, water sports & activities, etcetera. Within this context, other sports may benefit from a supportive sports floor as well, as the gymnastic floor according to the invention can also be used in the vicinity during performance of any such sports as well, for example as a safety measure to avoid injuries. For instance, near the vault, pommel horse, still rings, parallel bars, uneven bars, high bars, balance beam or any other floor exercise. The support can provide protection from the relatively solid ground.

The floor elements comprise a plurality of interconnected webs, in the interior of the floor elements of the gymnastic floor. The interconnected webs are sowed to the top and bottom of the floor element and extend substantially in between the top and bottom of the floor element. The webs are relatively sturdy and are suitable to be tensioned. While the interior volume of the floor element is pressurized, pressure will build up against the top, bottom and circumferential side wall of the floor element. As the webs are relatively sturdy, the interconnected webs limit the top and bottom of the floor element for extending too far. The webs provide for additional support of the floor element by keeping the top and bottom together. Having a plurality of interconnected webs connected at many different positions to the top and bottom ensures that the top and bottom have a relatively flat surface. Such interconnected webs are known to those skilled in the art of gymnastic floors within the context of this document. The connecting means are, for example, Velcro, tight fit, a zipper mechanism, thread or any other suitable connection mechanism for providing connectivity among floor elements. In particular, the connection means are preferably arranged for providing a releasable connection between the male and female interconnecting members.

Further embodiments of the current invention are explained below.

In an embodiment the plurality of male and female interconnecting members project substantially in the plane defined by the top of the first floor element. An advantage of this is that the interconnecting members provide a connection of the connecting elements near the top of the first and second floor elements. In particular, an even top surface is obtained for the gymnastic floor according to this embodiment of the invention, as the top surface of the first floor element gradually and evenly continuous via the connecting means into the top surface of the second floor element. This results in a connection with relatively little distortions in the regularity of the top of the gymnastic floor. Especially at the position where the interconnecting members of the connecting elements engage. A relatively flat gymnastic floor is provided. It is in this regard noted that in the Velcro connection of the prior art, the tab is positioned on top of the strip, resulting in an uneven floor surface at the location of the connection between the first floor element and the second floor element. The even surface provided on top of the gymnastic floor according to the current invention also aids in the more homogenous and uniform support experienced by the user.

In an embodiment the gymnastic floor comprises a reinforcing body suitable for being arranged in between the first floor element and the second floor element. In particular, a reinforcing body is provided in between said first floor element and said second floor element. Said reinforcing body is provided near the connection between the first and second floor element. The reinforcing body is used to fill a space formed in between the first floor element and the second floor element. The reinforcing body is preferably arranged for providing an even top surface of the gymnastic floor. In use, the pressurized medium in the interior volume of the first and second floor element cause the circumferential side wall of the first and second floor element to extend outward from the floor elements. This causes the circumferential side walls to maintain an arc-shaped cross section, while the interior volume is under pressure. When the floor elements are inflated and connected via the connecting means, the circumferential side walls of the first and second floor elements leave an open space in between the first and second floor elements. An advantage of this embodiment is that the reinforcing body fills up the relatively weakly supported open space in between the first floor element and the second floor element. Moreover, the reinforcing body provides for additional strength in between the first and second floor element. When the first and second floor elements are connected, the reinforcing body provides additional support near the connecting means.

In another embodiment the reinforcing body is formed out of a foam. According to the desired hardness of the gymnastic floor when the gymnastic floor is inflated, a foam density may be chosen to match the hardness of the gymnastic floor. An advantage of this embodiment is that, depending on the desired hardness of the first and second floor elements, a reinforcing body having a substantially similar hardness as the first and second floor elements can be provided, resulting in a more homogeneous gymnastic floor.

In an embodiment the reinforcing body is in contact with a part of the circumferential side wall of the first floor element and with a part of the circumferential side wall of the second floor element. An advantage of this embodiment is that the first and second floor elements can keep the enforcing body more stably in place. Furthermore, it is possible to provide reinforcing body connecting elements that extend from the reinforcing body. For instance, reinforcing body connecting elements that are suitable for connecting with the connecting elements of the first and second floor elements, such as Velcro. The connecting elements keep the enforcing body relatively securely in place.

In an embodiment the reinforcing body comprises and elongated body having a wedge-shaped cross section. In many embodiments the floor elements comprise, when comprising a pressurized medium in the interior volume, a circumferential side wall having a curved, for example arc-shaped cross section. The inventor recognized that in between the first and second floor elements, where the arcs of the circumferential side walls come together, a space is left open in between the first and second floor elements. An elongated reinforcing body having a wedge-shaped cross section provides a relatively good fit for filling this space formed by the adjacent circumferential side walls. Optionally two wedge-shaped reinforcing bodies could be provided, in order to fill two parts of the open space.

In an embodiment the gymnastic floor comprises a reinforcing body comprising a top, a bottom, and a circumferential wall, wherein the circumferential wall connects the top and bottom, enclosing an interior volume, wherein the reinforcing body is suitable for containing a medium under pressure. An advantage of this embodiment is that, when the first and second floor elements and the reinforcing body contain a medium under pressure, the reinforcing body can be positioned in between the first and second floor element. The reinforcing body can provide relatively similar support as the first and second floor elements. This results in a more evenly distributed support of the gymnastic floor.

In a further embodiment both the first floor element and the second floor element of the gymnastic floor comprise a plurality of interconnecting webs extending within said interior volume between said bottom and said top. An advantage of this embodiment is that a relatively stable connection is formed between bottom and top of the first and second floor elements. Furthermore, the first and second floor elements can sustain more pressure from the inside. Moreover, due to the webbing, a more evenly levelled out top of the floor elements is provided.

In one embodiment the gymnastic floor comprises a reinforcing body that is provided closer to the bottom than to the connecting means. Due to the substantially vertical webbing structure in the interior of the first and second floor element, the first and second floor elements can provide a relatively sturdy support. However, the first and second floor elements provide relatively weak support, when pressurized, at the circumferential side wall. A reinforcing body that is provided closer to the bottom than to the connecting means provides more support, as a better force distribution is provided.

In an embodiment the connecting means comprise a zipper forming at least part of said male and female interconnecting members of said first and second connecting element. An advantage of this embodiment is that a zipper provides for a relatively easy to handle connecting means, which can be (de)connected relatively easily. It also provides a connection with very low hysteresis, as tension is directly build up within the zipper without any movement between the male and female interconnecting parts formed by the zipper.

In yet another embodiment the gymnastic floor comprises a cover element for covering, at least part of, said first and second connecting element in a connected state thereof. An advantage of this embodiment is that the cover element provides for, when in place, a safer top to perform gymnastics upon, by reducing the risk of injuries due to connecting means. In particular, the cover element may be used for covering the zipper elements of the zipper, to prevent injuries resulting from direct contact with the zipper elements.

In an embodiment, the plurality of male and female interconnecting members project in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the top of said first floor element and substantially in the plane defined by the top of said first floor element, wherein the connecting means comprise a zipper forming at least part of said male and female interconnecting members of said first and second connecting element. In addition, a cover element may be provided for covering the zipper in a connected state of the zipper elements thereof. This provides an easy and quick connection, with relatively low hysteresis in the connection, and also provides for a flat top surface of the gymnastic floor, as the top of the first floor element continues evenly, via the zipper, into the top of the second floor element.

In another embodiment the connecting means with the interconnecting members are, during engagement of the connecting elements, flush to the plane defined by the top of the first floor element. Put differently; the connecting elements of the first floor element are flush to the plane defined by the top of the first floor element and the connecting elements of the second floor element are flush to the plane defined by the top of the first floor element. An advantage of this embodiment is that a safer support surface is provided with fewer obstructions at the top plane of the gymnastic floor, because the interconnecting members do not extend above the top plane of the floor elements. Providing additional protection, e.g. a cover, to protect a gymnast is less imperative, because the risk of contact with the interconnecting members, during engagement of the connecting means, is reduced.

In a further embodiment the connecting means comprise a tight fit, wherein the connecting element of the first floor element comprises an interconnecting member having a C-shaped cross section, and the second floor element comprises an interconnecting member having an O-shaped cross section. The interconnecting member having the C-shaped cross section is suitable to engage with the interconnecting member having the O-shaped cross section. During engagement the C-shape substantially surrounds the O-shape. An advantage of this embodiment is that it provides an easy and relatively solid connection.

Examples of the present invention will now be described in the following in connection to the Figures. In the Figures:

Figure 1 to 6 provide schematic cross section representations of embodiments according to the current invention.

Figure 7 provides a schematic representation of the working principle of connecting means according to a particular embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 8 provides a schematic representation of connecting means according to an embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic cross section of the gymnastic floor 100 according to an embodiment of the current invention. The Figure shows a gymnastic floor 100 with a first floor element 1. The floor element 1 has a bottom 11, a top 12 and a circumferential side wall 13 extending between said bottom 11 and said top 12. The floor element 1 has an interior volume 14 that is suitable for containing a pressurized medium, such as air. Other mediums such as water, or a gas or an expansive gas is also possible. The gymnastic floor 100 further comprises a second floor element 2 with a bottom 21 and a top 22. The second floor element 2 also comprises an interior volume 24 that can be provided with a pressurized medium, such as air. Here also other mediums are possible. The gymnastic floor 100 further comprises connecting means for connecting said first floor element 1 to said second floor element 2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the connecting means 3 comprise a first connecting element 3a connected to the first floor element 1. The connecting means 3 further comprise a second connecting element 3b connected to the second floor element 2. The connecting element 3a of the first floor element 1 and the connecting element 3b of the second floor element 2 can be connected to each other. Said first and second connecting element 3a, 3b comprise a plurality of male and female interconnecting members projecting from said first and second floor elements 1, 2 in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the top 12. Figure 1 shows that, in order for the connecting elements 3a, 3b to engage, the connecting means should be positioned towards each other, meaning that the connecting elements of the first floor element and the connecting elements of the second floor element should be positioned towards each other, such that the interconnecting members of the connecting elements can engage with each other. In other words; the male and female interconnecting members 3a, 3b projecting from the first and second floor element 1, 2 should be facing each other, such that engagement is possible. For instance, by simply bringing connecting means 3a towards connecting means 3b, or vice versa. In the latter instance, the connecting means could be formed by one or more hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro or Velcro straps), wherein the interconnecting members 3a, 3b are formed by a multitude of extending hooks and loops of the one or more hook-and-loop fastener. In another instance, the hooks extend substantially in a first direction from either the first floor element 1 or the second floor element 2. The least substantial part of the hook might point in a direction substantially different from the first direction. In case the first floor element 1 comprises the hooks, the second floor element 2 comprises the loops. In case the second floor element 2 comprises the hooks, the first floor element 1 comprises the loops. A loop is provided by connecting a string of material with both ends to the first or second floor element 1, 2. The loop can extend parallel to the plane defined by the top 12.

The first floor element comprises an interior volume 14. The interior volume 14 is formed by top 12, bottom 11 and circumferential side wall 13. The second floor element comprises an interior volume 24. The interior volume 24 is formed by top 22, bottom 21 and circumferential side wall 23.

As apparent from Figure 1, it is possible that the connecting means 3 are formed by the connecting elements 3a, 3b. The connecting elements 3a are connected to the first floor element 1, at various points along the circumferential side wall 13 of the first floor element 1. The connecting elements 3b are connected to the second floor element 2, at various points along the circumferential side wall 23, such that substantially horizontal connections are formed that extend substantially parallel to the plane formed by the top of the first floor element 1.

Figure 2 shows another schematic cross section of an embodiment of the gymnastic floor 100. In the figure the connecting means 3 extend substantially in the same plane as the plane defined by top 12 of the first floor element 1. Furthermore, the connecting means 3 extend in substantially the same plane as the plane defined by the top 22 of the second floor element 2. In other words, the connecting means 3 are provided at the surface level of the gymnastic floor 100. Put differently, the connecting means 3 are provided at substantially the same height as the tops 12, 22.

In Figure 2 the interconnecting members 3c project substantially in the plane defined by the top 12 of the first floor element 1. The figure also shows that the interconnecting members 3c project substantially in a plane defined by the top 22 of the second floor element 2. In the embodiment shown in the Figure 2, the interior volume 14, 24 of the first and second floor elements 1,2 is pressurized. It is possible to add a medium into the first and second floor element 1, 2 via an opening. The opening is not shown in the figures. Pressure in the interior volume 14, 24 can also be maintained by means of a semi-permeable valve or a cap positioned in front of the opening. The semi-permeable valve would act as an obstruction for the pressurized medium to escape the interior 14 or the interior 24.

Furthermore, Figure 2 shows that the first floor element 1 and the second floor element 2 comprise a plurality of interconnecting webs 4, 42 extending within the interior volume 14, 24 between said bottom 11,21 and top 12, 22.

Figure 3 provides another embodiment of the current invention, wherein a reinforcing body 5 is provided in between said first floor element 1 and the second floor element 2. Connecting means 3 are substantially formed by interconnecting members 3c. Interconnecting members 3c substantially extend in a plane defined by top 12.

Figure 3 shows that it is possible that the reinforcing body 5 is in contact with at least a part of the circumferential side wall 13 of the first floor element 1 and with at least a part of the circumferential side wall 23 of the second floor element 2. In the figure the reinforcing body 5 has a wedge-shaped cross section.

The reinforcing body 5 can, in particular, be elongated. Since, in this embodiment, the circumferential wall 13 of the first floor element 1 and the circumferential wall 23 of the second floor element 2 extend from their respective floor elements 1, 2, a wedge-shaped cross section is useful. However, other types of cross section shapes are possible, such as, for example, a circle, trapezium, square or rectangle. Particularly depending on the shape of the cross section of the circumferential walls 13, 23 the reinforcing body 5 may have particular cross section shapes. It is also conceivable that the reinforcing body 5 is made of a plurality of smaller reinforcing elements, for instance by cutting the elongated reinforcing body into several smaller parts.

As indicated by figure 3, the circumferential side walls 13, 23 extend towards each other at the side where the connecting elements 3c can engage. Here the circumferential side walls 13, 23 have an arc-shaped cross section. An open space 8 is left in between the floor elements 1, 2 at the side where connecting elements 3c can connect. A reinforcing body 5 can also be used to fill up the open space 8. In practise the circumferential side wall 13 of the first floor element 1 is adjacent to the circumferential side wall 23 of the second floor element 2. In this case however, a space 8 is still left in between the first and second floor elements 1, 2. Seen from a cross section perspective, space 8 can then divided by the intersection of the circumferential side wall 13, 23.

As indicated by figure 3, the first and second floor elements 1, 2 have a special interior structure. A multitude of lines 4, 42 is provided that extend from the top 12, 22 to the bottom 11, 21. The lines 4, 42 prohibit undesirable expansion of the floor elements 1,2. In the figures the lines 4, 42 seem loose, however, the lines 4, 42 are often rigid, so that a maximum expansion of the first and second floor elements 1,2 is secured.

Figure 3 further describes that it is possible that the gymnastic floor comprises a cover element 6 for covering the first and second connecting element 3a, 3b. In particular when the first and second connecting elements 3a, 3b are connected to each other.

Figure 4 shows a cross section of the gymnastic floor 100 wherein a combination of connecting means 3 is provided. Connecting elements 3a and 3b are suitable to connect with each other. Connecting elements 3d and 3e are suitable to connect with each other. Connecting elements 3a and 3b are suitable to connect first and second floor element 1, 2. Connecting elements 3d and 3e are suitable for connecting the reinforcing body 5 to the first floor element 1 and the second floor element 2. Figure 4 further shows that the connecting elements 3a, 3b, 3d, 3e can be used in combination with connecting elements 3c. Moreover, it is possible that connecting elements 3a, 3b are suitable to engage with connecting elements 3d, 3e.

Figure 5 shows another cross section of another possible embodiment of the gymnastic floor. In this embodiment, the cross section of the reinforcing body 5’ is trapezium-shaped. It is also possible to place the wedge-shaped reinforcing body 5 in between the circumferential side walls of the first and second floor elements. Connecting means 3 with connecting elements 3c are arranged substantially below the plane defined by the top of the first floor element 1. The reinforcing body 5’ can be placed above or upon the connecting means 3. In this embodiment the top 50 of the trapezium shaped reinforcing body 5’ is substantially in line with the top 12 of the first floor element 1. The top 22 of the second floor element 2 is also substantially in the same plane as the top of the reinforcing body 5’.

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross section of an embodiment according to the present invention. Connecting elements with interconnecting members 3c are attached to the first floor element 1. Connecting elements with interconnecting members 3c are attached to the second floor element 2. As indicated in the figure, the connecting means 3 comprising the connecting elements with the interconnecting members 3c do not extend above the top of the first or second floor elements 1,2. The connecting elements are flush to the top of the first floor element 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment the interconnecting members 3c are flush to the top of the first floor element 1. Even further, the connecting means are flush to the top of the first floor element 1.

Figure 6 further shows that it is possible that at the side walls of the of the reinforcement body 5 can be bent, in order to follow the circumferential side walls 13, 23 of the first and second floor elements 1,2. The top of the reinforcement body 5 is suitable to support the connecting means 3 from below.

Figure 1 to 6 show cross sections of the gymnastic floor 100. The plurality of connecting means 3 does however not only indicate that it is possible to provide connecting means extending in a plane substantially parallel to the top 12 along the cross section. It is not shown in the figures that it is possible to provide a plurality of connecting means 3 along the circumferential side wall 13, 23. It is also possible to provide a plurality of connecting means 3 along the top 12, 22 and extending in a plane parallel to top 12.

Figures 1 to 6 provide schematic representations of cross sections of embodiments according to the current invention. In the figures the connecting elements 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e are shown to extend with a substantially equal reach. However, it is for example possible that the connecting elements 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e of the first floor element 1 extends farther than the connecting elements 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e of the second floor element 2.

Figure 7 depicts the working principle of connecting means 3 according to an embodiment of the current invention wherein the connecting means 3 is a zipper mechanism. In this embodiment, the connecting means comprises a zipper mechanism. According to the embodiment both the first and the second floor elements 1, 2 comprise a plurality of individual zipper interconnecting elements 3c, 3c’. When the zipper elements 3c and 3c’ of the first and second floor elements 1, 2 are positioned in such a way that the individual zipper elements 3c can engage in between the individual zipper elements of 3c’, a connection can be formed by positioning them in line with zipper means 7. As seen in the figure, a female connecting element 3c’ is formed by two male connecting elements 3c. A male connecting element is formed by an individual connecting element 3c. A male-female connection is formed by engaging two individual zipper elements 3c’ (female), with one opposite zipper element 3c (male).

The first and second floor element can comprise an opening suitable for receiving a hose which is suitable for transporting the medium into the floor elements. The opening is not shown in the figures. The first and second floor elements 1, 2 are not necessarily provided with the pressurized medium. It is possible to fill the floor elements with the medium in the fabrication stage of the floor elements 1,2.

Figure 8 further shows a schematic side perspective of another possible embodiment of the connecting means 3. This type involves a tight fit. The connecting element of the first floor element 1 comprises a plurality of interconnecting members 3c’ having a C-shaped cross section. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the connecting element of the second floor element 2 comprises a plurality of interconnecting members 3c having an O-shaped cross section. The interconnecting member 3c having the O-shape is suitable to fit into the C-shaped interconnecting member 3c’. It is also possible that the C-shaped interconnecting member 3c’ is connected to connecting element of the second floor element 2 and that the O-shaped interconnecting member 3c is connected to the connecting element of the first floor element 1. This embodiment shows a C and O engagement, however it is noted that other types of tight fits are also possible.

In another embodiment, not shown in the figures, the interconnecting member 3c having the O-shape may comprise a side opening suitable for receiving a holding element. The holding element can be positioned within the O-shape. A suitable method for engaging the connecting elements would be to, in a step, position the O-shaped interconnecting member 3c into the C-shaped interconnecting member 3c’. During a subsequent step, the holding element might be arranged into the O-shaped interconnecting member 3c from the side having the O-shape. In this embodiment the holding element secures the O-shaped interconnecting member in the C-shaped interconnecting member.

Claims (10)

A gymnastics floor comprising: - a first floor element with a bottom, a top, and a circumferential wall extending between the bottom and the top, as well as an internal volume that can be provided with a pressurized medium, such as air, and wherein plurality of connecting lines extend between the bottom and the top; - a second floor element with a bottom, a top, and a peripheral wall extending between the bottom and the top, as well as an internal volume that can be provided with a pressurized medium, such as air, and wherein a plurality of connecting lines extend between extend the bottom and top; - connecting means for connecting the first floor element to the second floor element, wherein the connecting means comprise a first connecting element connected to the first floor element and a second connecting element connected to the second floor element, characterized in that the first and second connecting element are a plurality of male and female connecting members extending from the first and the second floor element in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the top of the first floor element. The gym floor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of male and female connectors extend substantially in a plane defined by the top of the first floor element. Gymnastic floor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a reinforcing body is provided between the first floor element and the second floor element. Gymnastic floor according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcing body is in contact with a part of the peripheral wall of the first floor element and with a part of the peripheral wall of the second floor element. Gymnastic floor according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the reinforcing body comprises a wedge-shaped cross-section. Gymnastic floor according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the reinforcing body is provided under the connecting means. Gymnastics floor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means comprise a zipper, wherein the zipper forms at least a part of the male and female connecting members of the first and second connecting element. A gymnastics floor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gymnastics element is a covering element for covering the first and second connecting element in a connected state thereof. Gymnastic floor according to claim 7, wherein the connecting elements and the connecting elements of the zipper are flat with the surface defined by the top of the first floor element. A gymnastics floor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the female connector has a C-shaped cross section, and the male connector has an O-shaped cross section suitable for engaging the C-shaped cross section.