WO2025019871A2

WO2025019871A2 - Modular floating court structure for sport games

Info

Publication number: WO2025019871A2
Application number: PCT/US2024/039048
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mason Gordon
Original assignee: Slamball Llc
Priority date: 2023-07-20
Filing date: 2024-07-22
Publication date: 2025-01-23
Also published as: WO2025019871A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular floating court system, comprising deck segments, resilient apparatuses, deck segment supports, and subframe assemblies. The deck segments are interlocked to define two opposing lateral edges, two opposing longitudinal edges, and an open area. The deck segments are suspended above the subframe assemblies by resting on the resilient apparatuses positioned between the deck segments and the deck segment supports. The deck segment supports rest on top of the subframe assemblies. The modular floating court system is adapted to be assembled and repeatedly dissembled and reassembled.

Description

MODULAR FLOATING COURT STRUCTURE FOR SPORT GAMES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This International Application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/514,735, filed July 20, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The game of basketball is known and popular worldwide and played in various different contexts according to various different rules. For example, different court sizes, hoop heights and various other aspects may vary from court to court and/or league to league, including the use of assistance devices such as a trampoline to permit players to effectively jump higher relative to the court surface that they would be able to without the assistance device.

[0003] Basketball courts are generally permanent or semi-permanent structures not designed to be disassembled and transported or stored, particularly since they are subject to large vertical and lateral forces by players and therefore need to be extremely solid with predictable characteristics for both movements of the players and for the bounce of the ball on the court. While some multi-sport stadiums permit basketball courts to be disassembled, these courts are generally dense, solid platforms with no notable resiliency in the vertical or horizontal planes.

[0004] Spring floors, while also not being portable, suffer from many drawbacks, including soft spots between seams, susceptibility to broken boards even under pressure applied by children, ripple effects between boards when multiple people are present on the spring floor at once, constant compression and rebound when a person is present which prohibits, negatively affects or renders unpredictable the bounce of any ball bounced on the surface. Such surfaces could not support or provide a predicable running, jumping, or bouncing surface for multiple people using the surface at once, let alone multiple people playing basketball or simultaneously taking off or landing from the floor surface.

[0005] The present disclosure addresses these and other needs in the art. SUMMARY

[0006] According to frequently included embodiments, there is provided a modular floating court system, comprising: a plurality of deck segments, each deck segment comprised of a deck having a deck surface, a support structure, one or more fastener or fastening mechanism adapted to fasten the deck with the support structure, and a deck segment connector; a plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses; a plurality of deck segment supports, wherein each of the plurality of deck segment supports is adapted to contact and support a deck segment and envelop at least a portion of a corresponding resilient element or apparatus, and wherein each deck segment support is adapted to operably interface with the corresponding resilient element or apparatus such that the resilient element or apparatus can move in at least one directional plane without inhibition by the corresponding deck segment support; and a plurality of subframe assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of subframe assemblies comprises two or more resilient element or apparatus interfaces, each resilient element or apparatus interface adapted to securely attach or position the resilient element or apparatus; wherein the plurality of deck segments are interlocked by the deck segment connector on each of the plurality of deck segments, and wherein the interlocked deck segments define a court having two opposing lateral edges, two opposing longitudinal edges, a center region between each of the two opposing lateral edges and two opposing longitudinal edges, and an open area with no deck segments present positioned at or near each of the two lateral edges and within the bounds of the two opposing lateral edges and the two opposing longitudinal edges; wherein when combined into the modular floating court system, the plurality of deck segments are suspended above the plurality of subframe assemblies with the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses and the plurality of deck segment supports positioned between the plurality of deck segments and the plurality of subframe assemblies; and wherein the plurality of deck segments, the plurality of subframe assemblies, the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses, and the plurality of deck segment supports area adapted to be assembled and repeatedly dissembled and reassembled.

[0007] Frequently, such embodiments include 6 or more trampolines, with three or more trampolines being positioned in each open area. Often such embodiments comprise 8 trampolines, with four trampolines being positioned in each open area. According to each of the embodiments described and contemplated herein this open area may comprise the trampoline bed of U.S. Provisional Application No. 65/514,739 entitled “Trampoline Court Structure For Playing Ball Games,” and assigned Attorney Docket No SLAM1PRV, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0008] Frequently, such embodiments include wherein none of the plurality of deck segments, the plurality of subframe assemblies, the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses, nor the plurality of deck segment supports provides lateral or vertical support for the 6 or more trampolines.

[0009] Frequently, such embodiments include wherein the deck segment support is not affixed to the resilient element or apparatus.

[0010] Frequently, such embodiments include provide for each of the plurality of deck segments being rectangle in shape, and wherein the plurality of deck segments comprise deck segments having two or more different sizes. Often in such embodiments each of the plurality of deck segments is rectangle in shape, and wherein the plurality of deck segments comprise deck segments having two to four more different sizes.

[0011] Frequently, such embodiments include wherein each of the plurality of deck segments is supported by two to twelve of the resilient elements or apparatuses.

[0012] Frequently, such embodiments include wherein each of the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses in the floating court system is positioned between 24” to 48” inches laterally from any other of the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses.

[0013] Frequently, such embodiments include wherein each of the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses comprises a spring.

[0014] Frequently, such embodiments include, wherein each spring is seven inches or less in length.

[0015] Frequently, such embodiments include, wherein the distance between the deck surface and the bottom of the subframe assembly when the modular floating court system is assembled is between six inches and twelve inches.

[0016] Frequently, such embodiments include wherein the distance between the deck surface and the bottom of the subframe assembly when the modular floating court system is assembled is at or about six inches. [0017] Frequently, such embodiments include wherein the deck segment connector comprises a coffin lock.

[0018] Frequently, such embodiments include a modular court comprising between 100 and 180 deck segments.

[0019] Frequently, such embodiments include wherein the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses are adapted to provide for micro moments less than 2m and/or macro movements between 2mm and 127mm.

[0020] Frequently, such embodiments include wherein the modular floating court system is adapted to be disassembled and transported and/or stored within a space less than 5800 total cubic feet or within a space less than 2900 total cubic feet.

[0021] These and other embodiments, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art when taken with reference to the following more detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only.

[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a court structure providing an exemplary deck layout for playing sport according to embodiments described herein.

[0024] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a court structure providing an exemplary subframe layout for playing sport according to embodiments described herein.

[0025] FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of a court structure providing another exemplary subframe layout for playing sport according to embodiments described herein.

[0026] FIG. 3B depicts a perspective view of a portion of a court structure providing the exemplary subframe layout of FIG. 3A for playing sport according to embodiments described herein.

[0027] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a court structure providing an exemplary deck layout for playing sport according to embodiments described herein. [0028] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a court structure providing an exemplary subframe layout for playing sport according to embodiments described herein.

[0029] FIG. 6 depicts a top view of a court structure providing an exemplary subframe layout for playing sport according to embodiments described herein.

[0030] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary spring and support setup for an exemplary subframe and deck according to embodiments described herein.

[0031] FIG. 8 depicts another exemplary spring and support setup for an exemplary subframe and deck according to embodiments described herein.

[0032] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 102. An exploded view (9 A), side view (9B) and front view (9C) are provided.

[0033] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 100. An exploded view (10A), side view (10B) and front view (10C) are provided.

[0034] FIGS. 11A, 1 IB and 11C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 104. An exploded view (11 A), side view ( 1 IB) and front view (11C) are provided.

[0035] FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 107. An exploded view (12A), side view (12B) and front view (12C) are provided.

[0036] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 105. An exploded view (13A), side view (13B) and front view (13C) are provided.

[0037] FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 103. An exploded view (14A), side view (14B) and front view (14C) are provided.

[0038] FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 101. An exploded view (15A), side view (15B) and front view (15C) are provided.

[0039] FIGS. 16 A, 16B and 16C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 106. An exploded view (16A), side view (16B) and front view (16C) are provided.

[0040] FIG. 17 A depicts an exemplary deck frame structure for supporting the deck according to embodiments described herein.

[0041] FIG. 17B depicts an exemplary deck apparatus according to embodiments described herein. [0042] FIG. 17C depicts an exploded view of an exemplary deck segment according to embodiments described herein.

[0043] FIG. 18A depicts an exemplary deck according to embodiments described herein.

[0044] FIG. 18B depicts an exemplary attachment of the deck with the deck frame structure according to embodiments described herein.

[0045] FIG. 18C depicts another exemplary attachment of the deck with the deck frame structure according to embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detailed description of the invention is divided into the subsections that follow.

[0047] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents, applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.

[0048] As used herein, “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more.”

[0049] As used herein, the term “and/or” may mean “and,” it may mean “or,” it may mean “exclusive-or,” it may mean “one,” it may mean “some, but not all,” it may mean “neither,” and/or it may mean “both.”

[0050] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a court for playing sport games. The court comprises a deck structure that is to be used in conjunction with trampolines (also referred to herein as a “springbed”) arranged within open areas not filled in with the deck segments. A basketball hoop is present at both ends of the court, adjacent to the area where the basketball hoop is located. Players of the same team move a basketball between each other to put the ball into the basketball hoop to score. Players on the opposing team attempt to intercept the ball and put the ball into the basketball hoop. [0051] In the embodiments described herein, the modular court system 110 (also referred to herein as “the court” for simplicity purposes herein when describing more general aspects and game-play aspects relative to the modular court system) comprises a collection of deck segments 302 supported by and suspended from the ground by corresponding subframes, each deck apparatus 302 being connected directly or indirectly with adjacent decks segment to form the modular court system 110. The modular court system 110 and its constituent deck segments are adapted for optimal gameplay. As the game to be played on the court includes a variety of strategies and requirements, which depend on where a player is located on the court and what activity that player is engaged in, each deck segment is or can be specifically adapted to have rebound properties tailored to optimize game play and reduce the risk of player injury by adapting the supporting structure.

[0052] As noted, the game to be played on the court embodiments of the present disclosure involves, for example, two teams of players using basketball hoops, trampolines and a surrounding court surface providing rebound for bouncing a basketball. During play on the court surface, players run, change directions, jump and land on the court surface during highly dynamic movements involving incredible force while engaged in aggressive activities relative to players on an opposite team. The addition of the trampoline provides a dramatic addition to traditional basketball play, but significantly increases the chances of player injury when a player lands or falls on the court surface after rebounding off of the trampoline. The height that a player can reach rebounding from the trampoline generally exceeds the height the same player can achieve relative to the court surface without a trampoline. If landing on a traditional basketball court surface after rebounding from the trampoline (a shock event), all of the force of that landing would be transmitted through the player, causing significant strain and potential for injury if landing out of a proper position or if there are other weaknesses, prior injury, or fatigue in the player. The presently provided courts provide an ability to absorb significant amounts of the shock of such landings so that they are not transmitted through the player during shock events while also permitting the player to jump forcefully from the court to the trampoline in addition to achieving typical levels of basketball bounce from the court as in traditional basketball play. Most significantly, the embodiments described herein achieve all of these functions in a modular court construction package that permits repeatable and straight-forward construction and setup, repeatable and straight-forward break-down, and space-conserving transport and/or storage with no compromise to the safety and game play aspects of the court described herein. The presently described modular court system embodiments are operable in conjunction with commercially available equipment, materials, spaces and/or arenas such that the court may be set up in any of a variety of places and then broken down and transported to a new location and rebuilt. For example, while the presently described modular court system represents a complete SLAMBALL® playing court, it is able to be broken down and transported along with the trampoline components in two standard semi-trailer trucks (or the space represented by the trailers of such trucks if transported by air or sea).

[0053] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a court structure providing an exemplary deck layout for playing sport according to embodiments described herein. As can be seen, modular court system may include a width of 16 deck segments and a length of 12 deck segments, for example providing a court at or about 64 feet by 96 feet in outer dimension. As the dimensions of a deck segment contemplated herein are generally longer in length than width (e.g., ~4’x~8’), this provides for a court that can have approximately the length and width of a full or half traditional basketball court. In another embodiment, the deck segments are square in shape, for example 4’x4’ (which would provide, for example, a court defined by 16 deck segments in width and 24 segments in length) or 8’x’8 (which would provide, for example, a court defined by 8 deck segments in width and 12 segments in length). In other embodiments, the deck segments are provided in a collection of square and rectangle shapes combined in a manner that defines the court. Other deck segment shapes are contemplated herein, including any of a variety of geometric shapes. In the depicted embodiment various rectangle shaped deck segments are utilized, including deck segments that are rotated 90 degrees relative to the length of the court in areas surrounding the open trampoline component area 108.

[0054] As noted in FIG. 1, there is a an open trampoline component area 108 on both sides of the court (at opposite ends of the length of the court), which are the areas where one or more trampolines are located upon, or as part of, court construction. As discussed herein as it functions in conjunction with the court, the one or more trampolines are referred to as the trampoline component (not shown). The trampoline component is an optional aspect that may be included with embodiments of the modular court system described herein. In open trampoline component area 108 defining the location of the trampoline component there may exist an island 109 provided for support between two or more trampolines in the trampoline component. This island 109 is a support that extends from the ground (or any substructure below the court) to a support structure for a trampoline and provides for additional vertical support for the structure holding the trampoline component, in between two or more trampolines when multiple trampolines are present.

[0055] FIGS. 2 and 3A depict a perspective view of exemplary subframe layouts for playing sport according to embodiments described herein. As can be seen, the subframe aspect has a slightly different configuration and orientation compared with the deck segment configuration and layout of FIG. 1. For example, in the depicted embodiment, while the subframes are generally rectangular in shape (with notable exceptions described herein), the length of the subframe is rotated perpendicularly to the length of the court for two or more subframes widths at both ends of the court and in areas surrounding the open trampoline component area 108, but the length of each subframe is parallel to the length of the court laterally bounding the open trampoline component area 108 and between the two opposing open trampoline component areas 108. In addition, the width of each subframe varies based on its location, with narrower subframes on the periphery of the court and in areas bounding the open trampoline component areas 108. FIG. 3B depicts a perspective view of the exemplary subframe layout of FIG. 3A for playing sport according to embodiments described herein. Each of the different subframes present in the modular court system of the embodiment of FIG. 3A is identified here including subframe 100, subframe 101, subframe 102, subframe 103, subframe 104, subframe 105, subframe 106 and subframe 107, including their location relative to the trampoline component.

[0056] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a court structure providing an exemplary deck segment layout for playing sport according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a court structure providing an exemplary subframe layout for playing sport according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 6 depicts a top view of a court structure providing an exemplary subframe layout for playing sport according to embodiments described herein.

[0057] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary spring and support setup for an exemplary subframe and deck segment according to embodiments described herein. FIG. 8 depicts another exemplary spring and support setup for an exemplary subframe and deck segment according to embodiments described herein. As can be seen, a support structure 206 is present with a spring interface 207 adapted to secure a spring 200 that does not interfere with the vertical travel of the spring 200. At the top of the spring is a deck segment support 201/202, including a spring slot 201 and a brace 202. The spring slot permits the spring to be placed within a cavity defined by the spring slot. The cavity includes a lateral wall surrounding the spring, but not necessarily attached to the spring that provides for secure placement of the spring when under load and also permits the spring to rebound after pressure is applied and the spring is compressed, thereby forcing the deck segment upward with a predetermined force such that the spring does not travel outside of the lateral wall. As such, the lateral wall extends down the spring and act as a guard so that the deck segment does not lift up and off of the spring during or after rebound. The brace is adapted to interface with and support a corresponding deck segment, suspended on the springs and the support structure. The deck segment is comprised of a deck frame structure 205 and a deck 205. While the deck frame structure, including the spring interface, spring and deck segment support are generally comprised of metal or metal alloy, or alternatively plastic or plastic composite. Each of the deck frame structure, including the spring interface, spring and deck segment support may be comprised of a different material or metal. The deck is generally comprised of wood, an extruded wood containing component, but it may be any of a variety of materials. For example plastic, composite, glass, fiberglass, carbon fiber, metal, rubber, asphalt or concrete deck surfaces are contemplated herein. Between deck panels 204 is an extrusion seal 203 that provides for a continuous top structure to the deck, even when one deck segment is flexed or compressed relative to an adjacent or adjoining deck segment. In this manner gaps between deck segments are avoided when the modular court is in use. This or another seal similar to variable from extrusion seal 203 is used between all deck segments in the court to ensure continuity between deck segments of the court. Often, this seal will operated in concert with the action of the deck segment to act to compress one or more adjoining deck segments under high load or stress such as with the significant force of an augmented footfall (e.g., transitioning from a springbed to the deck segments) or a falling body (e.g., when an athlete falls to the floor).

[0058] The concerted action between deck segments noted above takes place in activity of the resilient elements or apparatuses to compress to absorb the high load or stress, which often involves multiple individual resilient elements or apparatuses operating simultaneously, albeit with each handling a different load as the high load or stress is distributed laterally away from the point of impact across the deck segment(s) and corresponding individual resilient elements or apparatuses and subframes.

[0059] According to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, springs 200 (which may also be replaced with resilient (e.g., EVA) foam, hydraulic shocks, pneumatic shocks, and/or magnetic coils, or a combination of two or more of these resilient elements or apparatus) between three inches (3”) to five inches (5”) in length or less are utilized. In the case of the spring, one exemplary spring according to the embodiments described herein is a 3” long spring having a shaft diameter of 1”, a hole diameter of 2”, a spring rate of 830 Ibs/in, with a 40% deflection and compressed length of 1.8”, providing for travel of 1.8”. It is contemplated that similar springs of different lengths may be utilized with spring rates of between 750 Ibs/in to 950 Ibs/in are utilized. In addition, the spring rate may be variable if the travel of the spring is limited to 2” or less, with variations provided based on the type of weight is intended to support. The exemplary springs are for use with two teams of adult males. Accommodations may be made for the specific spring constant and travel for teams composed of people weighing less.

[0060] Each of the references herein to a spring is for specific support of embodiments but it is contemplated that additional/replacement resilient elements or apparatus such as resilient (e.g., EVA) foam, hydraulic shocks, pneumatic shocks, and/or magnetic coils, or a combination of two or more of these, are used in other embodiments in replacement or in addition to springs. Moreover, according to the present disclosure, the springs 200 are positioned and spaced on the subframe at or about 36” apart from one-another. In often included embodiments, the springs 200 are positioned and spaced apart on the subframe between at or about 24” to about 48” from one-another. In certain embodiments, the springs 200 are positioned and spaced apart on the subframe between at or about 18” to about 48” from one-another. In preferred embodiments the placement and positioning of the springs on the subframe varies based on the type of deck segment or plurality of deck segments that is/are being supported relative to their positioning on the court. For example, in deck segment areas of the modular court immediately surrounding the open area 108 where the trampoline is located, the springs may be positioned on the subframe (e.g., 103) between at or about 18” to about 36” from one-another. In addition in deck segment areas of the modular court positioned further from the open area 108 where the trampoline is located, the springs may be positioned between at or about 24” to about 48” from one-another.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the resilient element or apparatus is electronically controlled to provide for vertical compliance/movement of the court when necessary under high loads and less vertical compliance/movement of the court under normal loads not associated with, for example, a player landing after bounding from a springbed or falling on the deck surface. Such control may be manual or automated. In specific such embodiments the resilient element or apparatus is an electronically controlled and actuated hydraulic shock, a pneumatic shock, a magnetic coil or a combination thereof. Smart courts are contemplated in this regard, which automatically adapt and provide a desired level of vertical compliance or movement based on the activities of the players.

[0062] The resilient elements or apparatuses utilized in different subframes corresponding to different deck segments vary in certain embodiments to align with gameplay characteristics. For example, the resilient elements or apparatuses utilized in areas of the modular court surrounding or immediately adjacent to the open area 108 where the trampoline is located, resilient elements or apparatuses having a higher spring constant relative to the resilient elements or apparatuses utilized further away from the open area 108 where the trampoline is located are utilized in certain embodiments.

[0063] In general, the deck segments do not compress anything lager than micro adjustments (e.g., at or less than 2mm) under normal loads involved with ball bouncing and athletic movements by players of two teams. In this sense, ball bounce is predictable along with the location of the deck surface for player movements. However, under high impact events such as landing on the deck after bouncing on a springbed or a player falling, the deck segments compress in more macro movements (e.g., over 2mm but less than the maximum travel of the resilient element or apparatus, e.g., between 2mm and 46mm, between 2mm and 50mm, between 2mm and 76mm, between 2mm and 101mm, or between 2mm and 127mm), with the seal containing court surface continuity and integrity. This combination of micro movements and macro movements refers to vertical movements or compliance of the deck surface relative to an unloaded level of the deck surface. In this sense there is no perception of vertical movement of the deck surface during normal play and ball bouncing during a basketball game or basketball game involving springbeds, all of which involved no or micro level movements. But, under high loads the macro movements of the deck surface occur at the point of the high load in in the immediately surrounding area. While the deck segments operate in concert, the further lateral distance away from the point of high load, the lower the vertical movement, even between deck segments. In certain general embodiments only micro vertical movements of the deck segments (or no vertical movement) are involved when players jump from the court surface so as to maximize the amount of height the player can achieve from a jump.

[0064] Each of the subframes is utilized to support one or more deck segments 302.

Specifically, each of subframe 100, subframe 101, subframe 102, subframe 103, subframe 104, subframe 105, subframe 106 and/or subframe 107 (and their corresponding resilient elements or apparatuses) support/supports one or more deck segments 302. FIGS. 1 and 4 provide exemplary deck segment 302 court layouts which may be contrasted or laid over FIGS. 2, 3 or 5, which provide exemplary subframe (100-107) layouts. It can be clearly seen or determined that each exemplary deck segment is supported on 1 , 2, 3, 4 or more subframes and corresponding resilient elements or apparatus.

[0065] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 102 as shown in Fig. 3 A. An exploded view (9A), side view (9B) and front view (9C) are provided. The arrangement of the spring interfaces 207, springs 200 and deck segment supports 201/202 are shown for this subframe 102. In an alternative embodiment, one or more (including all) springs 200 are replaced with another resilient element or apparatus selected from a resilient foam (e.g., EVA), a hydraulic shock, a pneumatic shock, and/or a magnetic shock absorbing coil.

[0066] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 100 as shown in Fig. 3A. An exploded view (10A), side view (10B) and front view (10C) are provided. The arrangement of the spring interfaces 207, springs 200 and deck segment supports 201/202 are shown for this subframe 100. In an alternative embodiment, one or more (including all) springs 200 are replaced with another resilient element or apparatus selected from a resilient foam (e.g., EVA), a hydraulic shock, a pneumatic shock, and/or a magnetic shock absorbing coil.

[0067] FIGS. 11 A, 1 IB and 11C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 104 as shown in Fig. 3A. An exploded view (11A), side view (1 IB) and front view (11C) are provided. The arrangement of the spring interfaces 207, springs 200 and deck segment supports 201/202 are shown for this subframe 104. In an alternative embodiment, one or more (including all) springs 200 are replaced with another resilient element or apparatus selected from a resilient foam (e.g., EVA), a hydraulic shock, a pneumatic shock, and/or a magnetic shock absorbing coil.

[0068] FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 107 as shown in Fig. 3A. An exploded view (12A), side view (12B) and front view (12C) are provided. The arrangement of the spring interfaces 207, springs 200 and deck segment supports 201/202 are shown for this subframe 107. In an alternative embodiment, one or more (including all) springs 200 are replaced with another resilient element or apparatus selected from a resilient foam (e.g., EVA), a hydraulic shock, a pneumatic shock, and/or a magnetic shock absorbing coil.

[0069] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 105 as shown in Fig. 3 A. An exploded view (13 A), side view (13B) and front view (13C) are provided. The arrangement of the spring interfaces 207, springs 200 and deck segment supports 201/202 are shown for this subframe 105. In an alternative embodiment, one or more (including all) springs 200 are replaced with another resilient element or apparatus selected from a resilient foam (e.g., EVA), a hydraulic shock, a pneumatic shock, and/or a magnetic shock absorbing coil.

[0070] FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 103 as shown in Fig. 3A. An exploded view (14A), side view (14B) and front view (14C) are provided. The arrangement of the spring interfaces 207, springs 200 and deck segment supports 201/202 are shown for this subframe 103. In an alternative embodiment, one or more (including all) springs 200 are replaced with another resilient element or apparatus selected from a resilient foam (e.g., EVA), a hydraulic shock, a pneumatic shock, and/or a magnetic shock absorbing coil.

[0071] FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 101 as shown in Fig. 3A. An exploded view (15A), side view (15B) and front view (15C) are provided. The arrangement of the spring interfaces 207, springs 200 and deck segment supports 201/202 are shown for this subframe 101. In an alternative embodiment, one or more (including all) springs 200 are replaced with another resilient element or apparatus selected from a resilient foam (e.g., EVA), a hydraulic shock, a pneumatic shock, and/or a magnetic shock absorbing coil.

[0072] FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C provide an exemplary subframe and spring arrangement for subframe 106 as shown in Fig. 3A. An exploded view (16A), side view (16B) and front view (16C) are provided. The arrangement of the spring interfaces 207, springs 200 and deck segment supports 201/202 are shown for this subframe 106. In an alternative embodiment, one or more (including all) springs 200 are replaced with another resilient element or apparatus selected from a resilient foam (e.g., EVA), a hydraulic shock, a pneumatic shock, and/or a magnetic shock absorbing coil. [0073] FIG. 17A depicts an exemplary deck frame structure 300 for supporting the deck according to embodiments described herein. The frame structure 300 is adapted to correspond to the size of the deck surface 301. In the depicted embodiment the frame structure 300 is composed of aluminum, but other structurally rigid materials are contemplated such as other metals, metal alloy, plastic and plastic composites. The deck surface is generally comprised of wood attached to the deck frame structure 300 using a series of fasteners, which may be screws, bolts or the like. Optionally, the deck surface is comprised of plastic, composite, glass, fiberglass, carbon fiber, metal, rubber, asphalt and/or concrete. Where appropriate, such as with wood-based deck surfaces, the deck surface also includes one or more top surface coatings that, e.g., cover holes from fasteners used to affix the court surface with the deck frame structure to create a flat, and often glassy, surface. Sealer and/or top coatings are utilized for this purpose. FIG. 17B depicts a completed deck segment 302, with the deck surface 301 attached to the deck support structure. In use the deck surface 301 is oriented as the top-most element of the court, with padding or other aspects associated with the one or more trampoline (also referred to as a springbed) or an island optionally situated higher relative to the deck surface 301. The surface coating is not visible in the Figure. FIG. 17C depicts an exploded view of an exemplary deck apparatus according to embodiments described herein.

[0074] Each of the deck frame structures is adapted to securely fasten together with one or more other deck frame structure. In practice, this provides for deck segments that are securely fastened together such that lateral force between the deck segments cannot force the segments to separate laterally. In one exemplary embodiment, coffin locks are utilized to connect each deck frame structure and thereby connect each deck segment in the modular court. Other manners of fastening together are contemplated but use of coffin locks has proved to be efficient and useful for a secure, reversible and fast connection between deck segments useful for efficient assembly and disassembly of the modular court.

[0075] As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 1 , the size of each deck segment can vary based on the specific location on the court. While a deck segment sized at ~8’ x ~4’ may comprise the majority of deck segments in certain embodiments, other smaller deck segments are often utilized in combination with the 8’x4’ deck segments to form the modular court. It has been found to be particularly advantageous to utilized smaller or different sized or shaped deck segments in areas bordering the open area 108 which houses the one or more springbeds. One reason for this is to reduce the effect that high impacts on those segments have in concert with other adjoining segments. Another reason it to increase the stiffness of the deck segments in those areas. Another reason is to increase durability of the deck segments in those areas. There are a variety of other reasons as well.

[0076] According to embodiments contemplated here, the modular court may be set up to accommodate one basketball hoop on one end and one basketball hoop on the other end. According to similar embodiments contemplated here, the modular court may be set up to accommodate one basketball hoop on one end and no basketball hoop on the other end, which is essentially a half-court modular court.

[0077] Specifically with regard to the action in concert between deck segments, when a high impact affects one deck segment that is smaller, the force is diffused across that deck segment and transmits to adjoining deck segments. While not intending to be bound by any specific theory of operation, permitting the smaller deck segment to bear that the majority of the burden of that impact keeps adjoining segments from compressing to a large degree, which in turn keeps the deck flat for predictable ball bounce and athletic movements by players.

[0078] FIG. 18 A provides another view of an exemplary deck segment according to embodiments described herein, including cross sectional lines A-A and B-B. FIGS. 18B and 18C illustrate the cross-sectional view of the deck segment taken along lines A-A and B-B, respectively. FIGS. 18B and 18C illustrate an exemplary manner of attaching the deck surface to the deck support structure.

[0079] Together, for example, as depicted in FIG. 1, a number of deck segments are supported and suspended off of the ground individually on subframes 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 and 107 to form the modular court system of the present disclosure. In this regard, there are one or more subframes arranged below and supporting each deck segment, each subframe having its own individual spring or set of springs for supporting the deck segments, for example, as depicted in FIGS. 2-3A, 3B, 5 and 6.

[0080] According to embodiments described herein, when a deck segment is assembled, the bottom of the support structure 206 of the subframe 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 and/or 107 is positioned 3-10, and preferably 4-6 inches, from the deck surface 301. This distance defines the court thickness.

[0081] According to a first embodiment, A modular floating court system is provided, comprising: a plurality of deck segments, each deck segment comprised of a deck having a deck surface, a support structure, one or more fastener or fastening mechanism adapted to fasten the deck with the support structure, and a deck segment connector; a plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses; a plurality of deck segment supports, wherein each of the plurality of deck segment supports is adapted to contact and support a deck segment and envelop at least a portion of a corresponding resilient element or apparatus, and wherein each deck segment support is adapted to operably interface with the corresponding resilient element or apparatus such that the resilient element or apparatus can move in at least one directional plane without inhibition by the corresponding deck segment support; and a plurality of subframe assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of subframe assemblies comprises two or more resilient element or apparatus interfaces, each resilient element or apparatus interface adapted to securely attach or position the resilient element or apparatus; wherein the plurality of deck segments are interlocked by the deck segment connector on each of the plurality of deck segments, and wherein the interlocked deck segments define a court having two opposing lateral edges, two opposing longitudinal edges, a center region between each of the two opposing lateral edges and two opposing longitudinal edges, and an open area with no deck segments present positioned at or near each of the two lateral edges and within the bounds of the two opposing lateral edges and the two opposing longitudinal edges; wherein when combined into the modular floating court system, the plurality of deck segments are suspended above the plurality of subframe assemblies with the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses and the plurality of deck segment supports positioned between the plurality of deck segments and the plurality of subframe assemblies; and wherein the plurality of deck segments, the plurality of subframe assemblies, the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses, and the plurality of deck segment supports area adapted to be assembled and repeatedly dissembled and reassembled.

[0082] According to a second embodiment, the modular floating court system further comprises 6 or more trampolines, with three or more trampolines being positioned in each open area.

[0083] According to a third embodiment, the modular floating court system comprises 8 trampolines, with four trampolines being positioned in each open area.

[0084] According to a fourth embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein none of the plurality of deck segments, the plurality of subframe assemblies, the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses, nor the plurality of deck segment supports provides lateral or vertical support for the 6 or more trampolines. [0085] According to a fifth embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein the deck segment support is not affixed to the resilient element or apparatus.

[0086] According to a sixth embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein each of the plurality of deck segments is rectangle in shape, and wherein the plurality of deck segments comprise deck segments having two or more different sizes.

[0087] According to a seventh embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein each of the plurality of deck segments is rectangle in shape, and wherein the plurality of deck segments comprise deck segments having two to four more different sizes.

[0088] According to an eighth embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein each of the plurality of deck segments is supported by two to twelve of the resilient elements or apparatuses.

[0089] According to a ninth embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein each of the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses in the floating court system is positioned between 24” to 48” inches laterally from any other of the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses.

[0090] According to a tenth embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein each of the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses comprises a spring.

[0091] According to a eleventh embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein each spring is seven inches or less is length.

[0092] According to a twelfth embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein the distance between the deck surface and the bottom of the subframe assembly when the modular floating court system is assembled is between six inches and twelve inches.

[0093] According to a thirteenth embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein the distance between the deck surface and the bottom of the subframe assembly when the modular floating court system is assembled is at or about six inches.

[0094] According to a fourteenth embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein the deck segment connector comprises a coffin lock.

[0095] According to a fifteenth embodiment, the modular floating court system comprising between 100 and 180 deck segments. [0096] According to a sixteenth embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses are adapted to provide for micro moments less than 2m and/or macro movements between 2mm and 127mm.

[0097] According to a seventeenth embodiment, the modular floating court system includes wherein the modular floating court system is adapted to be disassembled and transported and/or stored within a space less than 5800 total cubic feet or less than 2900 total cubic feet.

[0098] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, and from the claims.

[0099] The above examples are included for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Many variations to those described above are possible. Since modifications and variations to the examples described above will be apparent to those of skill in this art, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A modular floating court system, comprising: a plurality of deck segments, each deck segment comprised of a deck having a deck surface, a support structure, one or more fastener or fastening mechanism adapted to fasten the deck with the support structure, and a deck segment connector; a plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses; a plurality of deck segment supports, wherein each of the plurality of deck segment supports is adapted to contact and support a deck segment and envelop at least a portion of a corresponding resilient element or apparatus, and wherein each deck segment support is adapted to operably interface with the corresponding resilient element or apparatus such that the resilient element or apparatus can move in at least one directional plane without inhibition by the corresponding deck segment support; and a plurality of subframe assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of subframe assemblies comprises two or more resilient element or apparatus interfaces, each resilient element or apparatus interface adapted to securely attach or position the resilient element or apparatus; wherein the plurality of deck segments are interlocked by the deck segment connector on each of the plurality of deck segments, and wherein the interlocked deck segments define a court having two opposing lateral edges, two opposing longitudinal edges, a center region between each of the two opposing lateral edges and two opposing longitudinal edges, and an open area with no deck segments present positioned at or near each of the two lateral edges and within the bounds of the two opposing lateral edges and the two opposing longitudinal edges; wherein when combined into the modular floating court system, the plurality of deck segments are suspended above the plurality of subframe assemblies with the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses and the plurality of deck segment supports positioned between the plurality of deck segments and the plurality of subframe assemblies; and wherein the plurality of deck segments, the plurality of subframe assemblies, the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses, and the plurality of deck segment supports area adapted to be assembled and repeatedly dissembled and reassembled.

2. The modular floating court system of claim 1, further comprising 6 or more trampolines, with three or more trampolines being positioned in each open area.

3. The modular floating court system of claim 1, comprising 8 trampolines, with four trampolines being positioned in each open area.

4. The modular floating court system of claim 2 or 3, wherein none of the plurality of deck segments, the plurality of subframe assemblies, the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses, nor the plurality of deck segment supports provides lateral or vertical support for the 6 or more trampolines.

5. The modular floating court system of claim 1, wherein the deck segment support is not affixed to the resilient element or apparatus.

6. The modular floating court system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of deck segments is rectangle in shape, and wherein the plurality of deck segments comprise deck segments having two or more different sizes.

7. The modular floating court system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of deck segments is rectangle in shape, and wherein the plurality of deck segments comprise deck segments having two to four more different sizes.

8. The modular floating court system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of deck segments is supported by two to twelve of the resilient elements or apparatuses.

9. The modular floating court system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses in the floating court system is positioned between 24” to 48” inches laterally from any other of the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses.

10. The modular floating court system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses comprises a spring.

11. The modular floating court system of claim 10, wherein each spring is seven inches or less is length.

12. The modular floating court system of any preceding claim, wherein the distance between the deck surface and the bottom of the subframe assembly when the modular floating court system is assembled is between six inches and twelve inches.

13. The modular floating court system of any preceding claim, wherein the distance between the deck surface and the bottom of the subframe assembly when the modular floating court system is assembled is at or about six inches.

14. The modular floating court system of any preceding claim, wherein the deck segment connector comprises a coffin lock.

15. The modular floating court system of any preceding claim, comprising between 100 and 180 deck segments.

16. The modular floating court system of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of resilient elements or apparatuses are adapted to provide for micro moments less than 2m and/or macro movements between 2mm and 127mm.

17. The modular floating court system of any preceding claim, wherein the modular floating court system is adapted to be disassembled and transported and/or stored within a space less than 5800 total cubic feet.