Patents by Inventor Tim Ovaert

Tim Ovaert has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5542221
    Abstract: An impact-absorbing flooring system of modular design is described, with applications in areas of nursing homes where there is a high risk of injury due to falls or in sports facilities for high impact events such as gymnastics and tumbling or with other uses. For example, the invention could also take the form of a safety mat or coaming for use around slippery areas like bathtubs, showers or the edge of swimming pools. The system provides a significant reduction in peak impact load during falls, yet retains a substantially non-compliant configuration during normal motions. The flooring system comprises a series of sections or tiles which can be interconnected to cover the high-risk area. Each tile is composed of a plurality of elastomeric columns sandwiched between two urethane sheets. The top sheet and projecting columns are preferably molded as one piece and then the lower sheet is secured about the free ends of the columns to produce a secure attachment and an integrated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Donald A. Streit, Joe Casalena, Tim Ovaert