POLYESTER PADDING FOR GYMNASIUM
A method is disclosed for equipping a gymnasium with padded articles. The padded articles include non-woven, randomly oriented polyester fiber core blocks, floor mats and wall mats. In one example, the blocks are coated in a flexible material, such as flocking, rubber or a non-rubber elastomer, to prevent an exterior of the blocks from fraying. The mats also include a core of non-woven, randomly oriented polyester fibers that are wrapped in a durable, aesthetic covering. A scrim can be used to provide desired flammability characteristics, eliminating the need for toxic additives and flame retardants. The blocks can be washed and reused, and are fully recyclable.
1 . A method of equipping a gymnasium with padded articles comprising the steps of:
providing randomly oriented, non-woven polyester fiber cores; and
arranging the cores in a desired location within a gymnasium to provide desired cushioning.
2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the providing step includes providing multiple individual blocks having the core, and the arranging step includes arranging the blocks in a pit within the gymnasium.
3 . The method according to claim 2 , wherein the providing step includes adhering a flexible coating onto an exterior of the cores.
4 . The method according to claim 3 , wherein the coating is at least one of a flocking material, a rubberized material and a non-rubberized elastomeric material.
5 . The method according to claim 2 , comprising the step removing the blocks from the pit, washing the blocks, and returning the washed blocks to the pit.
6 . The method according to claim 2 , comprising the step of removing the blocks from the pit, shredding the blocks, and forming the blocks into other polyester cushioned articles.
7 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the providing step includes wrapping the core in an aesthetic covering to provide a mat, and the arranging step includes arranging the mat on one of a floor or a wall of the gymnasium.
8 . A padded article for a gymnasium comprising:
a randomly oriented, non-woven polyester fiber core that includes an exterior, and
a flexible coating adhered to the exterior for preventing the exterior from fraying.
9 . The padded article according to claim 8 , wherein the coating includes a flocking material adhered to the exterior with an adhesive material.
10 . The padded article according to claim 8 , wherein the coating includes a rubberized material.
11 . The padded article according to claim 8 , wherein the coating includes a non-rubberized elastomeric material.
12 . A padded article for a gymnasium comprising:
a randomly oriented, non-woven polyester fiber bromine-free core; and
an aesthetic covering provided about the core.
13 . The padded article according to claim 12 , comprising a scrim arranged between the covering and the core, the scrim including a desired flammability characteristic.
14 . The padded article according to claim 12 , comprising a substrate, the core supported on the substrate, and the aesthetic covering arranged over the core and secured to the substrate with fasteners.