Variable contour floor system
A somewhat flexible floor assembly is supported by a matrix of spaced-apart vertically-adjustable devices, such as electrically-operated jacks operated by servo motors. The devices are centrally individually controlled whereby height of the devices may be individually varied so that the floor surface may have its contour varied as desired. Somewhat flexible metal rods are supported by the jacks, and they in turn support joist assemblies which support a subfloor and flooring surface. The vertically-adjustable devices may be controlled by a computer, which may access data corresponding to a number of selectable pre-configured contours, such that selection of one of the pre-configured contours causes the height of the devices to vary so as to move the floor surface to a configuration corresponding to the selected pre-configured contour. The pre-configured contour may be, for example, a simulation of a real-life golf green.
1. A floor system, comprising a somewhat flexible floor assembly, supported by a matrix of spaced-apart vertically-adjustable devices, the devices being centrally individually controlled whereby height of the devices may be individually varied so that the floor surface may have its contour varied as desired; wherein said floor assembly comprises:
a surface assembly;
a plurality of generally parallel spaced-apart joist assemblies supporting said surface assembly, said joist assemblies comprising at least one joist section; and
a plurality of spaced-apart metal rods running generally at ninety degrees to said joist assemblies, through apertures near opposite ends of said joist sections;
said vertically-adjustable devices acting on said rods at various points to vary the height of said rods and thereby vary the contour of said floor surface.
2. A floor system as in claim 1 , wherein each said joist assembly comprises at least two joist sections, adjacent ones of said joist sections overlapping each other such that said apertures align with each other for said rods to pass through, said apertures being elongated such that said joist sections may displace in their longitudinal directions.
3. A floor system as in claim 2 , wherein said central individual control of said vertically-adjustable devices is controlled by a computer, and wherein the computer accesses data corresponding to a number of selectable pre-configured contours, such that selection of one of the pre-configured contours causes the height of the devices to vary so as to move the floor surface to a configuration corresponding to the selected pre-configured contour.
4. A floor system as in claim 3 , wherein said floor surface is overlaid by an artificial turf, thereby mimicking a golfing surface, and wherein said data accessed by said computer is elevation data of various real golf greens.
5. A floor system as in claim 2 , wherein said floor surface is overlaid by an artificial turf, thereby mimicking a golfing surface.
6. A floor system as in claim 1 , wherein the vertically-adjustable devices comprise remotely operable jacks.
7. A floor system as in claim 6 , wherein said vertically-adjustable devices include servo motors driving said jacks.
8. A floor system as in claim 7 , wherein said central individual control of said vertically-adjustable devices is controlled by a computer, and wherein the computer accesses data corresponding to a number of selectable pre-configured contours, such that selection of one of the pre-configured contours causes the height of the devices to vary so as to move the floor surface to a configuration corresponding to the selected pre-configured contour.
9. A floor system as in claim 7 , wherein said floor surface is overlaid by an artificial turf, thereby mimicking a golfing surface.
10. A floor system as in claim 6 , wherein said central individual control of said vertically-adjustable devices is controlled by a computer, and wherein the computer accesses data corresponding to a number of selectable pre-configured contours, such that selection of one of the pre-configured contours causes the height of the devices to vary so as to move the floor surface to a configuration corresponding to the selected pre-configured contour.
11. A floor system as in claim 10 , wherein said floor surface is overlaid by an artificial turf, thereby mimicking a golfing surface, and wherein said data accessed by said computer is elevation data of various real golf greens.
12. A floor system as in claim 6 , wherein said floor surface is overlaid by an artificial turf, thereby mimicking a golfing surface.
13. A floor system as in claim 1 , wherein the vertically-adjustable devices comprise at least one CNC slide mechanism arranged to produce vertical motion.
14. A floor system as in claim 1 , wherein said central individual control of said vertically-adjustable devices is controlled by a computer, and wherein the computer accesses data corresponding to a number of selectable pre-configured contours, such that selection of one of the pre-configured contours causes the height of the devices to vary so as to move the floor surface to a configuration corresponding to the selected pre-configured contour.
15. A floor system as in claim 14 , wherein said floor surface is overlaid by an artificial turf, thereby mimicking a golfing surface, and wherein said data accessed by said computer is elevation data of various real golf greens.
16. A floor system as in claim 1 , wherein said floor surface is overlaid by an artificial turf, thereby mimicking a golfing surface.