# US 5,346,759 A · Decking structure > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,346,759 A - Document ID: US5346759A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 07/888,934 - Filed: 1992-05-26 - Granted: 1994-09-13 - Earliest claimed: 1992-05-26 - Assignees: The B. F. Goodrich Company - Inventors: Robert J. Will - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5346759A ## CPC - B63B 3/48: Decks (planking B63B5/06) - B63B 5/24: made predominantly of plastics {(surf boards B63B32/57)} - F16F 1/377: having holes or openings ({F16F1/37} , F16F1/387 take precedence) - F16F 9/306: {of the constrained layer type, i.e. comprising one or more constrained viscoelastic layers} - Y10S 428/921: Fire or flameproofing - Y10T 428/25: Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component and including a second component containing structurally defined particles - Y10T 428/252: Glass or ceramic [i.e., fired or glazed clay, cement, etc.] [porcelain, quartz, etc.] - Y10T 428/257: Iron oxide or aluminum oxide - Y10T 428/31917: Next to polyene polymer - Y10T 428/31931: Polyene monomer-containing - B63B: SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING (arrangements of vessel ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning B63J2/00; floating substructures as supports of dredgers or soil-shifting machines E02F9/06) - F16F: SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION - Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A decking structure 30 includes a bottom layer 16 of UHMWP, an elastomeric layer 18 disposed on the bottom layer, an intermediate UHMWP layer 22 disposed on the elastomeric layer, and a top UHMWP layer 24 abrasive particles and having a pattern 32 provided therein by increasing the traction thereof. A pattern of cavities is provided in the elastomeric layer 18 and the bottom layer 16 for improving the shock absorption capabilities of the decking structure 30. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A decking apparatus comprising: a top layer of a first composition comprised of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWP) and abrasive particles, said top layer having a top side and a bottom side, wherein a pattern is provided in said top side for improving the traction thereof. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A decking apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: an elastomeric layer of elastomeric material having a first side and a second side, said first side being disposed beneath said bottom side of said top layer. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) A decking apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a bottom layer of a second composition of UHMWP disposed beneath said second side of said elastomeric layer. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) A decking apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said bottom layer has a pattern of cavities provided therein for enhancing the shock absorption capabilities thereof. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) A decking apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said elastomeric layer has a pattern of cavities provided therein for enhancing the shock absorption capabilities thereof. ### Claim 6 (depends on 2) A decking apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said elastomeric layer is comprised of a plurality of elastomeric pieces arranged in a predetermined pattern to provide voided areas. ### Claim 7 (depends on 3) A decking apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said first and second compositions are comprised of UHMWP and a fire retardant. ### Claim 8 (depends on 3) A decking apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said first and second compositions are comprised of UHMWP and carbon black. ### Claim 9 (depends on 3) A decking apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said second composition is comprised of UHMWP and fiberglass particles. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A decking apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a layer of abrasive particles disposed on said top side of said top layer. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) A decking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said abrasive particles are comprised of aluminum oxide. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) A decking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said top layer is comprised of: a first layer of a third UHMWP composition comprised of UHMWP, fiberglass particles, carbon black, and a fire retardant; and, a second layer disposed on said first layer of a fourth UHMWP composition comprised of UHMWP, aluminum oxide particles, carbon black and a fire retardant. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) A decking apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said third UHMWP composition is comprised of by weight, on the order of 64% UHMWP, 18% fiberglass particles, and 18% fire retardant and, said fourth UHMWP composition is comprised of by weight, on the order of 46% UHMWP, 12% fire retardant particles, and 42% aluminum oxide particles. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) A decking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said top layer is comprised of by weight, on the order of 46% UHMWP, 12% fire retardant, and 42% aluminum oxide particles. ### Claim 15 A decking apparatus comprising: a bottom layer of a first composition comprised of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWP) having a first pattern of cavities provided therein for enhancing the shock absorption capabilities thereof; an elastomeric layer of elastomeric material disposed on said bottom layer and having a second pattern of cavities provided therein for enhancing the shock absorption capabilities thereof; and, a top layer of a second composition comprised of UHMWP and abrasive particles, said top layer having a third pattern provided therein for improving the traction thereof. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) A decking apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said abrasive particles are comprised of aluminum oxide. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) A decking apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said top layer is comprised of by weight, on the order of 46% UHMWP, 12% fire retardant, and 42% aluminum oxide particles.