SHOCK ABSORBING CARPET SYSTEM

A carpet mat assembly (1) with shock absorbing properties includes a mat (2) made of closed cell foam sections. The mat sections (2) are sized to be readily portable, preferably 4ft by 6ft in size. The mat (2) thickness is selected to conform to ASTM F 1292-96. Preferably, the mat (2) thickness is 1 1/8" thick. The mat (2) section is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive (4) covering on one side (3) of the mat (2). The pressure sensitive adhesive (4) is covered with a removable liner. The liner is removed to expose the pressure sensitive adhesive (4). Carpet (5) is applied to the coated surface of the mat (2) and the pressure sensitive adhesive (4) bonds the carpet (5) to the mat (2). The outer perimeters (7) of each mat (2) may be lined with 3M Velcro.RTM. (8) for attaching multiple sections (2) of the carpet mat assembly (1) securely together. On the outer perimeter (7) of mat sections ( 2) not joined to other mat sections (2), an edge molding (9) preferably made from the same closed cell foam, may be attached to the mat ( 2) with a contact adhesive, or by other means. The completed assembly (1) provides a floor or ground surface for playgrounds, schools, childcare centers, martial arts, gymnasiums or other areas where shock absorbing surfaces are required.